New York Jets: 5 offseason needs in 2019

2. Address the run defense

It’s not as if the Jets have not made defense a priority when it comes to the NFL draft. A year ago, the club used the third overall pick to select USC quarterback Sam Darnold. That was notable because it was the first time since ‘09 (QB Mark Sanchez) that the organization had used a first-round selection on an offensive player.

In recent years, general manager Mike Maccagnan has done a good job stocking the team with quality defenders early on. There was the selection of Leonard Williams in 2015, linebacker Darron Lee one year later and current Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams in ’17.

Of course, this club has had its share of disappointing first-rounders over that stretch. Combine that with the fact that in recent years standouts such as defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson were released and traded, respectively, and it’s hardly a surprise that a defense that allowed the second-fewest rushing yards in the league in 2015 (head coach Todd Bowles’ first season as head coach) slipped to 11th in the NFL one year later, down further in ’17 (24th) and a few more spots (26th) this past year.

Of course, with the departure of Bowles and the hiring of Adam Gase comes the arrival of new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams – late of the Cleveland Browns. He figures to bring a bit of ferocity to a team that along with needing to make strides vs. the run, looks to generate a more consistent pass rush as well. And then the big plays will come.

Next: No. 1