Fansided

NFL free agency 2019: Grades for every team

By Kevin Parvizi

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants yells prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants yells prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Le'Veon Bell Jets
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 10: Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Le’Veon Bell (26) looks on during the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 10, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Photo by Mark Alberti/ Icon Sportswire) /

New York Jets

Key Additions: RB Le’Veon Bell, WR Jamison Crowder, ILB CJ Mosley, OG Kelechi Osemele, QB Trevor Siemian

Key Departures: CB Morris Claiborne, RB Isaiah Crowell, QB Josh McCown, TE Clive Walford, OG Spencer Long, CB Buster Skrine, WR Jermaine Kearse, OG James Carpenter

Grade: A

The gap in quality between the additions and departures is jarring, but no upgrade is more significant than the one at the running back position. Last season, Isaiah Crowell was one of the league’s most inconsistent backs, frequently averaging fewer than 3.0 yards per carry in individual games and rarely breaking the 50-yard barrier. When he did, Crowell would blow up for huge games, including a 200-yard effort, and these outbursts made his yards per carry average a palatable 4.8.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to build a supportive ground attack around a one-dimensional running back whose weekly performances are so variable. Le’Veon Bell, on the other hand, is a model of consistency when on the field. Bell is known for his patience, agility, speed, and strength, and there isn’t a single hole in his game as a rusher, receiver, or pass protector.

Immediately, Bell becomes the Jets best player on offense, and both he and under-appreciated slot receiver Jamison Crowder are perfect additions for second-year quarterback Sam Darnold. Though Darnold’s stats, which included a 77.6 QB Rating, were underwhelming, he made some big-time throws and showed a burgeoning rapport with playmakers Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson.

The Jets needed to add some chain-movers to support Enunwa and Anderson, and Bell and Crowder are perfect outlets for Darnold.

Defensively, C.J. Mosley is a game-changer as one of the NFL’s best three-down inside linebackers; he’s been established as a star and a true leader for several years now. Similar praise for consistency and leadership quality should be given to guard Kelechi Osemele, another standout who made a name for himself with the Baltimore Ravens organization.

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