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5 players who Jets need to be great in 2020

By Mike Phillips

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets looks to pass during the first quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets looks to pass during the first quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
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LOUISVILLE, KY – NOVEMBER 17: Mekhi Becton #73 of the Louisville Cardinals blocks against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the game at Cardinal Stadium on November 17, 2018, in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY – NOVEMBER 17: Mekhi Becton #73 of the Louisville Cardinals blocks against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the game at Cardinal Stadium on November 17, 2018, in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

The New York Jets are hoping to improve on a 7-9 record in 2020 and these five players need to be great in order for that to happen.

It has been a long time since the New York Jets have been a playoff team. The Jets haven’t been postseason bound since 2010, when they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game, and have posted just one winning season in the process.

2019 was a step in the right direction for the Jets, who went 6-2 down the stretch to finish 7-9 overall. New York will face a tougher schedule in 2020, so they need these five players to step up and be great to improve, including their first-round draft pick Mekhi Becton.

5. LT Mekhi Becton

Any fan of the Jets will tell you that the team’s offensive line was an abject disaster last season. Sam Darnold was either on the ground or running for his life most of the time, which was problematic since he was most effective with a stable pocket.

GM Joe Douglas has spent a lot of capital trying to improve the offensive line this winter, headlined by New York’s pick of Mekhi Becton in the first round. Becton, an athletic marvel with massive potential, will be asked to protect Darnold’s blindside right away.

The entire line revolves around Becton’s ability to step in and start from day one at left tackle, so if he isn’t up to the task the Jets will be in trouble. George Fant could play on the left side if necessary but is better suited at right tackle, so getting a quick start out of Becton is crucial for the Jets in 2020.

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