2020 New York Jets Position Preview: Special teams

Jets Wire breaks down New York’s specialists with training camp and the 2020 season approaching.

With training camp here, Jets Wire has been taking a close look at the makeup of the Jets’ roster entering the 2020 season. Last up is special teams.

While Brant Boyer’s unit has been one of the most reliable in the league for the past two seasons, New York didn’t exactly get much out of its kicking specialists last season. After Chandler Catanzaro abruptly retiring and the nightmare experiment that was Kaare Vedvik, the Jets finally landed on Sam Ficken after multiple workouts. Ficken was serviceable, but New York will need more reliability out of the kicking position in 2020. As for Lachlan Edwards, the Aussie punter was replaced this offseason.

Let’s break down the specialists at One Jets Drive.

The Starters

After the departure of long-term punter Edwards in free agency, Jets’ sixth-round pick Braden Mann enters the picture as the team’s lone punter.

Mann won the Ray Guy Award as the nation’s top punter in 2018. Over his last two seasons at Texas A&M, he netted a gross average of 51.0 and 47.1 yards per punt, respectively. Mann should have no problem making his presence felt. In addition to his punting duties, he will be New York’s kickoff specialist, according to Boyer.

Returning at long snapper is Thomas Hennessy, who has been one of New York’s more reliable special teamers since arriving via trade from Indianapolis in 2017.

Depth

Going through three kickers before the second week of the season, the Jets didn’t exactly nail down the position in 2019. Ficken was signed off the street and was unable to consistently make his kicks. He was average at best, making 19 of 27 field goals and missing three extra points.

That’s exactly why Joe Douglas brought in former Dallas Cowboys kicker Brett Maher as his competition. Maher is notorious for his big leg, but he’s not very accurate. He hit just 66.7 percent of his field goals in 2019 after making 80.7 percent the season before. After being waived midseason by the Cowboys, Maher appears to be the Jets’ latest kicking reclamation project coming over from Dallas.

Back deep for the Jets in 2020 should be some combo of Ashtyn Davis, Vyncint Smith and Braxton Berrios. Although it was a small sample size, Smith took full advantage of returning kicks for Gang Green in 2019. Smith’s 29.9 yards per kick return would have ranked second in the NFL, but the third-year wide receiver only returned 10 kicks — too few to qualify for league leaders. As for Berrios, he was one of the more reliable punt returners across the league last season . His 11.4 yards per punt return was second in the NFL.

George Campbell and Trenton Cannon could push as competition, but both are looked at as roster bubble players entering training camp.

Outlook

With Boyer in charge of the unit, the Jets should see continued success from their special teams in 2020. While Mann and Hennessy are locked in as starters, the kicking competition between Ficken and Maher should be a battle to watch over the duration of training camp.

If Smith’s and Berrios’ numbers from 2019 are any indication, they should be the favorites for the returns jobs.

See more from Jets Wire’s Position Previews series:

QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DL | MLB | OLB | CB | S

2020 New York Jets Position Preview: Cornerback

Jets Wire breaks down New York’s cornerback room with training camp and the 2020 season approaching.

With the NFLPA player reps officially approving the NFL’s proposal and training camp just a short ways away, it’s time to take a closer look at the makeup of the Jets’ roster entering the 2020 season.

Cornerback was one of the Jets’ worst units in 2019. Gregg Williams and Dennard Wilson got the most they could out of the team’s ragtag group, but when teams were beating the Jets last season they were doing it through the air. With the addition of Pierre Desir and the re-signing of Brian Poole, New York’s cornerback room should improve in 2020. However, a lot remains uncertain.

As training camp and the beginning of the regular season inch closer, Jets Wire will provide a look at each of New York’s position groups and what could be in store for the unit in 2020. Let’s break down the cornerback room at One Jets Drive.

The Starters

The Jets brought in Desir to stabilize the team’s secondary and provide the consistency that neither Trumaine Johnson nor Darryl Roberts could supply during their time in New York.

Desir’s 2019 season was met with a drop in production, as he allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 64.9 percent of their passes with a 96.5 passer rating against him. At the same, Desir brings a veteran presence to the unit, starting 23 games in Indianapolis over the past two seasons. As he returns from a nagging hamstring injury that cost him four games during the 2019 campaign, Desir figures to be Gregg Williams’ go-to cornerback on the outside.

Returning in the slot is Poole, who was one of the best nickel cornerbacks in the NFL last season. In his first season in green and white, Poole recorded 62 tackles, four tackles for loss, six pass defenses and a pick-six. Poole allowed the fewest yards per cover snap out of the slot last season, according to Michael Nania. Overall, Poole allowed just 0.526 yards per cover snap, which ranked second-best among cornerbacks, behind only Richard Sherman.

Not only is Poole dependable in coverage, but he also isn’t afraid to stick his nose out at the line of scrimmage. Poole had the second-most tackles for loss (4) among qualified cornerbacks and the third most pressures (11), per Nania.

Depth

The Jets’ No. 2 cornerback spot is up for grabs. Entering his second year in the NFL, Bless Austin has the inside track at starting opposite of Desir, but the additions of Bryce Hall and Quincy Wilson will create competition.

Austin finished his rookie season with 25 tackles, four passes defended and a forced fumble in seven games. He ended the season in Williams’ doghouse after getting beaten for a touchdown in the Jets’ Week 16 win over the Steelers, but he should find himself back into the equation once training camp gets underway.

After suffering a gruesome ankle injury that prematurely ended his senior season at the University of Virginia, Hall is making steady progress as he continues his recovery. He has spent a lot of time soaking up knowledge from Williams, so he’ll be ready when his number is called.

As for Wilson, a change of scenery was much needed for the former second-round pick. The Jets took a flier on him after he fell out of favor in Indianapolis. Standing at 6-foot-2, Wilson has the size, length, ball skills and versatility to make an impact in Gang Green’s secondary.

Among the other players competing to be a depth piece in the secondary are Arthur Maulet, Nate Hairston, Lamar Jackson, Javelin Guidry and Shyheim Carter.

Outlook

The Jets’ cornerback room leaves a lot to be desired. New York is far removed from having a No. 1 shutdown cornerback but has the capable pieces to keep opposing teams in check, much like the unit did down the stretch last season.

With the position group’s depth decimated by injuries in 2019, the Jets were able to bounce back and finish 17th in the NFL against the pass, allowing 236.2 yards per game. That has a chance to improve in 2020, especially with the new additions.

See more from Jets Wire’s Position Previews series:

QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DL | MLB | OLB | S

2020 New York Jets Position Preview: Safety

Jets Wire breaks down New York’s safety room with training camp and the 2020 season approaching.

After trading away Jamal Adams in a blockbuster deal to Seattle on Saturday, the Jets are left with a trio of safeties who can all contribute immediately. Marcus Maye is coming off one of the best seasons of his career after an injury-plagued 2018 left him with just six games. The newly acquired Bradley McDougald was a leader in Seattle’s secondary, making his mark as a sure tackler and box safety for the Seahawks. As for Ashtyn Davis, the versatile chess piece figures to play himself into the equation.

The Starters

With Adams’ departure, Maye is the team’s longest-tenured safety and figures to maintain his position as Gregg Williams’ centerfielder playing deep.

Maye finished his 2019 campaign with 65 combined tackles, a career-high seven passes defended, one interception and one tackle for a loss. Pro Football Focus graded Maye 17th among the 85 safeties who qualified. He ranked 18th in coverage.

The Jets’ fourth-year safety made his money as the team’s last line of defense. Maye was responsible for some big-time plays in the Jets’ wins over the Cowboys and Steelers. In the Jets’ Week 16 victory over Pittsburgh, Maye made a game-saving play in coverage, breaking up a game-winning touchdown catch from James Washington with less than a minute remaining.

McDougald, meanwhile, figure to replace Adams. He is another player, who Williams can move all around the field, but he figures to be New York’s best complement to Maye.

Over the past two seasons, McDougald has quietly been one of the best man-coverage safeties in the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus, since 2018, McDougald’s 85.4 man coverage grade ranks fourth among safeties who have played at least 100 snaps of man coverage. Additionally, per PFF, McDougald’s 62.7 passer rating allowed in man coverage ranks fifth among safeties who have been targeted at least 20 times.

Depth

Davis, the Jets’ third-round pick out of Cal, should see plenty of action this season as the Jets groom him to become an eventual starter.

Davis is a versatile speedster with great instincts. While Davis’ home may be as a true centerfielder, he certainly has the speed, range and physical capabilities to play wherever Gang Green needs him to be in 2020 and beyond. He’s the perfect piece of clay for Williams to mold.

Matthias Farley is currently New York’s backup at the strong safety position, but he’s primarily viewed as a special teams player. Among the other players competing for jobs in the secondary are Bennett Jackson and Anthony Cioffi, who are both likely bubble players.

Outlook

In both Maye and McDougald, New York should have two sure-fire tacklers who can be blankets in coverage, assisting a weak cornerback group. Adams is a huge loss, but New York isn’t downgrading too much when considering what McDougald can bring to the table from a coverage standpoint.

Maye, McDougald and Davis have dealt with injuries between their pro and collegiate careers, so it’s good to have three safeties who should all eventually be capable starters.

See more from Jets Wire’s Position Previews series:

QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DL | MLB | OLB

2020 New York Jets Position Preview: Outside Linebacker

Jets Wire breaks down New York’s outside linebacker room with training camp and the 2020 season approaching.

The Jets did little to address the team’s long-standing issue at the pass-rushing position. While New York was able to bring back Jordan Jenkins on a team-friendly deal after the best season of his career and Tarell Basham has shown flashes of potential, the unit lacks depth. The Jets are going to have to get creative in terms of getting after the quarterback in 2020 considering the limitations the outside linebacker room currently has.

The Starters

Jenkins is back in the fold to lead the group. His free agent market never really took off and while it may have been a letdown for the fifth-year pass-rusher, the Jets welcomed him back with open arms.

Jenkins has been New York’s steadiest presence on the edge. He led the team with eight sacks in 2019, adding 32 tackles, three passes defended, two forced fumbles, nine tackles for loss and 13 quarterback hits. Entering another contract year, Jenkins could play himself into a contract extension if he is able to steadily improve his sack production again.

Depth

A handful of players will compete for the starting job opposite Jenkins.

Basham is a favorite for more playing time in 2020, if not the second starting job. In his first full season in New York, he was a versatile playmaker but contributed the most at outside linebacker, where he registered 18 tackles, two sacks, six passes defended, one interception and one fumble recovery.

A pair of rookies will get a chance to take snaps away from Basham, though.

The Jets have high expectations for Jabari Zuniga, one of the team’s third-round picks in April’s draft. While the University of Florida product could play on the defensive line or at outside linebacker, there’s certainly less depth in the OLB room. Bryce Huff is the other rookie in the mix. The Jets guaranteed him the most money out of any of their undrafted free agents, a sign that he’ll get a chance to stick around. While Huff may be a bit undersized for his position, he has a nose for getting after the quarterback. Last season at Memphis, Huff ranked fourth in the nation among pass-rushers with 64 total pressures.

Among the other players competing for jobs on the outside are Harvey Langi, Frankie Luvu, Ahmad Gooden and Wyatt Ray.

Outlook

While Jenkins and Basham aren’t the most formidable tandem, they should be able to get after quarterbacks with some regularity considering how strong the Jets defensive line currently is. Another year of working under Gregg Williams and the Jets should finally see some consistency at the position.

As for the depth, the talent is there, but right now players like Langi, Luvu and Gooden are best suited as situational pass-rushers. For young edge rushers like Zuniga and Huff, there’s a real opportunity for them to push both Jenkins and Basham for playing time in 2020.

See more from Jets Wire’s Position Previews series:

QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DL | MLB

2020 New York Jets Position Preview: Middle Linebacker

Jets Wire breaks down New York’s middle linebacker room with training camp and the 2020 season approaching.

With the beginning of training camp less than a week away, it’s time to take a closer look at the makeup of the Jets’ roster entering the 2020 season.

While the injury bug hit the Jets in multiple positions in 2019, the middle linebacker spot took the brunt of the hits. C.J. Mosley missed 14 games with a groin injury, while Avery Williamson missed the entire campaign with a torn ACL. New York relied on patchwork depth and while the unit held its own, it got exposed at times.

The Starter

A healthy Mosley means the world for the Jets defense. He showed just a glimpse of what he’s capable of during the first three quarters of the Jets’ Week 1 matchup against the Bills. Mosley was the best player on the field for nearly 45 minutes, coming away with a pick-six, fumble recovery and six tackles in his debut in green and white.

The Jets prematurely rushed Mosley back from a significant groin injury, which led to him requiring season-ending surgery. With Mosley given the all-clear to return to the field, the Jets defense is getting back an elite-player who can change the dynamic of games, just as he showed in his Jets debut.

Getting a player of Mosley’s caliber back into the starting lineup should pay dividends for New York’s defense. Even without Mosley, the injury-riddled unit was able to finish seventh in the league in total yards allowed.

Depth

The Jets’ depth at inside linebacker was tested last year and it could remain one of the team’s strong suits if Mosley and Williamson are granted clean bills of health. Despite his resume, Williamson will have to audition for a starting spot. While New York can save around $6.5 million in cap space, Williamson will be given an opportunity to make the team. After a fluke ACL injury cost him his 2019 season, Williamson is motivated by his year away from the game and looking to return to form. In 2018, he compiled a career-high 120 combined tackles, three sacks, one interception, six pass breakups and two forced fumbles.

Vying to beat out Williamson are Blake Cashman, Neville Hewitt and newest addition Patrick Onwuasor. Cashman, a former fifth-round pick out of Minnesota, had 40 total tackles and a half-sack in seven games before a torn labrum and fractured shoulder derailed his rookie campaign. Cashman has a nose for the football, but he’s still very raw and a reserve role is more likely.

As for Hewitt, he had the best season of his career in 2019, setting multiple personal bests. In 12 starts, Hewitt played 762 defensive snaps, adding 78 total tackles, two interceptions, five passes defended, three sacks and eight quarterback hits. Hewitt is a perfect depth piece for New York considering his play doesn’t level off when he enters the starting lineup.

Onwuasor is the only new face in the middle, but he does have familiarity playing next to Mosley from their days in Baltimore. Onwuasor is a versatile chess piece but was benched by the Ravens after they thought he could be Mosley’s heir on the strongside. With something to prove and a return to the weakside in the cards, Onwuasor has an opportunity to start in New York.

James Burgess and B.J. Bello round out the Jets’ middle linebacker depth chart. Burgess is a favorite of Gregg Williams dating back to their days in Cleveland. He did an admirable job filling in the second half of the 2019 season, recording 69 tackles and an interception in New York’s final eight games. A career journeyman at just 25, Bello could be a special teams contributor. He returned a blocked punt for a touchdown in the Jets’ Week 15 loss to the Ravens.

Outlook

Mosley has a chance to be a game-changer in the middle as he returns to the starting lineup. Who will be playing next to him in Williams’ 3-4 scheme will be determined in New York’s limited training camp, but the Jets have the necessary and formidable depth to cover their bases in the middle of the field.

Williamson will have an expensive audition, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll be able to return to form in the coming weeks. Onwuasor’s knowledge of the defensive scheme and experience playing with Mosley gives him the best chance of being part of the Jets’ starting lineup come Week 1.

2020 New York Jets Position Preview: Defensive line

Jets Wire breaks down New York’s defensive line room with training camp and the 2020 season approaching.

With the beginning of training camp less than a week away, it’s time to take a closer look at the makeup of the Jets’ roster entering the 2020 season.

The Jets defensive line was the strong suit of the team’s defense in 2019. With the coaching of Gregg Williams and Andre Carter, the unit helped significantly contribute to the NFL’s seventh overall-ranked defense last season. New York’s defensive front finished as the league’s second-best run defense, allowing just 86.9 yards per game and 3.34 yards per carry.

Leading the charge upfront was veteran Steve McLendon, who continues to be an anchor in the middle at 34-years-old. Even though Henry Anderson struggled to improve upon his 2018 season and Quinnen Williams was slow to get out of the gate, New York relied on its extensive depth to win its battles in the trenches.

The Starters

While Gang Green was unable to secure a game-changing edge rusher for its defensive front, the team is still returning a more than formidable unit.

Even though McLendon is entering the twilight of his career, the Jets starting defensive tackle hasn’t come close to losing a step. In fact, 2019 was one of the best seasons of his career. McLendon tallied a career-high 10 tackles for a loss, seven quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and 36 tackles in 2019. He is the unquestioned leader on the Jets’ front seven and has paid dividends for the team’s run defense. With no signs of slowing down, McLendon will likely continue to split snaps with Folorunso Fatukasi for the 2020 season.

While McLendon is the unit’s heart and soul, the key to the defensive line’s continued success in 2020 is Quinnen Williams. Although the former No. 3 overall pick got himself in a bit of hot water this offseason, he’s poised to break out in his sophomore year. Williams’ rookie campaign started with him missing three of the Jets’ first four games due to neck and ankle injuries. When he returned, he was fighting through injuries. Once Leonard Williams was traded to the Giants, however, Williams’ potential started to flash. In 13 games he recorded 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one fumble recovery.

Injuries also took their toll on Anderson, who was unable to recapture the production that earned him a new contract. Battling through a shoulder injury, which cost him three games, and adjusting to a new scheme under Williams led to a frustrating season for Anderson, who compiled just one sack, three tackles for a loss and nine quarterback hits in 13 games. It’s likely his role will be reduced this season.

Depth

The Jets’ depth at the defensive line position hasn’t gone unnoticed and neither has the staff’s ability to develop talent. Players who were originally afterthoughts like Fatukasi, Nathan Shepherd and Kyle Phillips played significant roles in Williams’ rotation in 2019.

Playing in 35 percent of the Jets’ defensive snaps in 2019, Fatukasi was the team’s biggest surprise. He registered 27 tackles, one sack, three quarterback hits and seven tackles for a loss. He looks primed for a bigger role in 2020. Shepherd had already been written off as a bust after an underwhelming rookie campaign and a six-game suspension, but he quickly turned the tables on that narrative. Sticking by his side, the Jets have found a rotational asset who could push Anderson for playing time. Phillips is another player on the defensive line who is primed to breakout. The undrafted free agent out of Tennessee is a versatile disrupter who should get more playing time with the Jets’ lack of additions at the pass-rushing position.

Jordan Willis, John Franklin-Myers, Bronson Kaufusi, Domenique Davis and Sterling Johnson round out the Jets’ defensive line depth chart. While they have limited time to make an impression in the upcoming weeks, it’s likely New York will stash away players it views as developmental projects on the practice squad.

Outlook

While there is a lot to be excited about, the expectations for the Jets defensive line should be tempered. New York will be banking on a lot to go right for its deepest unit. The Jets will need Williams and Anderson to step forward while continuing to put their faith in a rock-solid veteran like McLendon.

Looking at New York’s depth, Fataukasi, Shepherd and Phillips all have the potential to break out with an increased role. They will need to continue to develop these players with a limited training camp.

With all that said, the defensive line looks like it will yet again be the deepest unit on Gang Green’s roster.

See more from Jets Wire’s Position Previews series:

QB | RB | WR | TE | OL

2020 New York Jets Position Preview: Tight End

Jets Wire breaks down New York’s tight end room with training camp and the 2020 season approaching.

With the beginning of training camp less than two weeks away, it’s time to take a closer look at the makeup of the Jets’ roster entering the 2020 season.

While the Jets got stability from their tight ends in 2019, the position still left a lot to be desired. Chris Herndon provided one catch for seven yards between a four-game suspension and injuries, while Ryan Griffin served as a steady hand in his place. Both Daniel Brown and Trevon Wesco were serviceable blockers but were non-factors in the passing game.

The Starter

Everything points to Herndon assuming his role as New York’s starting tight end for the 2020 season. In 2019, Herndon served a four-game suspension for a substance abuse policy violation. When he returned, he dealt with a pulled hamstring and eventually was placed on season-ending injured reserve after fracturing a rib in his first game back.

Herndon became one of New York’s primary receiving target as a rookie in 2018, finishing the season as the Jets’ second-leading receiver. The PFWA All-Rookie compiled 502 yards on 39 receptions and four touchdowns in his debut season.

Herndon being back in the fold should open up the Jets passing attack There’s no question that Herndon has strong chemistry with Sam Darnold; he gradually became the quarterback’s security blanket as a rookie and was expected to have a similar role in the team’s offense last season. Between Herndon’s ability as a pass-catcher and run-blocker, he projects as one of the Jets’ most dynamic offensive threats. He just needs to stay healthy.

Depth

Beyond Herndon is Griffin, who figures to share a large portion of the snaps at tight end while being featured in a two tight end formation. New York employed a similar offense utilizing both Griffin and Brown last season, but it wasn’t as effective.

When Griffin stepped in for Herndon during the 2019 season, he proved that he could handle a lion’s share of the targets in Adam Gase’s offense. Griffin finished his first season in green and white with 34 receptions for 320 yards and five touchdowns. Even though he’s coming off season-ending ankle surgery, Griffin developed a necessary rapport with Darnold. The 65 percent of snaps he received in 2019 should dwindle, but he will be an important part of the Jets offense in 2020.

Wesco showed little in his first season as a pass-catcher, but he proved to be a more than capable blocker down the stretch. At times, Wesco also lined up at fullback and could see his role expanded beyond being the team’s TE3. As for Brown, he re-signed with the Jets before free agency began. He figures to be in the mix as a blocking tight end and special teamer. At the backend of the team’s depth chart is Ross Travis, who is the only new face in the tight end room. He’s bounced between Indianapolis and Kansas City but is more known for his college basketball background.

Outlook

On the offensive side of the ball, tight end is certainly the position that New York has the most depth at. Health permitting, Herndon and Griffin should be able to make a formidable 1-2 punch. Darnold’s chemistry with both tight ends should aid the third-year quarterback as he attempts to take the next step. Herndon and Darnold should pick up where they left off in 2018, while Griffin appears primed for a complementary role.

Beyond them, the necessary depth is certainly there. Wesco cementing himself as the team’s third tight end is in the cards, but he could be more useful as a fullback with New York putting an emphasis on its run game this offseason.

The Jets’ tight ends are more than capable of opening up the team’s passing attack and improving the run game. They just need to prove that they can stay healthy.

See more from Jets Wire’s Position Previews series:

QB | RB | WR

2020 New York Jets Position Preview: Wide Receiver

Jets Wire breaks down New York’s wide receiver room with training camp and the 2020 season approaching.

With the beginning of training camp less than two weeks away, it’s time to take a closer look at the makeup of the Jets’ roster entering the 2020 season.

The Jets lacked consistency at wide receiver in 2019. Jamison Crowder had sure hands in the slot but wasn’t consistently involved in the team’s passing attack from week to week. On the outside, Robby Anderson was the team’s No. 1 target with a propensity to make big plays, but he also disappeared at times. Opposite of Anderson, New York acquired Demaryius Thomas, but he wasn’t able to emulate his past success in Adam Gase’s offense and his age showed.

The Starters

New York didn’t do a lot to address the wide receiver room, but they did add some fresh faces to the room. Adding the likes of Breshad Perriman and Denzel Mims could finally help Sam Darnold elevate his play to the next level during the 2020 season, but New York will be banking on a lot of potential from its outside wide receivers.

Between insufficient offensive line play and limited talented from premium skilled position players in his first two seasons, there’s now an opportunity for Darnold to start hitting on all cylinders. Perriman, a former first-round pick, will replace Anderson, as he possesses a nearly identical skillset. In 2019, Perriman was the second-highest graded wide receiver against man coverage, according to Pro Football Focus. His ability against man coverage should allow New York’s offense to maintain its deep threat.

For Mims, New York’s second-round pick out of Baylor, a lack of offseason workouts certainly stings. However, the rookie has the necessary skill set to be a No. 1 receiver. Mims will likely start opposite of Perriman; his physicality, athleticism and contested-catch ability make him the perfect complement.

Last, but certainly not least, is Darnold’s most-tenured returning starter, Crowder. Manning the slot for Gang Green in 2019, Crowder ran 70 percent of his offensive snaps out of the middle of the field, catching 58 balls from the slot. In the process, Crowder asserted himself as the team’s most sure-handed receiver, often helping the team move the chains in important situations. His continued rapport with Darnold will likely lead to more targets in 2020.

Depth

While New York addressed its needs at the starting receiver position, the team’s depth is still lacking. Vyncint Smith figures to be involved in some capacity in Gang Green’s offense. At the same time, he’s still very raw.

Beyond Smith is Braxton Berrios, who is mainly a special teamer. With his position on the field already manned by Crowder, it’ll be hard for him to crack the lineup. As for Josh Doctson, the potential is there for the former first-round pick, but he’s never been able to put it together.

Josh Malone, Jehu Chesson, Jeff Smith, Lawrence Cager and George Campbell round out the Jets’ wide receiver depth chart. In a regular offseason, each would have an equal chance of being a backend receiver on the roster. Instead, most will have to settle for a spot on New York’s expanded practice squad.

Outlook

Gang Green should be cautiously optimistic about the wide receiver position in 2020. Mims and Perriman have the potential to be playmakers, but other than a three-day minicamp set up by Darnold, they haven’t exactly been able to develop chemistry with their starting quarterback on the field.

Crowder and Darnold should pick up where they left off in 2019, but beyond that, the expectations should be tempered for the unit. The Jets don’t exactly have the necessary depth beyond their trio of starters. Smith and Berrios are nice complementary pieces, but there are doubts that either would be able to step into a starting role if necessary. The one thing missing from the fold is a veteran and while New York has had talks with Thomas about returning, his best days are certainly behind him.

The Jets have the players to improve the team’s passing attack in Gase’s second season, but they may be asking for trouble if they have to dive deep into their depth at the position.

See more from Jets Wire’s Position Previews series:

QB | RB

2020 New York Jets Position Preview: Running Back

Jets Wire breaks down New York’s running back room with training camp and the 2020 season approaching.

With the beginning of training camp less than two weeks away, it’s time to take a closer look at the makeup of the Jets’ roster entering the 2020 season.

New York’s rushing attack was nearly non-existent last season despite adding Le’Veon Bell to the backfield. Bell seldom had holes to run through due to putrid offensive line play. As a result, he turned in one of the worst seasons of his decorated career. Bilal Powell and Ty Montgomery did not contribute much in complementary roles, either.

As training camp and the beginning of the regular season inch closer, Jets Wire will be providing a look at each of New York’s position groups and what could be in store for the unit in 2020. Let’s breakdown the running back room at One Jets Drive.

The starter

Le’Veon Bell is back for his second season as the Jets’ bell-cow back, which should take some of the load off Sam Darnold assuming Gang Green’s offensive line gives the three-time Pro Bowler holes to run through on a consistent basis.

Bell is due for a bounce-back 2020 campaign. He is simply too talented of a rusher to endure another underwhelming season. As long as New York’s offensive line does its job, Bell should be able to get back to producing at the level he did when he was considered one of the best running backs in football with the Steelers.

Depth

New York’s running back room is in a better place than it was at this time last year thanks to an offseason spent addressing the position.

Veteran Frank Gore is in as the No. 2 running back, giving the Jets a durable, hard-nosed rusher they can turn to in an effort to lighten Bell’s load. Fourth-round pick La’Mical Perine will also bolster New York’s depth in the backfield, as the fourth-round pick has a diverse skillset that will net him some occasional playing time as a rookie.

Josh Adams, Trenton Cannon and Kenneth Dixon round out the Jets’ running back depth chart. All three will have to fight to make New York’s 53-man roster, as Bell, Gore and Perine will take up the bulk of the playing time in the backfield. Cannon has the best chance to break camp with the team as a return man.

Outlook

There should be high hopes for the Jets’ rushing attack entering 2020. New York’s offensive line is not loaded with elite run blockers, but the unit has taken a major step forward from where it was last season. This bodes well for Bell’s chances of rebounding.

Even if Bell struggles a bit, his ability as a pass-catcher out of the backfield makes him an integral part of Adam Gase’s offense. Gore will also see the field with regularity and Perine will likely factor into the equation at some point during the year. That will allow Gase to keep Bell fresh and use the Jets’ depth at the position to his advantage.

Bell might not get back to being a 1,000-yard rusher in 2020, but odds are he will not be a non-factor as he was a year ago. If New York’s ground game is producing in 2020, its offense has the potential to operate at an entirely new level. If not, Darnold is going to have to figure out how to pick apart defenses with seven or eight defenders dropped back into coverage.

See more from Jets Wire’s Position Previews series:

2020 New York Jets Position Preview: Quarterback

Jets Wire breaks down New York’s quarterback room with training camp and the 2020 season approaching.

With the beginning of training camp less than two weeks away, it’s time to take a closer look at the makeup of the Jets’ roster entering the 2020 season.

Gang Green’s 2019 campaign essentially went off the rails when QB Sam Darnold contracted mononucleosis. Backups Trevor Siemian and Luke Falk were thrown into the fire, effectively exposing the Jets’ lack of depth under center.

As training camp and the beginning of the regular season inch closer, Jets Wire will be providing an in-depth look at each of New York’s position groups and what could be in store for the unit in 2020. Let’s kick things off with a breakdown of the gunslinger situation at One Jets Drive.

The Starter

Thanks to the upgrades the Jets made to their offensive line this offseason and a couple of new additions at wide receiver, 2020 could be the year Sam Darnold finally comes into his own as New York’s starting quarterback.

Insufficient pass protection and an underwhelming group of wide receivers plagued Darnold’s first two seasons as a starter in the NFL. Fortunately for Darnold and the Jets, general manager Joe Douglas did his best to rebuild the offensive line and give Darnold two new viable weapons in speedster Breshad Perriman and rookie Denzel Mims.

New York will go as Darnold goes in 2020. If the third-year signal-caller plays well, the Jets will be in the hunt for a wild card spot and maybe even the AFC East title. If not, it will be back to the drawing board at season’s end.

Depth

If Darnold succumbs to injury or illness in 2020, the Jets will not be left out in the cold as they were last season thanks to an improved quarterback room.

Veteran Joe Flacco is in as New York’s No. 2 quarterback. He won’t be ready for Week 1 due to offseason neck surgery, but the former Super Bowl MVP gives the Jets a reliable backup once he is 100 percent healthy and a potentially valuable mentor for Darnold.

Behind Flacco are David Fales, rookie James Morgan and Mike White. Fales is familiar with Adam Gase’s offense, but the Jets drafted Morgan for a reason. The 29-year-old Fales is all but a lock to break camp with the team while Morgan marinates on the sideline, but once Flacco returns to the field, Fales’ time in New York will likely end. White is nothing more than a training camp body and is not a serious threat to make Gang Green’s 53-man roster.

Outlook

Darnold is potentially in store for a breakout 2020 season. He will finally be able to stand in the pocket and go through his reads playing behind a decent enough offensive line and has an assortment of weapons to work with in a solid wide receiver trio, the two-headed monster of Ryan Griffin and Chris Herndon at tight end, and Le’Veon Bell out of the backfield.

With that being said, the Jets need those hopes to come to fruition if they want to contend this upcoming season. Darnold does not have to magically develop into a worldbeater, but he has to play well enough to convert close losses into wins. If that does not happen, 2020 stands to be another disappointing year — and one that could force the Jets to reconsider Darnold’s future in the Big Apple.