The Jets’ 4 most overlooked offseason moves

A look at a few Jets moves that went under the radar this offseason.

The Jets were able to upgrade on both sides of the ball this offseason despite mostly handing out one-year and low-risk deals.

Joe Douglas added a bunch of players with something to prove, though some moves have gone under the radar more than others. After all, not everyone has the resumes that Joe Flacco or Frank Gore do. Nor have some players received the spotlight that top draft picks Mekhi Becton and Denzel Mims have received.

With that said, let’s take a look at four of the Jets’ most overlooked offseason moves.

WR Josh Doctson

A former first-round pick out of TCU, Doctson flamed out in Washington and played just seven snaps in Minnesota before he was released. The potential with Doctson has always been there. However, he’s never been able to put it together, mostly due to suffering multiple injuries since he entered the league in 2016.

In February, Joe Douglas gave the 27-year-old wideout a one-year deal. Doctson is the type of low-risk, high-reward player that has an opportunity to make an impact, especially when considering the lack of talent and depth at wide receiver.

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Which 4 Jets could be surprise starters in 2020?

Jets Wire takes a look at four players who could open enough eyes in training camp to earn starting spots in 2020.

The Jets spent all offseason upgrading their roster on both sides of the ball, but there are still plenty of question marks surrounding the team entering 2020 — especially when it comes to the starting lineup.

Plenty of starting spots will be up for grabs when New York arrives at training camp on Tuesday. It goes without saying that there will be plenty of competition for these spots. Sometimes, the players who are least expected to earn starting roles are the ones that come out on top in position battles.

So, which four players could be surprise starters for the Jets in 2020? Let’s take a look.

Patrick Onwuasor

There is a reason Joe Douglas plucked Patrick Onwuasor off the open market during the second wave of free agency.

Avery Williamson could become a salary-cap casualty, which would open up a starting inside linebacker position opposite C.J. Mosley. If Williamson is ultimately shown the door, Onwuasor is the perfect fit to replace him.

Onwuasor is no stranger to playing next to Mosley as they were teammates with the Ravens. He also thrived in Baltimore’s 3-4 defense, which means there is no reason why he cannot do the same for the Jets in Gregg Williams’ scheme.

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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.

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 breakdown the middle linebacker room at One Jets Drive.

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.

Which 4 Jets could be surprise starters in 2020?

Jets Wire takes a look at four players who could open enough eyes in training camp to earn starting spots in 2020.

Plenty of starting spots will be up for grabs when New York arrives at training camp in late July. It goes without saying that there will be plenty of competition for these spots. Sometimes, the players who are least expected to earn starting roles are the ones that come out on top in position battles.

So, which four players could be surprise starters for the Jets in 2020? Let’s take a look.

Patrick Onwuasor

There is a reason Joe Douglas plucked Patrick Onwuasor off the open market during the second wave of free agency.

Avery Williamson could become a salary-cap casualty once training camp rolls around, which would open up a starting inside linebacker position opposite C.J. Mosley. If Williamson is ultimately shown the door, Onwuasor is the perfect fit to replace him.

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New Jets LB Patrick Onwuasor shares childhood pic of him in a Gang Green uniform

Patrick Onwuasor posted a picture of him in a Jets uniform during his youth football days.

The 2020 season won’t be Patrick Onwuasor’s first in a Jets uniform.

The linebacker recently shared a childhood photo of himself on Instagram in an Inglewood Jets uniform. In the picture from his youth football days, Onwuasor said that he has always been a Jet.

Patrick Onwuasor was meant to be a Jet ✈️

(via peanut_thenut / IG) pic.twitter.com/W3BYMaOH90

— New York Jets (@nyjets) June 30, 2020

The Jets signed Onwuasor to a one-year deal worth $2 million this offseason. He has spent the last four seasons of his career in Baltimore, primarily as a starting linebacker alongside former Raven and current Jet C.J. Mosley.

Onwuasor put himself on the map during the 2017 season when he recorded 86 total tackles, two pass defenses and one sack. In 2018, Onwuasor finished with a career-high 5.5 sacks in addition to 59 total tackles, three pass defenses and one interception. He struggled mightily in 2019, however, and lost his starting job after Week 5.

The 27-year-old now has a chance to compete for the starting inside linebacker position next to Mosley. He’ll be joined by Neville Hewitt, Avery Williamson and Blake Cahsman.

If Onwuasor doesn’t win the starting job, he’ll serve as a solid depth piece. The Jets had an abundance of injuries at linebacker last season, so Onwuasor can fit right in with the starting experience he accumulated in Baltimore.

2020 expectations for the Jets’ newest free-agent signings

Joe Douglas spent frugality in his first free-agency as GM, but he has expectations for all of the new acquisitions.

The Jets spent cautiously in the first free agency under general manager Joe Douglas.

Only three players earned multiyear deals and the most guaranteed money Douglas handed out was $18 million. This was all by design, though, as it will allow the Jets a great glimpse at their roster without many financial implications should signings not pan out. You know, the oppossite of what previous regimes did.

A lot is riding on Douglas’ first free-agent class, but one thing is certain: everyone signed by the Jets will play a role. Some should contribute early and often in 2020, while others are simply there to ensure the position stays intact if injury strikes. Others are there both as contributors and mentors.

With that in mind, here is what to expect from the Jets’ free agent signings in 2020.

QB Joe Flacco

The Jets brought in the veteran Flacco to be the primary backup for Sam Darnold. He likely won’t be ready for the start of the season while recovering from a neck injury, but his mentorship and experience will be invaluable for Darnold.

There isn’t a lot of expectation for Flacco on the field, but he’ll give the Jets the best opportunity to win if Darnold misses time.

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Ravens set jersey numbers for J.K. Dobbins and other 2020 NFL Draft picks

The Baltimore Ravens announced the jersey numbers for their 10-man 2020 NFL Draft class, giving J.K. Dobbins a familiar number

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The Baltimore Ravens have been steadily working on signing the 10 players they selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, locking up most of their draft class already. But the thing every Ravens fan has really been waiting for is what jersey number each player would get.

With Baltimore’s latest roster update on its website, the rookies finally have their newest jersey numbers.

Baltimore Ravens rookie jersey numbers:

Patrick Queen – 48
J.K. Dobbins – 27
Justin Madubuike – 92
Devin Duvernay – 13
Malik Harrison – 40
Tyre Phillips – 74
Ben Bredeson – 67
Broderick Washington – 96
James Proche – 11
Geno Stone – 26

Queen’s number was previously revealed, replacing linebacker Patrick Onwuasor at No. 48.

Ravens’ second-round pick, running back J.K. Dobbins has earned comparisons to Ray Rice for their playing style and physical attributes. Now Dobbins can complete the comparison, wearing Rice’s No. 27 on the field.

Defensive tackle Justin Madubuike already has a lot of pressure on his shoulders as part of Baltimore’s defensive line remake this offseason. But he’ll have even more now, wearing former Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata’s No. 92.

The No. 13 has only been worn by four players prior to Duvernay, with none of them amounting to much in Baltimore. Duvernay will hopefully change that as the Ravens’ third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Tyre Phillips will get the No. 74 jersey from James Hurst, who was cut earlier this offseason. Broderick Washington will take over the No. 96, which was last worn by Brent Urban. James Proche will hope he has a better career than the last player to rock the No. 11 jersey, wide receiver Breshad Perriman. Cornerback Maurice Canady previously wore the No. 26 jersey, which will now go on safety Geno Stone’s pads.

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Patrick Queen to wear No. 48 for the Ravens

Patrick Queen was the first player the Ravens selected in the 2020 NFL Draft and will now wear the No. 48 jersey, switching from No. 8

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The Baltimore Ravens got their newest linebacker, taking LSU’s Patrick Queen with the 28th pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. However, Queen was gonna have to figure out a new jersey number.

Queen was initially asked by a fan in the Ravens’ virtual draft experience what number he was going to wear in Baltimore. Though Queen wore No. 8 at LSU, he was reminded that the Ravens already have the No. 8 jersey handed out to 2019 NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson. A day later and Queen has been handed the No. 48 jersey.

Here’s a first look at Queen in his new Ravens’ uniform:

#️⃣4️⃣8️⃣‼️ pic.twitter.com/qRfCBbmsQ3

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 24, 2020

Even if Jackson was willing to give up the number, Queen wasn’t going to be able to wear it. In the NFL, linebackers are only eligible to wear numbers between 40-59, limiting Queen’s options quite a bit.

The last player to wear the No. 48 in Baltimore was linebacker Patrick Onwuasor, who left this offseason and signed with the New York Jets as a free agent. But Queen will join former Ravens Jameel McClain, Tavares Gooden in wearing the No. 48 in Baltimore. Queen will be the 13th player to wear the No. 48 in Ravens history.

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Former Ravens scout Daniel Jeremiah’s mock draft gives Ravens a top-15 player

The Baltimore Ravens find their replacement for C.J. Mosley a year after his departure, getting LSU LB Patrick Queen in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Daniel Jeremiah is one of the NFL Network’s draft analysts but his qualifications come a little stronger than that. As a former scout for the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles, Jeremiah has been in the thick of the actual draft world like few other analysts. When Jeremiah makes a mock draft, his thoughts about who the Ravens will pick should garner a certain amount of respect.

With his fourth and final mock ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft, Jeremiah has Baltimore picking LSU linebacker Patrick Queen, who he calls a “steal” as a top-15 rated player.

It’s hard to argue with that logic. The Ravens have a desperate need for a starting inside linebacker right now. Though Baltimore has L.J. Fort and recently signed Jake Ryan, neither is an obvious starter and there’s no one remotely proven behind either of them. Queen has been widely considered the second-best linebacker in this draft, capable of coming up in run support or dropping back into coverage. He’d fit in nicely with what the Ravens do and be a Week 1 starter on Baltimore’s defense.

The Ravens have been trying to find a suitable replacement for C.J. Mosley after his departure in free agency last offseason. Mosley ended up being too costly for Baltimore, signing a massive contract with the New York Jets. While the Ravens looked to their own roster for a starter, linebacker Patrick Onwuasor struggled in the role and was eventually replaced by midseason free-agent signing Josh Bynes.

Inside linebacker is really the last major piece of the puzzle for the Ravens on defense. They have Pro Bowl starters at cornerback, safety, outside linebacker and on the defensive line. By adding in a clear cut No. 1 inside linebacker, Baltimore would be fielding one of the most fearsome defenses in the league this upcoming season. When combined with 2019 NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ highest-scoring offense, that could be enough to make a real run at Super Bowl LV.

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Is the Ravens’ roster already better than last season?

We’re not even finished with the 2020 NFL offseason but the Ravens already look better than last year’s 14-2 squad after free agency

With all the losses and additions this offseason, are the Baltimore Ravens a better team than last season? That’s the mark of a successful offseason, especially for a team in the middle of their Super Bowl window like Baltimore. Simply improving upon last year’s roster and patching up their biggest weaknesses should get them closer to their goal of another Super Bowl.

The good news for Ravens fans is that they are, at least one paper.

After getting into the playoffs as the AFC’s No. 1 seed, Baltimore was unceremoniously dismissed in embarrassing fashion thanks to the Tennessee Titans. The Ravens’ vaunted defense allowed Titans running back Derrick Henry to gouge them all game long, to the tune of 195 rushing yards and a 6.5 yard-per-carry average by himself. But it wasn’t the first time Baltimore struggled to defend the run last season. On the year as a whole, they gave up 4.4 yards-per-game on the ground, which was the 12th worst average in the NFL.

With a clear goal in mind this offseason, general manager Eric DeCosta was aggressive in fixing the Ravens’ run defense. Before free agency even began, the Baltimore pulled off a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars for defensive end Calais Campbell. Then came the Ravens re-signing Justin Ellis and Jihad Ward to provide more experienced depth. As if that wasn’t enough, Baltimore found their upgrade for Michael Pierce in Derek Wolfe, adding much-needed size and production to their defensive front.

The Ravens have completely revamped their defensive line this offseason, replacing two of their three starters and bringing back valuable experienced depth to perhaps their weakest defensive unit from last season. But not only do they look like a better run defense on paper, but their pass rush has gotten better as well. Wolfe and Campbell bring with them the type of interior pass rush production Baltimore has failed to have over the last five years, hopefully helping outside linebacker Matthew Judon get free more often.

Beyond the defensive line, the Ravens have suffered very few free-agent losses this offseason. For a team that went 14-2 last season, returning 18 of their 22 starters and upgrading at two more starting roles is a pretty massive win.

The only free agents Baltimore has lost have been linebackers Josh Bynes and Patrick Onwuasor along with Pierce and wide receiver Seth Roberts. While Baltimore was in talks with Onwuasor to return, the Ravens seemed fine with the rest of their free-agent losses. Trading tight end Hayden Hurst to the Atlanta Falcons and defensive end Chris Wormley to the Pittsburgh Steelers as well as declining cornerback Brandon Carr’s 2020 option eliminated a bit of depth but it was all at positions where Baltimore was stacked already.

By shoring up their biggest weakness, the team has improved upon their fourth-ranked defense to pair with their league-leading scoring offense that features the best rushing attack in NFL history and the 2019 NFL MVP in Lamar Jackson.

It’s unrealistic to expect the Ravens to go 14-2 or better next season but, at least on paper right now, Baltimore is a better team than they were in 2019. They’ll continue to build up their roster in the 2020 NFL Draft and in the second wave of free agency but the hope is they’ve already done enough to get over the playoff hump and back to another Super Bowl.

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