In this series, I’ll be taking a deep dive into an NFL teams’ situation as we turn to 2021. We will look at coaching/GM changes, team needs, salary cap/free agents, and overall fantasy outlook for 2021. The next team on the list: the New York Jets.
COACHING/GM CHANGES
After going 9-23 in two seasons in New York, the Jets have fired Adam Gase. The so-called “offensive guru” ranked last in the NFL in points scored and yards gained. The Jets finished 2020 with a -214-point differential. Leading the team to the number two overall pick in the 2021 draft.
The New York Jets have hired former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Salah to be the team’s 20th head coach. Saleh spent the last four years of his coaching career as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. He worked for the Texans, Seahawks, Jaguars, and 49ers in a variety of roles. Saleh comes from the Dom Capers and Pete Carroll coaching trees. This was a fantastic hire for the Jets as they look to establish a winning culture in New York.
The Jets also hired Mike LaFleur as the offensive coordinator. Brother of Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers, Mike spent the last three seasons as the 49ers passing game coordinator. This move comes as no surprise to me since Robert Saleh is a defensive-minded head coach. He wants to bring the west-coast style offense to New York. An offense that relies on running the football and quick passing game. If given the right pieces, Mike LaFleur could bring fantasy value to the usual fantasy wasteland of New York.
TEAM NEEDS
Offensive Line
All five starters are returning this season. Each starter is under contract for the next two years minimum. Continuity on the offensive line is one of the hardest things to achieve. However, not drafting Penei Sewell at #2 in the 2021 draft would be a massive mistake. The Jets offensive line ranked 30th in the NFL in yards before contact (1.1). 23rd in the NFL in rushing yards gained and 31st in rushing touchdowns scored.
Sewell can step in day-1 at guard and be an elite player. I believe small issues in his footwork at contact and pass protection may delay his career at tackle. Slide him in at left guard next to Mekhi Becton and the Jets have a dominant left side of the offensive line.
Running Back
The Jets leading rusher in 2020 was Frank Gore with 653 and 2 touchdowns. La’Mical Perine was second with 232 yards and 2 touchdowns. Gore is a free agent in 2021 and should be looking to retire. Perine is not the type of back that would be able to handle 200+ touches in a season. The Jets have the 23rd pick in the first round. If Najee Harris is there, the Jets should pull the trigger.
Linebacker
Robert Saleh will be looking for his Fred Warner clone in this draft. I could see Micah Parsons from Penn State heading to the Jets, a cornerstone defensive player Saleh can build around. Taking an ILB at #2 would be a mistake, so a trade-back is necessary. Pick up additional picks to fill out this roster and take Parsons inside the top-10.
SALARY CAP AND IMPENDING FREE AGENTS
Patrick Peterson, CB
Bradley McDougald, Marcus Maye, and Brian Poole are all free agents in 2021. Signing a veteran like Patrick Peterson is the first step to shoring up the secondary. Peterson is an immediate upgrade at the corner position and can be a positive influence on the young players around him. Saleh says he is committed to building this team the right way. You need veteran players to help bridge the gap.
Jaquiski Tartt, FS
Jaquiski Tartt enters free agency after spending his first six seasons with the 49ers. The last 4 of which were with Saleh as the defensive coordinator. Signing Tartt to replace McDougald at free safety allows Saleh to reduce the learning curve on defense in 2021. The Jets secondary ranked 28th in the NFL in passing yards allowed. Tartt knows his scheme and can be a massive aid to the rest of the defense.
Solomon Thomas, DE
Another guy who played for Saleh in San Francisco, Solomon Thomas is a physical presence upfront. Something the Jets lacked in 2020. Again, reducing the learning curve for a unit that already ranked top 15 in rush yards allowed and top 10 in yards per attempt.
2021 FANTASY OUTLOOK
I fully expect Sam Darnold to be the starting quarterback in 2021. My main reasoning is the absolute can’t-miss offensive tackle Penei Sewell from Oregon sitting at #2. Saleh wants to implement the same style of offense used in San Francisco, which relies heavily on the running game and short passing game. Sam Darnold was held back by Adam Gase and should be able to rebound in the same system that allowed Nick Mullens to keep his teammates fantasy relevant.
In 2021 I will be targeting a Jets wideout in drafts. Jamison Crowder should benefit from the short passing game style the Jets will employ. Think Deebo Samuel, but…. better? Denzel Mims could have value if he takes a step forward. I do not think adding a wideout in the draft is a huge need for the Jets, Mims could have value by default.
Chris Herndon never got a chance to succeed in the Adam Gase era. If Saleh and Lafleur can tap into Herndon’s massive potential and use him in a similar fashion as George Kittle, he could be a superstar in 2021.
As for the running game, I will only invest if they bring in a first-round back in the draft or a top option in free agency. The guys on their roster currently do not excite me for 2021.
Thank you for reading! You can find the rest of my work at DFF and follow me on Twitter @FF_Derrick. Reach out to me anytime with anything fantasy football related! Seize the moment! Say less, do MORE!
