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New York Jets: What is Biggest Need for 2017 NFL Draft?

By Nick Ziegler

December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New York Jets strong safety Calvin Pryor (25) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New York Jets strong safety Calvin Pryor (25) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Jets have plenty of needs after a poor 2016 season. However, what is their biggest need heading into the NFL Draft?

After the awful 2016 season, the New York Jets have plenty of needs on both sides of the ball. In order to create some additional cap space this offseason, the Jets created even more holes on their team by cutting some veterans.

After a rather quiet free agency, the Jets have plenty of needs to address in the NFL Draft. As of now, the Jets have the sixth pick in the first round. This has been somewhat of a difficult draft to judge so far this offseason, as the quarterbacks aren’t clear-cut top picks.

The quarterback position is certainly one of the needs for the Jets, as they are lacking a franchise player at the most important position on the field. However, they do have two young players at the position. Even though Bryce Petty has barely played, and Christian Hackenberg hasn’t played at all, there is still some hope that one of them could be the answer for the Jets.

While poor production from the quarterback position was an issue for the Jets last season, so was trying to stop the pass. The Jets had one of the worst secondaries in the NFL last season, and that was a major problem.

According to Rich Cimini, the Jets’ biggest need going into the NFL Draft is the safety position. Here’s what Cimini had to say about the Jets’ biggest need.

"Marcus Gilchrist (knee surgery) probably won’t be ready for training camp and Calvin Pryor is coming off a disappointing season. Backup Rontez Miles saw significant action in 2016, but he’s not viewed as starting material. Look for the Jets to address the need in the draft, possibly with the No. 6 overall pick. Top prospects Jamal Adams and Malik Hooker could be in play for the Jets at that spot. — Rich Cimini"

With a lot of uncertainty surrounding the top quarterbacks in this draft class, the Jets would be wise to upgrade their secondary with the sixth overall pick. If one of the quarterbacks in this class was a can’t miss prospect, the Jets should jump all over them. However, that is not the case.

Next: Who are the 10 greatest first round picks in Jets history?

Improving the secondary is very realistic for the Jets in the NFL Draft this offseason with their first round pick. Now, we will have to wait to see what the plan for New York is.

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