New York Jets: Biggest Needs for 2016

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Sep 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets linebacker David Harris (52) and defensive end Leger Douzable (78) force a fumble by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) in the second quarter of an NFL football game. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker

The Jets’ linebacker group fell short of expectations this year as their aging unit only registered 14.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles and zero interceptions.

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It’s clear the Jets have a major need at linebacker. Lorenzo Mauldin, a rookie in 2015, showed potential, but this unit didn’t have much to offer.

David Harris was able to put together another solid year, as he played every down. He also got a few more blitzing opportunities in Todd Bowles’ aggressive defensive scheme, but his pass-rushing numbers didn’t jump as he would have hoped. Demario Davis rotated with Erin Henderson over the final six games of the regular season and made a ton of mistakes in pass coverage and missed a team-high 16 tackles.

It was a disappointing year for Davis, who we all expected to make big plays with his athleticism, size and speed. Henderson was better against the run than Davis, but he, like everyone else in the group, got exposed while out in coverage.

Again, the Jets don’t have much money to put into this, so a draft pick might be the way to go. I mentioned how it would be smart to pursue Ezekiel Elliott with the 20th pick, but many mock drafts predict that Maccagnan will address the need at linebacker with this pick.

Georgia outside linebacker Leonard Floyd is one of the names listed as a possible target. In terms of pending free agents? Von Miller, Tamba Hali, Nick Perry, and Courtney Upshaw are the highest-value options but the Jets simply won’t have enough cap space to spend on a linebacker like Miller.

Next: Tight End

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