New York Jets: Five Players Who Can Make the Most of Final Games

Dec 19, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Jets players huddle during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets season is over. There will be no playoffs in 2016 as the team will need to evaluate and rebuild for the 2017 season.

With five games left to play, the season isn’t over yet for the New York Jets. This means there are a few players who can finish the season strong and put themselves in a position to become key contributors for next season.

Here are five players who can improve their stocks over the final games of the season.

Devin Smith: WR

Devin Smith’s career with the Jets has been a huge disappointment. A second round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Smith was primed to be an explosive return man and a receiver who would stretch the field.

However, Smith only recorded 19 catches for just over a hundred yards in ten games before an ACL injury took away the rest of the 2015, and most of Smith’s 2016 season. Smith hasn’t dressed yet, but it’s crucial for him to get on the field before the end of the season.

New York needs to see if he still fits into their long-term plans with Marhsall and Decker locked up for a few years and the emergence of Quincy Enunwa and Robbie Anderson.

Smith needs to prove that he can stay healthy, provide a spark on special teams, and be the burner that the Jets envisioned when they drafted. If not, Smith will be buried on the depth chart and despite being a second round pick could be cut next training camp given the depth at the receiver position.  The end of the season could be Smith’s audition to be on the roster in 2017.