The New York Jets have been one of the most active teams this offseason, making many improvements on the offensive side of the ball.
Joe Douglas has been very meticulous as to who he chooses to add and has blended a winning culture with professionalism, as well as pleasing the fans. Let’s take a dive into five major additions and see how New York faired in each.
5. Breshad Perriman
Sam Darnold’s top target, speedy Robby Anderson, departed to the Carolina Panthers on a multi-year deal. The Jets were left with very thin depth at the receiver at the onset of the offseason and tried to address the need first.
As a result, they signed the former Buccaneer to a one-year deal. Perriman is quick and broke out the last five games of 2019. He has some injury concerns but brings some immense upside.
Joe Douglas made a low-risk high reward move here.
Grade: B-
4. Greg Van Roten
Van Roten went undrafted in 2012 and signed on with the Packers, where he spent the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
He played a total of 10 games in those two seasons and was then released. He then didn’t play on an NFL field until 2017 when he signed with the Panthers, where he started 27 out of 37 games across three years.
Van Roten even played 100 percent of offensive snaps during the 2018 season, showcasing his durability and importance to a team’s success––which the Jets are hoping he’ll do for them for at least the next three seasons.
Grade: B
3. George Fant
Fant, 27, went undrafted in 2016 when it was unclear just where he’d slot in on an offensive line. He impressed Seattle’s brass enough to sign as an undrafted free agent and was a hybrid for his first few seasons.
He has started 20 games and played 40 total career games. He will bring versatility for the Jets and is primed for a big breakout after signing a three-year deal.
Grade: B
2. Mekhi Becton
Becton was the Jets’ first-round selection and looks like a lock to be an instant difference-maker.
The big man is 6-foot-7, 364 pounds, but ran a 5.1 in the 40-yard-dash and bench pressed 23 reps.
From a scouting perspective, he’s beautiful to watch. This man’s technique is very consistent, he has tremendous strength in his lower body, plays with a consistent pace, he routinely is driving people off the ball, he allows the pass sets very consistently, and he played in the high-powered offense against some high-powered opponents.
He is very fast given his size and will transition nicely into the NFL. Sam Darnold should be very excited to have this man protecting him.
Grade: A
1. Denzel Mims
Mims, 22, played his whole college career for the Baylor Bears. He is a crafty player who can fight off the snap and push his way to the target position. He stands at 6-foot-3 and 206 pounds but sports blazing speed.
Mims ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, which is phenomenal. He has great hands that allow him to catch balls that may not be that precise. He also can fight off defensive backs, which is a great complement to his speed.
Mims truly appears to be Sam Darnold’s instant best friend. The Jets need to make sure that Darnold is comfortable and they have done so with revamping the offensive line, getting a star running back, and now getting him a wideout that plays to his strengths in a truly amazing way. This is the best addition by Joe Douglas because of the immense upside.
Grade: A+
Overall, the Jets also made many other additions this offseason. They added much to their defense and more other depth pieces.
There hasn’t been a “bad” move so far and, with the impending Logan Ryan signing, the Jets are in a great spot.
Overall Offseason Grade: A-
