The New York Jets’ 5 most desperate, specific needs entering the NFL draft

Joe Douglas has a serious task ahead of him, and to accomplish that feat, he will need to address the New York Jets' most desperate needs. Eleven men are needed to complete a football unit. Period. An offense or defense (at any level in football) is only as good as its weakest link, and until all 11 individuals are focusing on their specific task while coming together as one, highly-functioning unit, potential is limited; players' ceilings are squashed. "Best available player" is a silly notion for the New York Jets, a team whose units are both severely handicapped. (That's right; Jamal Adams has not even hit his possible ceiling.) For Joe Douglas to get this program headed in the right direction, he'll have to play the smart big-board game with specific positional targets in mind for the squad's most desperate and specific needs entering the 2020 NFL draft. Notables: Athletic, versatile edge No. 2 Man-to-man cover corner No. 2 Zone-blocking, laterally-quick interior offensive lineman Shifty, smart route-running receiver Versatile third-safety to play in the big dime Game breaking third-down back The Jets are so deficient at both edge and cornerback that the second of two needs pop up as notables. While Jordan Jenkins represents a much-needed body at the edge, he's only the top dog due to his weak surroundings. Jenkins, much like Henry Anderson or Kyle Phillips when forced to the edge, are much better against the run and favor power-moves when rushing the passer. Two athletic, versatile edges who can play in space are desperately required for Gregg Williams's defense. Yes, another laterally-quick interior offensive lineman is needed despite the presence of four potential starters (Connor McGovern, Greg Van Roten, Alex Lewis and Brian Winters). Competition is a great offensive line's best friend and a laterally-quick guy who can navigate in space is an essential part of Adam Gase's offense. Jamison Crowder is fully entrenched as the slot man, but another route-running, shifty wideout would be a blessing. To route it out, a third safety who can both play two-deep and sniff the line of scrimmage alongside Adams and Marcus Maye in Williams's big dime is key. Lastly, the Jets offense needs a little lightning to Le'Veon Bell's thunder. While it's true, Bell is an excellent receiver and third-down back in his own right, his No. 2 should be a game-breaker. Allow Bell's short-yardage power to contrast with his third-down back. Think mid-to-late rounds in the draft fo this selection. 5. Do-it-all offensive X-factor Interestingly, a back Douglas may snag in the draft could fill this role. Also interestingly, perhaps not. This is the guy that's needed to run all the jet-sweep-type stuff the Jets offense will want to run. Crowder, as good as he is in the slot, does not fit that bill. Neither does Breshad Perriman, Vyncint Smith, Braxton Berrios or any of the backs on the roster. This do-it-all offensive X-factor must showcase hips and elusiveness that will translate beautifully to kick and possible punt return duties 4. Prototypical red-zone threat receiver Here's where the draft does not quite match up with the Jets' greatest needs. There's no question Sam Darnold needs a No. 1 wideout, but it's fourth on the priority list---greatly contrasting with the likes of Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb and Henry Ruggs at No. 11. Nonetheless, what Darnold needs is that prototypical red-zone threat who can effectively take the top spot. This means height, hops and tremendous hands with an aggressive go-up-and-get-it at the highest point is the calling card. it's a very different position when compared to an offensive X-factor or slot wideout whose route-running smarts highlight his attributes. 3. Man-to-man cover corner No. 1 Gregg Williams's first version of a Jets defense featured a ton of zone coverage. It's what a smart defensive coordinator does when realizing none of his corners can cover man-to-man. Trumaine Johnson couldn't cover a sole and Darryl Roberts experienced his issues. Young Bless Austin and Arthur Maulet are also much better in zone, especially in flat responsibility. Pierre Desir, again, isn't a top-notch cover corner. When looking to snag a corner, Douglas should look for the man-to-man types. There are enough zone cornerbacks on the depth chart already. 2. Athletic, versatile edge No. 1 If only there were more athletic edges ready to be plucked at No. 11; the question would have been, "Offensive line or edge?" This one's pretty self-explanatory. Like athletic edge No. 2 in the notables, the Jets are on the hunt for their first legitimate edge who can get after the quarterback and play in space since John Abraham. It's even more crucial in today's league when needing these guys to hold down a zone-read scheme such as Greg Roman when he features Lamar Jackson. (Watch the tape and focus on the Jets edges in that one.) 1. Pass-blocking left tackle This is the biggie, for more reasons than one. Not only does the organization need this guy (and have needed this guy since D'Brickashaw Ferguson retired), but they also need this guy due to the franchise face who makes his professional home Florham Park. Sam Darnold is the key why a legit left tackle is No. 1 on the list. Never can defense or a weapon take priority over those five men blocking the franchise arm, and Joe Douglas is firmly aware of this fundamental, tried and tested football team-building notion.