Plenty of No. 1-caliber wide receivers are available for the New York Jets
The New York Jets will be looking to add a starting wide receiver this offseason.
Fortunately for New York, there are quality options available from both the veteran and college ends that would give the Jets a chance to dramatically improve at a position that is vital to the development of Zach Wilson.
Let’s discuss the top five potential wide receivers who would be best for the Jets.
5. Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears
The free-agent market for Allen Robinson should be fascinating. Up until the 2021 season, he was widely viewed as a great number one receiver.
Robinson took a big step back in 2021. He missed five games and concluded the season with only 38 catches on 66 targets for 410 yards and one touchdown. It was certainly not a good year.
What the Jets would have to hope for if they sign Robinson is that he will get back to his 2019 and 2020 form.
Over those two seasons, Robinson recorded 200 catches, 2,397 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns in 32 games. Getting back to his former yearly average of 100 receptions, nearly 1,200 yards, and over six touchdowns would be the goal.
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4. Treylon Burks, Arkansas
In terms of physical attributes, Treylon Burks is the complete prospect. At the NFL Scouting Combine this week, Burks measured in at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds. On top of his size, he ran a 4.55 40-yard dash.
The frame and acceleration that Burks possesses give him the chance to be dynamic with the football in his hands after the catch. He has the potential to make big plays as a vertical threat as well.
The concerns with Burks come back to his route running. In the Jets offense, it is an important trait for a receiver to have. Burks will likely need time to improve in this regard.
Burks generates excitement as a prospect as a result of his productive junior season. He caught 66 passes for 1,104 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
There is great reason for optimism with the potential Burks has, but some refinement to his game is still needed.
3. Garrett Wilson, Ohio State
Garrett Wilson is a prospect who could potentially be in play with the 10th pick for the Jets.
Wilson measured slightly under six feet (5-foot-11 and 3/4″) and weighed in at 183 pounds at this week’s combine. Despite the smaller frame, Wilson is an exciting talent.
The blend of body control and quickness that Wilson has gives him a chance to be a great player. He can adjust to the ball in the air well to reel it in. After the catch, he has the ability to make defenders miss in space.
Wilson just wrapped up his best season in college with 70 catches, 1,058 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns. He shined in the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.38 seconds.
The exact position Wilson is utilized at (inside or outside) is still to be determined. Ultimately, he is a tantalizing prospect with the potential to be great.
2. Drake London, USC
Drake London is a big-time draft prospect. He is a very young prospect who will turn 21 in July.
At the combine, London measured in just short of 6-foot-4 (6-foot-3 and 7/8″) and weighed in at 219 pounds. London has the size to complement Elijah Moore perfectly.
From a talent standpoint, London is exciting. He has good footwork with his releases and can run routes well. Where London is best is at the catch point. He has great vertical leaping ability and can high-point the football with his height to come down with contested catches.
London offers potential with the football in his hands after the catch. He will use his size and strength to gain extra yardage. Having this ability makes London a natural fit in Mike LaFleur’s offense.
Since his freshman year, London has had a significant role at USC. He has experience playing inside as a big slot and also proved last season what he can do on the outside.
In 2021, London had 88 catches, 1,084 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns in just eight games before a season-ending injury. London is a thrilling prospect who could be in play for the Jets with the 10th pick.
1. Amari Cooper, Dallas Cowboys
Amari Cooper is still under contract with the Dallas Cowboys but seems like a lock to become available at this moment. The expectation is that the Cowboys will release him if they cannot find a trade partner.
If Cooper is on the trading block or released, the Jets have to make a strong play for him.
In five of his seven NFL seasons, Cooper recorded over 1,000 receiving yards. Every year, he has had at least five touchdowns. Aside from 2017, Cooper has had at least 68 catches every season.
Cooper is an established veteran and fairly respected number one receiver. He has the size and speed combination needed to be a big-play threat (6-foot-1, 225 pounds and 4.42 speed). Cooper is a crafty route runner and ranks among the league’s best in that department. He can also be dynamic with the football in his hands after the catch.
The former No. 4 pick will be turning 28 in June. At least three more prime years are still fair to expect from Cooper. He offers the talent and reputation needed to be a top-flight wide receiver for Zach Wilson at a key point in his young career.
Veterans unlikely to be targets
There are some proven NFL players who would be top options if they become available, but at this time, it seems unlikely that they leave their current teams.
The top projected free agent wide receivers – Davante Adams, Chris Godwin, and Mike Williams – all seem like unrealistic options for the Jets at the moment. If a realistic opportunity came about, any of the three would be near the top of this list.
As of now, all three of the aforementioned players seem likely to either be franchise-tagged or extended to a long-term contract with their current team.
Two other veterans who have been rumored to potentially be available through the trade market are Calvin Ridley and Brandin Cooks, although there is no guarantee either ends up being available. If they were, they would be at the top of the board for the Jets here.
Other noteworthy draft prospects
If the Jets opt to pass on a top-flight veteran receiver and look elsewhere early in the draft, here are a few other top prospects who could be options early in the second round or after a trade-down from 10th overall:
- Jameson Williams, Alabama
- Chris Olave, Ohio State
- Jahan Dotson, Penn State
- George Pickens, Georgia
- Christian Watson, North Dakota State
