So much can change in a year.
In early May 2024, New York Jets fans were buzzing with optimism, eager to see what a reloaded roster might look like with a fully healthy Aaron Rodgers under center.
Sky-high expectations surrounded the team, with some fans calling the Jets legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Even portions of the national media bought into the hype.
One year later, that same energy has faded, and ESPN’s post-draft power rankings reflect the shift.
Each offseason, ESPN releases power rankings after free agency and again after the draft. The rankings are compiled by a panel of more than 80 ESPN writers, editors, and television personalities.
In the latest edition, the Jets plummeted to No. 30 overall, down three spots from their already underwhelming No. 27 post-free agency ranking.
The offensive line was named the team’s most improved position group, with first-round pick Armand Membou, selected No. 7 overall, highlighting the draft class.
“Quite frankly, the Jets haven’t made significant immediate improvement in any one area,” wrote ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “But the offensive line improved in the long term, as No. 7 pick Armand Membou replaces the venerable Morgan Moses (Patriots) at right tackle.
“The Jets will miss Moses’ experience and savviness, but Membou brings power, speed, and explosiveness to the position,” he continued. “With four returning starters and Membou, the offensive line — under construction for a few years — finally has a chance to be something special.”
While the Jets don’t carry the same buzz they had last offseason, especially after a dismal five-win campaign, a No. 30 ranking still feels excessively pessimistic.
This roster retains young, high-end talent, and many of the team’s 2024 struggles stemmed from abysmal coaching and costly missed kicks.
Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey are entering their first seasons as head coach and general manager, and the team also added quarterback Justin Fields in the offseason.
If Fields takes a step forward as a passer and new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand can craft a system tailored to his strengths, the former first-round pick could follow a resurgence path similar to Geno Smith, Sam Darnold, or Baker Mayfield, which would significantly raise the team’s ceiling.
While it’s fair not to put blind faith in a first-year head coach-GM tandem, the Jets deserve to be ranked higher than No. 30 based on roster talent.
