The Rams have been Super Bowl champions for less than two weeks, but it is never too early to take a look at what lies ahead in the 2022 season.
Touchdown Wire recently released its way-too-early 2022 offseason power rankings and has the Jets at No. 28. They’re ahead of the Panthers, Jaguars, Lions and Texans.
“Zach Wilson flashed but certainly did not do enough in his rookie season,” Touchdown Wire’s Nick Wojton wrote. “The Jets need to do right by him and keep building around him this offseason if the QB, or franchise, will stand a chance. Good news: At least New York has four picks in the top-38 selections at the upcoming draft.”
New York had some good moments under rookie head coach Robert Saleh in 2021, but still finished the season 4-13 and stuck in the AFC East basement. The Jets are in a position to get better this offseason, though, as they have plenty to spend in free agency and prime draft position with two top 10 picks.
How the 2022 season plays out for Gang Green will ultimately come down to Wilson’s progression. The BYU product showed major signs of progress over the final month of the regular season, but still has plenty of work to do.
Bolstering Wilson’s protection and stable of weapons will be a priority for Joe Douglas this offseason. Improving all three levels of Jeff Ulbrich’s defense is also on the to-do list. Free agency and the draft will afford New York’s general manager plenty of opportunities to bring in the right players to help continue the rebuild.
If just a few of Douglas’ offseason signings and draft picks hit it big in 2022, the Jets might finish closer to the top of the AFC East than the bottom.
