New York Jets: 2020 season preview and predictions

The New York Jets showed signs of life last season. They won seven games and went 6-2 in the second half of the campaign. Looking ahead to the 2020 NFL season, expectations are rising for the Jets. Can they take flight in 2020 and become a contender in the AFC?

It’s probably a make-or-break year for head coach Adam Gase. He was brought in to be the quarterback whisperer to young Sam Darnold. Now, they both have to live up to the hype and lead this team to a winning season.

Here’s a look at what the Jets did this offseason, a preview what we can expect to see and some final predictions for the 2020 season.

2020 free-agent signings

It’s debatable whether the Jets actually found a solution to their offensive line woes in free agency. But kudos to the team for trying. They landed offensive tackle George Fant, center Connor McGovern and guard Greg Van Roten this offseason to shore up Darnold’s protection. They also landed a deep threat for their franchise quarterback with Breshad Perriman, who is coming off a career year and could be a huge addition.

Though, the biggest add may be a player who doesn’t gobble up the snaps. Veteran running back Frank Gore is one of the best pass-blocking backs in the league. He’s also a leader and can still produce on the ground.

2020 free-agent losses

The Jets didn’t lose many key players in free agency. It could be argued their only notable loss came when receiver Robby Anderson flew the coop to sign with the Carolina Panthers. That loss won’t be keenly felt, though, if Perriman plays like he did a year ago. Outside of Anderson, the Jets didn’t lose any significant performers from the 2019 campaign.

2020 NFL Draft

Gang Green made nine selections during the 2020 NFL Draft. They added impact players in the first two rounds with players who could be starters in 2020. They also made a savvy mid-round pick that could pay dividends this coming season. Notably, the Jets landed cornerback Bryce Hall (Round 5), who could be one of the biggest steals this year.

Here’s a look at the players we liked the best.

First round: Mekhi Becton, offensive tackle, Louisville

This physical freak has All-Pro potential. He was one of the biggest stars of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine due to his incredible 40 time (watch here). Becton is massive. At 6-foot-7 and 364 pounds, he’s a veritable giant. Better yet, he plays with tremendous athleticism and agility. He also has a penchant for rag-dolling dudes like you wouldn’t believe.

Second round: Denzel Mims, wide receiver, Baylor

Consistency is the biggest issue. If Mims can prove his dropsies are behind him, he could be one of the best receivers to come out of this draft class. When he’s on, Mims is outrageously difficult to contain. He makes incredibly difficult receptions under pressure and has outstanding lateral agility. He could quickly become a primary weapon for Darnold in 2020.

Third round: Ashtyn Davis, safety, California

Toughness, grit, range and pure fire. That’s what Davis brings to the table. He likely won’t start this season for the Jets, who have two outstanding safeties already. But, he’ll be a special-teams demon and has the potential to become a star in the years to come.

Fourth round: La’Mical Perine, running back, Florida

Don’t be surprised if Perine ends up taking on a significant role sooner, rather than later for the Jets. Le’Veon Bell is the starter. Period. But Perine comes into the NFL with some enticing traits that could lead to Bell being ousted after the 2020 campaign.

Fifth round: Bryce Hall, cornerback, Virginia

If not for a season-ending ankle injury and the COVID-19 pandemic, Hall might have been an early Day 2 pick. Extremely talented, this young cornerback brings toughness and sharp instincts to the NFL. He is also one of the best ball hawks to enter the 2020 NFL Draft and led the nation with 21 passes defended in 2018.

Jets positional previews

There are still some areas of weakness on the New York Jets’ roster, but this team has enticing talent on both sides of the ball. Here’s how the roster breaks down by position.

Quarterback: This is Sam Darnold’s team. There’s no doubt about that. The former USC star has sparkled at times in two seasons and clearly has the skill required to lead an NFL franchise. Whether he can take the next step and lead the Jets to the playoffs is the question.

Running back: Coming off a brutal 2019 season, Le’Veon Bell faces significant competition. Remember, Frank Gore beat out LeSean McCoy in Buffalo last summer. He’s as reliable as they come and will be a big help to Darnold in passing situations. La’Mical Perine joins a crowded group of reserves and could carve out a minor role as a rookie.

Wide receiver: It’s going to be fascinating to see what this group does in 2020. The Jets are looking at an all-new starting lineup. Perriman joins Sims, slot receiver Jamison Crowder and former first-round bust Josh Doctson, but it remains to be seen if New York has a group capable of producing on Sundays.

Tight end: Chris Herndon is being looked at as a potential star. The Athletic’s Connor Hughes recently wrote that the Jets “can’t wait to unleash Chris Herndon” this season. Behind him, veteran Ryan Griffin caught five touchdowns last year and should continue to be a key player.

Offensive line: Undeniably a weakness in 2019, the Jets’ offensive line has a chance to be much improved in 2020. Pencil in the rookie Becton at left tackle. Veteran Brian Winters continues to anchor the right guard spot. Newcomers Connor McGovern and George Fant will also enter the season as starters. This unit will likely make or break the Jets’ offense in 2020.

Defensive line: Anchored by last year’s third overall pick, Quinnen Williams, New York’s defensive line is nothing if not stout. Williams is joined by stud nose tackle Steve McLendon and veteran Henry Anderson on the Jets’ 3-4 front. Behind them is a competitive group that will push for rotational playing time.

Linebacker: The Jets have to hope inside linebacker C.J. Mosley can rebound from his season-ending injury to become a star. He was a prized free agent last offseason and leads what could be a dynamic linebacking corps. Jordan Jenkins has been great off the edge, and he still has room to grow.

Secondary: All-Pro Jamal Adams is a do-it-all star. He leads a hard-hitting secondary group that has the potential to make huge strides in 2020. This unit will be even better if rookies Bryce Hall and Ashtyn Davis can ascend to big roles.

New York Jets 2020 schedule

Week 1: AT- Buffalo Bills

Week 2: VS- San Francisco 49ers

Week 3: AT- Indianapolis Colts

Week 4: VS- Denver Broncos

Week 5: VS- Arizona Cardinals

Week 6: AT- Los Angeles Chargers

Week 7: VS- Buffalo Bills

Week 8: AT- Kansas City Chiefs

Week 9: VS- New England Patriots

Week 10: AT- Miami Dolphins

Week 11: BYE Week

Week 12: VS- Miami Dolphins

Week 13: VS- Las Vegas Raiders

Week 14: AT- Seattle Seahawks

Week 15: AT- Los Angeles Rams

Week 16: VS- Cleveland Browns

Week 17: AT- New England Patriots

Best-case scenario

The New York Jets finally see Sam Darnold taking that proverbial next step. He takes to Adam Gase’s tutelage. Le’Veon Bell rebounds with an All-Pro season, and the Jets take flight offensively.

Gregg Williams’ defense becomes every offense’s worst nightmare. Jamal Adams takes his game up yet another notch, and Quinnen Williams has a Defensive Player of the Year campaign up front.

All this leads to the Jets stealing the AFC East from Buffalo and getting into the playoffs with a 10-6 record.

Worst-case scenario

Darnold doesn’t take a third-year leap and sees ghosts all season long behind a tattered offensive line like he has for the past two seasons. Meanwhile, Bell goes from bad to worse, and Frank Gore finally succumbs to Father Time. The free agency addition of Perriman blows up in New York’s face, and Denzel Mims isn’t ready for the NFL.

Regardless of how good New York’s defense might be, an offensive effort as we described leads to a six-win campaign. Gase loses his job, Darnold is at the least on the hot seat and the Jets start over in 2021.

New York Jets: 2020 season final predictions

The AFC East is up for grabs. The Jets could be the team to take advantage of Tom Brady leaving for Tampa Bay. Ultimately, I believe Darnold is still not ready to become a star and Adam Gase isn’t the right coach to lead this team. In the end, I predict the Jets will win seven or eight games, missing the playoffs in the process.