4-EYED TEAM PREVIEW: NEW YORK JETS (2021)
Today we are continuing our 4-EYED TEAM PREVIEW SERIES and we are covering the New York Jets of the AFC East! This morning we’re talking offense and later today we’ll be releasing our IDP outlook, so stay tuned!
The New York Jets have moved on from the Sam Darnold/Adam Gase era and are now heralded by former San Francisco 49er defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. The Jets had the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and used it to draft their quarterback of the future in Zach Wilson out of Brigham Young University. Further rebuilding this offense, the Jets drafted Michael Carter, a running back out of the University of North Carolina, and they signed free agent wide receiver Corey Davis. After a 2-14 season in 2020, even if the Jets aren’t able to win the AFC East this year, their fantasy players may provide you with some sneaky value.
So, who are the players from the Jets offense that can help you win a fantasy championship in 2021?
Find out below in our 2021 Jets Offensive 4-EYED Team Preview!
Quarterback
Zach Wilson
Even though Wilson looks like a 12-year-old, he is the presumed starter for the New York Jets. Wilson was graded by PFF as the best quarterback in the NCAA in 2020, and Wilson was third in yards with 3,694, was third in touchdowns with 32, and he only threw three interceptions last season. Wilson is being drafted currently as the QB28, but that seems low for me. Even though the Jets aren’t known for protecting their quarterbacks, I think they have made some interesting moves around Wilson and I think there is a good chance that he is fantasy-relevant this year. I am using late-round draft picks on Wilson as my second quarterback if I can get a solid quarterback to rely on week-to-week.
Running Backs
Michael Carter
Carter was fourth in the NCAA for running backs in regards to both rushing yards (1,245) and yards from scrimmage (1,512). The lightning to Javonte Williams’ thunder in the Tar Heel backfield, Carter was a menace whenever he would make a cut and get out into space. He led all running backs with at least 87 rushing attempts in yards per carry averaging a full eight yards per carry. Reports from training camp are that Carter is looking as good as the Jets hoped and that he is considered, at worst, the 1A in this backfield to start the season.
Tevin Coleman
Tevin Coleman never really was able to get going in the San Francisco offense much like he wasn’t able to in Atlanta. Even though the Jets did bring Coleman in as a free agent, unless something changes, Coleman projects to be a complementary piece in this offense, but I don’t think he takes away all that much work from Carter. Even if Coleman comes in as the pass-catching running back, Carter will still be the bell cow on rushing attempts and so I don’t think you should be looking at anyone other than Carter in this backfield. Coleman is going to resume his usual role as part of a complementary committee.
Others?
Incumbent running backs Ty Johnson and La’Mical Perine had the third and second most carries for the Jets last year, respectively, but the drafting of Carter all but ensures that they won’t be featured in this offense. Granted, if Carter happens to miss time for any reason I like one out of this pair to take over the lead back duties rather than Coleman. Johnson and Perine should remain on your waiver wire until a role on this offense opens up for them.
Wide Receivers
Corey Davis
Finishing as the WR31 in fantasy last season, the Jets brought in Davis as a free agent and he automatically slots in to be the guy in the receiving game. Davis played in 14 games for the Titans last season and had career numbers in receptions, yards, and touchdowns so it will be interesting to see if he can bring that momentum to New York. I think Davis’ ceiling is that of a WR2, but he is going to be a common flex play for me if Wilson shows an early connection with him.
Crowder Vs. Moore
The red carpet to the slot was almost rolled out for Elijah Moore out of Ole Miss as it appeared that Jamison Crowder and the Jets weren’t able to get on the same page in a contract extension. Unfortunately for Moore, Crowder ended up remaining with the Jets re-working part of his contract even though it still runs out at the end of this season. Both Crowder and Moore are slot specialists with Moore having the second-most receiving yards in the NCAA last season. I think Moore is more talented than Crowder and obviously has great value in dynasty leagues. For re-draft, I think both are valuable in later rounds because even though I believe that Crowder gets the starting nod out of the gate, I think Moore will quickly show a rapport with Wilson and will be able to carve out a role for himself that would leave Saleh looking silly keeping him on the sideline.
Tight End
Chris Herndon
Even though he probably isn’t worth mentioning in this article, but if there is a player that I just can’t quit it is Chris Herndon. Even though Darnold and Herndon never really got on the same page, I was always quick to put the blame on Darnold. Herndon is 6 ft. 4 so at the very least he should be a big body target for Wilson to target in the redzone. During Wilson’s final year at BYU, his tight end Isaac Rex had 37 receptions and 12 touchdowns. I think Wilson will use the tight end more so I am still holding out hope for Herndon.
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