Realistic expectations for the 2016 New York Jets should not include a deep run into the playoffs. While they have an arsenal of offensive weapons, there are still glaring weaknesses on the roster. Most importantly, having no franchise quarterback will certainly hold the team back. That is in addition to a questionable pass rush in the face of radical shifts at linebacker. Nevertheless, it is entertaining to speculate as very few seasons go according to the preseason “plan”. Here are some bold predictions for the 2016 New York Jets.
Bold Predictions for the 2016 New York Jets
Dee Milliner will be an effective starting Cornerback
Dee Milliner winning the starting job alone may be a bold enough prediction. At the moment, it seems more likely that Marcus Williams or Buster Skrine win the number two job opposite Darrelle Revis. Milliner was highly touted out of Alabama and the Jets selected him ninth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft. Injuries and lack of production have led to that pick becoming dangerously close to being labeled a bust. In fact, the entire draft would be looked at as a failure had it not been for the selection of Sheldon Richardson.
However, Milliner showed growth at the end of his rookie year winning AFC Defensive Player of the Week for week 17. Since then Milliner has been unable to remain healthy and the performance has been widely forgotten. The departure of Antonio Cromartie opens the door for a final chance for Milliner to prove he can remain healthy and perform at a high level. Experience and an excellent supporting cast could end up having Milliner prove his many doubters wrong in 2016.
Darron Lee will win Defensive Rookie of the Year
Darron Lee is not the prototypical linebacker of the early 2000’s. Coaches likely would have scoffed at Lee’s size despite his blazing speed had it been a few years in the past. Instead, Lee’s versatility will give him just the edge he needs to succeed in the modern NFL. Lee’s skill set will give him ample opportunities to light up the stat sheet and gain immediate recognition. He has defensive back speed and that could translate to unprecedented interception numbers for a linebacker. His position as a linebacker will also certainly present him with the opportunity for a large tackle total.
Todd Bowles will also likely take advantage of Lee’s speed on blitzes that will be behind the line of scrimmage before the defensive line can react. Bowles has proven to be defensive guru and will utilize Lee all over the linebacking corp. That sort of versatility could set Lee’s numbers apart from other rookie defenders vying for rookie of the year honors. While it will be difficult with a loaded defensive rookie class, Lee is unique and stands a chance in the race.
Geno Smith Will Be the Leading Passer in the AFC East
Until the day he retires, the AFC East will belong to Tom Brady. His 4 game suspension in 2016 for deflategate does open up the division for a new passing leader. The Jets currently sit with one of the worst quarterback situations in the NFL. It is becoming more apparent that the front office would like to see Geno Smith in action before making a final decision on Ryan Fitzpatrick. With the receiving corp the Jets have, it is not hard to understand why the front office may expect Smith to show improvement.
Talent wise Smith may not even be the fourth best quarterback in the division. However, surrounding talent is just as important in order to put up big numbers. Neither Ryan Tannehill nor Tyrod Taylor have receiving duos that rival Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall. Ryan Fitzpatrick was able to put up numbers that set franchise records in 2015. It would not be bizarre to see Geno Smith have a similar level of success.
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