Identifying Potential Breakout Players for the New York Jets' 2012 Season

Even though the New York Jets picked up a wealth of depth for their roster, they'll still need to get better production from several key players if they want to steer the ship right in 2012.

Fortunately, there are more than several players who could potentially contribute to a big turn-around with a breakout season.

The offensive skill position players are a mystery as of now, but the group has serious boom-or-bust potential and could give Mark Sanchez the weapons he needs.

The defense, meanwhile, features a pair of first round draft picks that have all the physical tools to dominate at their position, and with a full offseason program and proper coaching, they could all reach that goal.

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Kyle Wilson

Wilson played more snaps in 2011 than he did in 2010, but gave up nearly twice as many receptions. His 48.8 percent completion rate against went up all the way to 66.7 (per Pro Football Focus).

Life is tough for a cornerback when you're playing man coverage in a defense that also features one of the league's best cornerbacks—the ball will come to you by default, and you'd better be on your man like glue when it does.

He has all the physical tools to be a solid cornerback in the NFL, and even Matt Miller would concede that despite ranking Wilson at 91 in his top 100 cornerbacks list. Perhaps a full offseason workout program is all he needs to get his head right come game time.

Jeremy Kerley

It took Kerley until Week 5 of the 2011 season to catch his first pass, but when he did, he made sure it counted by scoring a touchdown against the Patriots. It was his only touchdown of the season, but there could be plenty more where that came from in 2012.

He was one of many rookies who were unfortunate to enter the league in a lockout year, and therefore got a very abbreviated offseason with little time to learn. But he'll have time in 2012.

Kerley is a rare kind of receiver for the Jets: as in, the kind of receiver that sticks around more than just a year or two. Mark Sanchez will have an opportunity to build rapport with Kerley, and in the past when he's had time to build a relationship with his receivers, it's worked out favorably. Well, except for Santonio Holmes.

Muhammad Wilkerson

That Wilkerson was so dominant in 2011 is surprising considering the fact that as a rookie, he had no offseason workout program before late July.

Just imagine what he can do when he gets time to work closely and consistently with the coaching staff. Defensive line coach Karl Dunbar explained the game plan very sharply, and said per the Star-Ledger, "It’s attack, it’s getting up the field, we’re not holding blocks. Every man for himself, we’re going to get to the quarterback." That game plan involves guys like Wilkerson getting upfield and making plays in the offensive backfield.

What's more, he'll be surrounded by talent on the defensive line. Sione Pouha, Quinton Coples and Mike Devito are sure to take some of the pressure off of Wilkerson in the trenches. But if Wilkerson plays even better than he did last year, he'll soon be the one taking the pressure off the other guys.

Bilal Powell

If the Jets want to get back to the ground-and-pound style of offense, they'll need a running back capable of breaking off gains longer than four yards. 

Powell didn't play much in 2011 (27 snaps) and totaled 14 touches for 28 yards. Why didn't he play much, after tallying 229 carries for 1,405 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns as a senior at Louisville? Combine his lack of experience (just one year at running back in college) with a shortened offseason workout program and there was no reason to assume that Powell would be a big part of the game plan in 2011.

But with a full season on the roster and a full offseason workout program this year, his role could easily increase dramatically in 2012. What's more, Tony Sparano will love the dynamic play-making ability he brings to the table. Powell and Shonn Greene have the potential to give the Jets a Ronnie Brown-Ricky Williams type of one-two punch at the running back position.