2015 NFL Draft: Best Fits to Revamp Jets' Depleted WR Corps

The New York Jets offense ranked among the league's worst during the final two years of Rex Ryan's tenure, and a key reason was the lack of production from the receiving corps. 

Steps were made toward fixing the issue in 2014 by signing free-agent Eric Decker and trading for Percy Harvin during the season. But the improvements were minor, and more work needs to be done. 

The Jets enter the offseason looking to add one more piece to their receiving corps. 

Ideally, the Jets will find someone who can line up on the outside opposite Decker, allowing Harvin to shift inside to his more natural role as a slot receiver. 

During Harvin's most productive seasons in Minnesota in 2010 and 2011, over 60 percent of his snaps came from the slot, according to Pro Football Focus. But after joining the Jets in 2014, Harvin was lined up in the slot just 12 percent of the time he was on the field. 

The following slideshow features five receivers who could fill the role of the outside receiver in New York. 

These five receivers aren't necessarily the best prospects in this class; but rather, they're five prospects who fill a specific role for the Jets and should be considered realistic targets in either the first or second round. 

Breshad Perriman, Central Florida

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Reading a Breshad Perriman scouting report might give Jets fans nightmares about Stephen Hill. But there are plenty of reasons to be excited about him as a potential second-round selection. 

The downside to Perriman is his drop rate, which was a disappointing 12.96 percent in 2014, according to Pro Football Focus's Steve Palazzolo. 

However, Perriman is one of the few Day 2 prospects with the size, speed and athleticism to potentially develop into a true No. 1 receiver. 

The Jets are in full rebuilding mode, so it would be a wise decision to target players with high upside rather than focus on the prospects who can help them win now. So while Perriman's contributions in 2015 may be limited, this would be a selection for 2016 and beyond.

Phillip Dorsett, Miami (FL)

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While Dorsett doesn't have the size of the typical outside receiver (he measured 5'10" at the combine), his speed makes him a game-changing weapon.

According to Pro Football Focus, Eric Decker led the Jets with 19 deep targets (20 yards or more) but hauled in just seven of those passes. 

Decker is better suited to be used as a weapon on short and intermediate routes, as evidenced by his limited production down the field. 

The addition of a speedster like Dorsett would open things up for the Jets' deep passing game and also allow the team to use Decker and Percy Harvin in more favorable positions rather than forcing them into unconventional roles for their skill sets. 

Dorsett has almost demonstrated the elusiveness to be a threat after the catch in the quick-strike passing game.

Devin Smith, Ohio State

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Devin Smith lacks the all-around game of Dorsett and may be a one-trick pony, at least early in his career. But he has excelled in that one area and would be an immediate go-to weapon for the Jets down the field.

During his senior year at Ohio State, PFF's Palazzolo credited Smith with 16 receptions on 25 deep targets, including 10 touchdowns. 

With the ability to play Smith and Decker on the outside, with Harvin in the slot, the Jets receiving corps would finally look like a complete unit. 

While the unit would still be lacking an elite No. 1, the group would have assets capable of producing at all levels of the field, giving their quarterback multiple options on every passing play. 

Kevin White, West Virginia

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Perriman, Dorsett and Smith would all be second- or third-round targets for the Jets, but the final two receivers on this list are likely to come off the board within the top 10 picks and should be options for the Jets with the sixth pick. 

Kevin White is the prototypical No. 1 receiver, with the size to battle for 50-50 balls and the speed to break free over the top of the defense. 

He isn't quite on the same level as Mike Evans, who emerged as the Buccaneers No. 1 receiver almost immediately upon arriving in Tampa Bay last year, but White has a similar profile as a prospect. 

Every young quarterback—and it's safe to assume the Jets will have one either in 2015 or 2016—benefits from having a big target on the outside. White and Decker would give Jets quarterbacks two receivers with quality size capable of competing for contested catches. 

Amari Cooper, Alabama

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Cooper doesn't have White's size, but that's the only knock against him when comparing the two as options for the Jets with the sixth selection in April's draft. 

In terms of how they win, Cooper compares favorably to Odell Beckham Jr. 

Like Beckham, Cooper doesn't have dominant size or the elite speed to create separation by simply running past the coverage. However, both receivers are incredibly polished as route-runners for such young, relatively inexperienced receivers. 

Cooper's footwork at the line of scrimmage allows him to create instant separation, and his subtle fakes and adjustments in acceleration allow him to get free down the field—even when matched up against more athletic corners. 

These traits would make Cooper an immediate asset to a young quarterback in New York.