Ranking the New York Jets' Biggest Needs to Address in the 2015 Draft

In an effort to improve upon its abysmal four-win season in 2014, the New York Jets were one of the most active teams in free agency this offseason.

Mike Maccagnan and Co. brought in a proven No. 1 receiver in Brandon Marshall, a veteran signal-caller in Ryan Fitzpatrick and a number of solid cover men, including All-Pro Darrelle Revis.

Despite the number of big moves, the Jets still have plenty of holes throughout the roster.

For New York to become a viable postseason contender this upcoming season, the team must fix some of its holes through the draft.

Click through to see the five biggest holes Gang Green must address in next week's draft. 

5. Wide Receiver

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker are a fine one-two punch on the outside, but the Jets lack many dangerous weapons beyond that pair.

Jeremy Kerley is coming off a horrible season, and no other wideout on the current roster is really capable of being a top-three target on a good offense.

Gang Green would be smart to pick up a receiver in the middle rounds of the draft, preferably one that would thrive in the slot.

William & Mary product Tre McBride would be a solid pickup, as he boasts top-notch athleticism, quickness and versatility.

McBride is also a leader on and off the field, and a worthy returner on special teams.

Even if New York misses out on the Georgia native, there are plenty of talented options available.

4. Running Back

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

The Jets brought in Stevan Ridley to replace the departed Chris Johnson, but the team still lacks a true home run hitter in the backfield.

Ridley is a capable runner, but he shares many of the same qualities as Ivory. Both can fight for some extra yardage, but neither back has the ability to explode through holes for huge chunks.

The Jets should look to add a speedy backfield threat in the draft, as one could easily add an extra dimension to the offense.

David Johnson and Jeremy Langford would be solid options in the middle rounds, as they are both capable of immediately stepping in and making an impact.

Neither possesses blazing speed, but they are tough, durable runners who boast above-average explosiveness and great pass-catching ability.

3. Offensive Guard

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

The offensive line was inconsistent throughout last year, and it looks like it will once again be one of the Jets’ primary concerns in 2015.

While the team will eventually have to find younger replacements for aging veterans Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson, the pressing issue is at guard.

Willie Colon’s play has dropped off significantly in recent years, Brian Winters and Oday Aboushi have shown little ability to man a starting spot, and new addition James Carpenter has had his struggles with durability and consistency in his career.

Brandon Scherff is undoubtedly the top offensive lineman available in the draft. If the top outside linebackers and quarterbacks are all taken in the first five picks, New York could do a lot worse than the Iowa product, as he should be a perennial Pro Bowler.

There are some solid options available in the middle rounds as well, including A.J. Cann and Tre’ Jackson.

2. Outside Linebacker

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

With an improved secondary to pair with an already-stout front seven, the Jets should have one of the stingiest defenses in the league next season.

However, there is one position that the team needs to improve—outside linebacker.

Calvin Pace is over-the-hill as a starter, and Quinton Coples has been up-and-down since entering the league.

New York needs a premier outside pass-rusher to complement its elite defensive line, and the team would be smart to address the issue in the first round.

Luckily for Gang Green, there are plenty of top outside linebacker prospects available in this year’s class, including Dante Fowler Jr., Vic Beasley and Shane Ray.

Any one of the trio would be a terrific fit in Todd Bowles' system and be an immediate upgrade at the outside linebacker spot.

1. Quarterback

Ryan Kang/Associated Press

The most important position in the game remains New York’s primary need heading into the draft.

Geno Smith simply hasn’t performed up to standards in his two years in Green and White, as he has compiled just an 11-18 record as a starter and has tossed just 25 touchdowns compared to 34 interceptions.

The Jets seem keen on moving on from Smith, but the team may have difficulty finding an adequate replacement in this year’s draft.

There are only two potential franchise quarterbacks available in Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, and both are likely to be selected inside the top five.

Unless one of the signal-callers stunningly falls to No. 6, or Mike Maccagnan and Co. take a gamble and trade up, the Jets may be stuck with the quarterbacks on their current roster in 2015.