Jet-Setting: An Offseason To-Do List for the New York Jets

The Jets roster is currently oozing in talent and features several veteran players in their prime. The Jets' personnel has them poised to make a title run now, but it's clear this isn't their season.

New York got off to a flying start in 2009, but a major slide has the team in the cellar of the wild card picture, thanks to an erratic Mark Sanchez and a few defensive and special teams meltdowns. 

The Jets have an offensive line that has paved the way for the top rushing attack in the league, led by Thomas Jones. There hasn't been much talk of his future in a Jet uniform considering the career year he's having, but the Jets will likely swallow his roster bonus in March to retain him for the last year of his contract. 

Leon Washington has a knack for making big plays and has been sorely missed along with mammoth nose tackle Kris Jenkins, the best in the business. The Jets will get an enormous boost when Washington and Jenkins are on the field next season. 

The receiving corps is solid. Braylon Edwards will most likely return, but he may not cash in on a long-term deal just yet. Jerricho Cotchery has been stellar, and tight end Dustin Keller could prove to be a major asset to the passing game once Sanchez learns which team to throw the ball to. 

The offense could be winning games for the team, not the defense, once Sanchez comes to the party and the team is clicking on all cylinders. By then, Sanchez will be handing the ball off to bulldozer Shonn Greene. The Jets have a bright future on that side of the ball.

Defensively, there is an overflow of talent and Rex Ryan at the helm. Do the math. There is an elite group of linebackers, a shutdown corner, and solid bunch up front. The loss of Jenkins, however, highlights the need to groom a successor on the defensive line. 

Mike DeVito and Sione Pouha have done respectable jobs replacing Jenkins and will remain parts of the rotation. DeVito was a favorite of Ryan from the start and the Jets extended his contract, while Pouha has been getting exposure and making the most of it. 

But Rex Ryan has to employ his exotic blitz packages to pressure the passer and the Jets are having difficult putting together a pass rush. The loss of Jenkins didn't help the cause but even then the Jets weren't racking up sacks. Vernon Gholston is a bust and Jamaal Westerman has potential.

The Jets are set at most places on the roster but still have areas to polish. Mike Tannenbaum has a penchant for making big splashes in free agency and has done an excellent job assembling the core of this team, through the draft as well. Woody Johnson has given him the green light to break bank if it means winning games.

And that was when there was a salary cap. 

Here's some advice for Tannenbaum:

1. Sign a premier pass-rusher

Elvis Dumervil, a sack sensation, will most likely remain in Denver, but there is a strong possibility that Shawne Merriman could hit the market. The Chargers have their work cut out for them locking up players and could let Merriman, crawling back into form after major knee surgery, walk. 

The Jets can't wait for Westerman or Gholston to develop, Gholston if at all. Marques Douglas is a stopgap solution. The Jets should take a hard look at versatile Richard Seymour. Seymour, like Jenkins, will be 31 by midseason and can give the Jets a few years, maybe more. When the Jets go to four down lineman he can also play inside.

Gholston is more comfortable playing defensive end and the Jets aren't always working out of the 3-4, but when they are and Gholston isn't effective as a stand up linebacker Merriman is the solution.

2. Sign a cornerback

Next to the shutdown corner Revis there isn't a bona fide starter. Donald Strickland makes plays when he finds the field but he is often banged up. Dwight Lowery isn't ready yet which is why the Jets made a trade for Lito Sheppard. Sheppard won't make it to his roster bonus in March, in fact he isn't make the roster because of injuries. Dunta Robinson could use a change of scenery.

3. Sign/draft a free safety

If Kerry Rhodes doesn't regain his starting spot the Jets would most likely trade him. They could stick with Eric Smith if he plays well as a starter, make a move to draft Eric Berry but the most appealing option is current Rams free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe. Atogwe is a true, playmaking free safety.

Atogwe, in his prime, is also a tackling machine. Like Seymour he's looking to play for a contender and the Jets would be a perfect fit. 

4. Draft Terrence Cody

The mammoth lineman is tailor made for the 3-4 defense and the Jets must draft Cody as the eventual successor to Jenkins at nose tackle.

5. Sign/draft a slot receiver

A minor need but the Jets should think about developing a slot receiver, maybe a late round draft pick. David Clowney has blazing speed but that is about it, and Brad Smith has been a failure. 

These are all suggestions, most of which the Jets may not look into. Finding a slot receiver isn't a glaring need, and the Jets may not end up looking for a free safety if Rhodes can win back his starting job or if Eric Smith impresses. 

Improving the pass rush and drafting Terrence Cody are musts. The front seven of the Jets would be the best in the league if they could ink Merriman and Seymour, and you can bet they'll capitalize on an uncapped year. To what extent, we'll have to wait and find out.

Merriman should hit the open market as the Chargers have Larry English behind him to take over. The more the Raiders lose, the more discouraged Seymour will be to return to the AFC East, as if he wasn't upset enough already when he found out he was traded to the Raiders.

Mike Tannenbaum has done a great job, but it hasn't translated to wins. The Jets are hungry for a playoff berth, and, since it looks like they'll have to wait another year, they can't let the opportunity to significantly improve their defense pass—especially in an uncapped year.