Sunday, May 30, 2021

New York Jets Post-Draft 2021 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the New York Jets rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 29.0 (30th)
  • Best ranking: 27th (NFL.com)
  • Worst ranking: 31st (CBS Sports)

Below you will find a post-draft roundup for the Jets in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 28

Player who benefited most from draft: QB Zach Wilson

After drafting Wilson with the No. 2 overall pick, the Jets actually gave him some help by following up with three consecutive picks on offense -- guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, wide receiver Elijah Moore and running back Michael Carter. The previous time they opened a draft with four straight choices on offense was 1983. This is a departure from how the Jets built around Wilson's predecessor, Sam Darnold. Wilson already has struck up a friendship with Moore, who figures to play immediately. Vera-Tucker projects as a Day 1 starter at left guard and Carter could work his way into playing time in a backfield that lacks a true RB1. Call this draft "Wilson & Friends." -- Rich Cimini

NFL.com -- Rank: 27

The Jets opted for a reboot of the quarterback position, and the future of the organization now hangs on whether BYU wunderkind Zach Wilson can be a star. Three years ago, New York drafted Sam Darnold third overall, then failed the USC star by failing to build a team around him. GM Joe Douglas appears intent on not repeating that history. After selecting Wilson, the Jets traded up to the middle of the first round to land guard Alijah Vera-Tucker. With the 34th overall pick, Douglas selected Elijah Moore, a shifty wideout with star potential. In the fourth round, New York snagged a versatile RB with fine pass-catching skills in Michael Carter. Add in improved coaching, and Wilson is in a better place now than Darnold was at any point in his Jets tenure.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 30

They have their quarterback of the future in Zach Wilson, but it might take time to get him going. Jets fans need to be patient -- which they've been hearing for years.

USA Today -- Rank: 31

Rookie QB Zach Wilson, new coach Robert Saleh and a squadron of new players will navigate the NFL's significant learning curve together -- maybe with C.J. Mosley learning how to play middle linebacker -- but this could be a dangerous team and fun one to watch by Thanksgiving.

The Athletic -- Rank: 29

Going from Adam Gase to Robert Saleh represents potentially the biggest head coaching upgrade in the NFL. Having said that, this roster is still very much a work in progress. New York returns four of five starters on an offensive line that tied for 29th in pass-block win rate last year, and the Jets' cornerback group is shaping up to be among the league's worst.

The 2021 season is about Saleh building a new culture and Zach Wilson showing enough flashes at quarterback to make the Jets feel like they made the right choice picking him second overall.

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