The New York Jets offense was terrible last year. As was covered in the New York Jets Position Group Breakdown Series #1 and #2, the Jets had holes all over their offense. Most of their problems stemmed from their porous offensive line, but their skill position players were arguably just as bad. However, the Jets management has done a tremendous job bringing in a bunch of guys that should be able to help new quarterback Zach Wilson a ton. Taking a look at the receiving core, here is the New York Jets Position Group Preview Series #3: Wide Receivers.
Inconsistency Kills
Last season, the Jets brought in Breshad Perriman on a one-year deal worth $6.5 million. Perriman has very good deep speed, but he rarely linked up with Sam Darnold. His three touchdowns all came from Joe Flacco, who is also no longer on the team. In fact, with Darnold as his quarterback, he had 19 catches for 288 yards in 13 games. Also on the roster last season was Jamison Crowder, who played in 12 games, starting in seven. He was actually one of the bright spots, if you can call it that, on the 2019 roster, but he struggled to stay on the field in 2020. Crowder is still under contract with the Jets through this season, but a certain draft pick may mean his spot on the long term roster is in jeopardy. The last piece of their 2020 receiving core was Denzel Mims, a 2nd round draft pick in 2020. He also showed flashes for them last year, but much like Crowder, he struggled to stay on the field. Mims played in nine games for the Jets in 2020, but even when he was on the field, quarterback struggles really hurt his production. He should look to stay healthy for this upcoming season.
Some Great Additions
The biggest free agent signing for the Jets this offseason was undoubtedly Corey Davis. Davis signed a three-year, $37.5 million contract, and should immediately be their #1 wideout. He had a breakout season for the Tennessee Titans in 2020, posting 65 catches, 982 yards and 5 touchdowns in 14 games. Also signed in Free Agency was Keelan Cole, who also had a good season in 2020 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He adds fantastic depth to a receiving core that desperately needed it. However, perhaps the most hyped up acquisition for the Jets’ offense, outside of Wilson, is Elijah Moore, who was drafted by the Jets in the 2nd round of the 2021 NFL Draft. A slot receiver, Moore will likely take over the starting slot position from Jamison Crowder. As covered in this New York Jets 2021 NFL Draft Recap, Moore brings elite route running and YAC ability, which should inject some juice into the Jets offense.
Comparing 2021 to 2020
To close this edition out, here is the depth chart from 2021 compared to the depth chart from 2020:
(2020)  WR1: Breshad Perriman     SLWR: Jamison Crowder     WR2: Denzel Mims
            Vyncint Smith              Braxton Berrios            Jeff Smith
(2021)  WR1: Corey Davis          SLWR: Elijah Moore         WR2: Denzel Mims
Keelan Cole                Jamison Crowder          Braxton Berrios
Notice the difference? The Jets have done a great job, not only at improving the quality of the starters, but making sure there is depth. As mentioned before, injuries have been a problem for multiple players in the receiving core, so having guys who can step in will be huge. Wilson will love this new receiving core, and Jets’ fans hopefully will come to love it as well.