Jets among PFF’s most improved teams

Following a strong offseason, Pro Football Focus named the Jets one of the five most improved teams in the NFL.

PFF ranked the Jets third on its list. The Cleveland Browns were ranked first, followed by the New England Patriots. The Washington Football Team and the Jacksonville Jaguars came in fourth and fifth, respectively. 

Pro Football Focus cited second-overall pick Zach Wilson as one of the main reasons for the Jets’ advancement as a team. The former BYU quarterback had a Pro Football Focus passing grade of 95 in his final year of school, which was the highest ever for a college quarterback.

Wilson is also walking into a better situation than Sam Darnold did when he was drafted in 2018. The Jets seem to have their hierarchy in place for years to come with Joe Douglas as the general manager and Robert Saleh as the head coach. In addition, the Jets have a stronger supporting cast of offensive linemen and playmakers, which should help Wilson’s development.

One of those names includes wide receiver Corey Davis, who joined the Jets this offseason after four years with the Titans. He is coming off the best season of his NFL career with 65 catches for 984 yards and five touchdowns in 2020. Davis also ranked top five in yards per route run.

Another player New York brought in was rookie offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker out of USC. The Jets traded up to draft Vera-Tucker 14th overall, in part because he only allowed three sacks in three years at USC.

Finally, on the defensive side of the ball, the Jets signed edge rusher Carl Lawson. He recorded 64 total pressures last season and should do well in Saleh’s high-pressure defense.