With The First Pick
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2018 NFL Draft: Top Team Needs for the New York Jets

By Jon Dove

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 30: Head coach Todd Bowles of the New York Jets looks on during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 30, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 30: Head coach Todd Bowles of the New York Jets looks on during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 30, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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The New York Jets have already had a busy offseason and figure to address several other team needs in the 2018 NFL Draft.

It’s very obvious that the New York Jets will be using the No. 3 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft to land their franchise quarterback. They paid a high price to jump up a few spots in their trade with the Indianapolis Colts.

New York will start to feel some optimism with a potential franchise quarterback on the roster. However, the rest of the depth chart shows plenty of other holes.

The trade with the Colts left them with less draft capital, but they still have six picks in the draft. This will give them a shot to find some potential contributors in the middle and late areas of the draft.

Below are the New York Jets top team needs as we head into the 2018 NFL Draft:

1. Quarterback

The combination of Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater should give the Jets two strong bridge options. However, they need to find a new home for both Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg. Their presence on the roster will only serve as a distraction for who ever they add at pick No. 3.

New York is in an interesting spot because it’s possible they will land the third quarterback selected in the 2018 NFL Draft. This limits their options and creates a strong possibility that they don’t get their preferred target.

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2. Pass Rusher

New York has done a ton of work to address their secondary. Last year, they drafted Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye in the 1st two rounds of the draft. This offseason they handed a big-money contract to Trumaine Johnson and re-signed Morris Claiborne.

These moves came at the expensive of the front seven– especially the pass rushing department. The Jets top returning edge rushers are Lorenzo Mauldin and Jordan Jenkins. Both are solid contributors but not someone opposing offenses will fear.

3. Wide Receiver

The Jets have as many as 8 wide receivers who could contribute during the upcoming season. However, none of them have the potential to be a No. 1 target in the NFL. Robby Anderson is the most exciting of the group, but is dealing with off-field problems.

New York’s dilemma is that this year’s draft doesn’t offer a sure-fire No. 1 receiver. In fact, the Jets would likely be adding talent that’s similar to whats already on the roster. This makes it likely they avoid the receiver group come draft time.

4. Left Tackle

Kelvin Beachum is a solid contributor and has enough talent to hold down the fort. However, the Jets need to upgrade the position in the near future. This is especially true if they plan on bringing in a young signal caller.

5. Defensive End

Leonard Williams and Xavier Williams are expected to be the started defensive ends. This is a solid starting duo, but Williams might be maxed out as a player. The Jets could use some depth a this spot and someone with upside.

6. Running Back

New York is likely to role with Isaiah Crowell, Bilal Powell, Thomas Rawls and Elijah McGuire this year. This is a serviceable group that can provide some production. However, the long-term future of the position is far from settled.

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