Jets: 3 free agents who could alter 2021 NFL Draft plans

The New York Jets now stand a decade removed from their back to back AFC title game trips. When that scrappy team, that had just knocked off the 14-2 New England Patriots a week prior, walked off Heinz Field on a cold January night in Pittsburgh, the fanbase, as well as many in the organization, truly thought they would be back. They were not. In the ten years since that night in 2011, the Jets have endured nothing but recycled coaches and bad football.

In 2021, the Jets appear (key word here) to have taken the first steps in ending this era of cellar dwelling. New head coach Robert Saleh comes over from the Bay Area after completely turning around the 49ers defense. Saleh comes with high praise from his former players and was perhaps the top name in this 2021 NFL head coaching cycle.

Time for the Jets to add some talent

With Saleh comes two coordinator hires that clearly outline what they are trying to do on both sides of the ball. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur (Brother of Matt!), is bringing another variation of the “Shanahan offense” that we have seen shine in many different spots around the league and run in a variety of different ways. Defensively, Jeff Ulbrich comes over from Atlanta and brings another person from that “Seattle tree” where Saleh got his start. We can make very educated assumptions on who this team will be interested in based on their coaching staff.

With a team as devoid of talent as this one, free agency and the draft is an exciting time. Fans have been running mock draft simulations since November. Here we sit, over a month away from free agency. The Jets will once again be active in March, but hope to be more effective this time around. Who are some targets that can change the way the Jets are looking at the 2021 NFL Draft in April?