New York Jets

Top 25 Bold Predictions For New York Jets In 2016

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The New York Jets are ready to continue their momentum they built from last year. Here are the top 25 bold predictions for Gang Green heading into the upcoming season.

Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA;New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws the ball in the 1st half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

It is with great pleasure after months of waiting to finally be able to say football is back! The upcoming season will once again be a memorable one, whether you root for the New York Jets or not. It seems lately that football brings everyone together for all the right reasons, especially if you root for a team that is ready to do their best to make some serious noise in 2016 like the Jets.

After a rather interesting offseason, the Jets have finalized their 53-man roster and are ready to welcome the Cincinnati Bengals to MetLife Stadium to kick off the new season. It should be a great test for the Jets to see if they can keep up with one of the top teams in the NFL.

In 2016, the Jets are facing a brutal schedule that can set the tone for the entire season depending on how they start off. While they’ve revamped their defense, added more weapons on offense, and are ready to finally have a presence on special teams, the Jets will look to keep up the momentum of last season.

In 2015, the Jets ended the year at 10-6 with a “win and get in” NFL Playoff scenario in their season finale against the Buffalo Bills. The Jets lost that game but make no mistake about it, they fought hard last year under a new head coach and this time around will want to go the distance as this team is built to win now.

Without further ado, here are top 25 bold predictions for the Jets heading into the upcoming season.

Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Aerial view of MetLife stadium at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

25. MetLife Stadium will be booming

There is something very special about heading into a new season after a 10-6 record just a year ago. Hope is in the air that the Jets will once again be a surprise team in 2016. They have the talent and a leadership regime entering their second year together that can get the job done yet again.

MetLife Stadium is a bit unique as it’s shared by both the Jets and New York Giants. It’s safe to say that while fans of Big Blue root in their own unique way, Jets fans really know how to tear the house down.

Jets fans are some of the most faithful fans in the NFL as it’s been a very long time since they got to enjoy a ticker tape parade. Yeah, it’s been over 40 years but every season, Jets fans know there is always a chance at hoisting a Super Bowl trophy.

Expect to see MetLife Stadium be booming at each and every home game. Fans know this team is led by quality coaches, players that are hungry for more, and fans that will root for this team until the very end. Talk about a great home field advantage when facing their AFC Rivals at East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Aug 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Rashad Ross (19) scores a touchdown as New York Jets cornerback Marcus Williams (20) defends during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

24. Cornerback Marcus Williams will continue doing well

Last season, cornerback Marcus Williams put up the best season of his career. In 2015, Williams totaled 15 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 10 passes defended, and 6 interceptions.

Not only did Williams lead the Jets’ defense in interceptions, but he proved that he could be as effective as anyone else on the depth chart. He had one more interception than cornerback Darrelle Revis which speaks volumes to his unique skill-set.

Unfortunately, Williams won’t be seeing a ton of starting reps right off the bat but the good news is, he gives the Jets quality depth they’ll need throughout the season. It’s important since Williams has plenty of experience and can step right in and take care of business.

Expect to see Williams make the most of his opportunities every chance he can get. His ability to make big plays out of nowhere will be a great dimension to have when he comes in to spell relief.

Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) chases Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 22-17. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

23. Defensive line will terrorize quarterbacks

The defensive line of the Jets will absolutely be a force to reckon with in 2016. Featuring star defensive ends in Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson, they will terrorize quarterbacks early and often.

With defensive tackle Steve McLendon filling the void of Damon Harrison who left via free agency to the Giants, he won’t miss a beat next to his new teammates. While Harrison will always be known for his run-stopping abilities, McLendon will soon make a name for himself thanks to the top talent around him.

The Jets will win football games thanks to the strength of their defensive line. With Wilkerson finally getting his well-deserved contract extension to Richardson playing for his next big contract, expect to see a whole lot of sacks from this dynamic duo.

The Jets’ defensive line is ready to add a plethora of highlights all season long as they will play some terrific defense in 2016. Keep an eye on these three players as they will set the tone for a stout defense that will be very hard for opponents to prepare against.

22. Offensive line will need time to be cohesive

Unfortunately for the Jets, their offensive line has a huge question mark over it. With aging veterans and a few new faces, it is easily one of their weaknesses heading into 2016.

It won’t be easy but expect to see some hiccups early on as the Jets’ offensive line will need a few games into the regular season to be cohesive. The Jets will more than likely launch a potent rushing attack and will need their offensive line to establish running lanes for it to all come together.

It’ll take time but provided everyone stays healthy and can play together, it should eventually pan out. Just don’t expect this unit to resemble anything close to the offensive line of the Dallas Cowboys as they’re far from it.

The Jets better hope they don’t face any serious injuries to veterans like center Nick Mangold, James Carpenter, or Ryan Clady. Otherwise, it could be a long season without a cohesive and consistent offensive line.

Aug 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles on looks on against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

21. Head coach Todd Bowles will know how to better adjust

One area of opportunity for head coach Todd Bowles last season was making the right adjustments come halftime. Too many times, when the Jets needed to adjust strategies or personnel, they dropped the ball big time.

Even head coaches entering their first year in position can also make rookie mistakes. It takes some time and experience to master key adjustments during critical points of a football game.

Bowles is a very intelligent head coach that undoubtedly learned a thing or two about this last year. Expect to see him make the right calls, throw the challenge flag when it’s appropriate, and above all else know how to substitute the right players to make the Jets competitive.

Expect Bowles to not only continue in his humble ways but also have a keen idea on what needs to happen next to ensure victory. It’s important as his decisions will weigh heavily on how efficient the Jets are in adjustments to put them in a position to be a step ahead of their opponents.

May 25, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterbacks Bryce Petty (9), Christian Hackenberg (5) and Geno Smith (7) during OTA at Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

20. The young quarterbacks will continue to grow

The Jets knew they had to do whatever it took to bring back quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for 2016. He set franchise records, brought a keen veteran presence to the position, and won over the locker room.

It’s not easy to do, especially in the city that never sleeps. Whether you rooted for him to get his one-year/$12M contract or wanted the Jets to go in a different direction, his value is priceless when it comes to his ability to develop the young quarterbacks around him.

Fitzpatrick will have a hand in the development of all three quarterbacks in Geno Smith, Bryce Petty, and Christian Hackenberg. They will only grow and become better thanks to his mentoring, coaching, and provided he stays healthy, can enable them to watch him do what he does best.

Whether all three quarterbacks stick around for the long haul, Fitzpatrick is crucial to all their development. He won’t be around forever but at least for now, he’s going to help them every step of the way this season.

Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to pass against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

19. Phone calls for a quarterback will be coming

Even right before the start of the regular season, anything can happen in the NFL. From Tony Romo being out for the Cowboys to the unfortunate injury suffered by Teddy Bridgewater in practice, it causes lots of crazy things to happen.

Now with Mark Sanchez as a backup on the Cowboys and the Vikings trading to land Sam Bradford, it goes to show just how important the quarterback position is. As the season progresses and even more bizarre situations occur, expect the Jets to get some calls about what it will take to pry one of their quarterbacks away.

The Jets wisely kept all four of their quarterbacks on the active roster to hopefully land a franchise player for the future. It’s hard to tell which quarterback it will be but at least for now, the Jets are cultivating a culture to have one ready to step up and possibly start down the road.

Hopefully, the Jets stick with the plan and if not, they make a transaction that tremendously benefits letting go one of one of their quarterbacks to improve the team as a whole.

18. Cornerback Buster Skrine will be just fine at cornerback

Defensive back Buster Skrine made an interesting position change this offseason. Before he was acquired by the Jets last offseason, he had experience playing cornerback and safety with the Cleveland Browns.

Skrine did well last year with the Jets as he totaled 44 tackles, six passes defended, and an interception. He literally played every defensive back position on the field last year with the Jets as it made sense to make him the starting cornerback alongside Revis.

With a solid skill-set, he’ll be just fine taking on being a full-time cornerback in 2016. He won’t miss a beat and should compliment Revis very well.

As the Jets prepare to face a tough slate of opponents, it will come down to how well their defensive secondary plays in the grand scheme of things. As far as Skrine is concerned, he’ll be ready to go in his new permanent role.

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker David Harris (52) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

17. Linebacker David Harris will continue his domination

Linebacker David Harris is not only a leader on defense but he backs everything up where it matters most, on the gridiron. So far in his nine-year career with the Jets, Harris has totaled 646 tackles, 34.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, and six interceptions.

As a pure tackling machine, Harris will continue his domination for the Jets. With an improved pass rush, not only will Harris be a force to reckon with, but he will have a hand in developing the new rookies around him towards greatness.

Harris will be mentoring both rookie linebackers, Darron Lee and Jordan Jenkins, towards ushering the next era at the position for the next decade or so. It’s a great situation for these rookies to be in considering Harris has another two to three years left before he hangs his cleats up.

Keep an eye on Harris as he returns from his bruised shoulder injury. Not only is there nothing to worry about but once he’s back on the football field, will pick up exactly where he left off from last year. They don’t call him “Hitman” for nothing.

Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA;New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) hands the ball off to New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) in the 1st half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

16. Running back Bilal Powell will be huge if he stays healthy

Last season, it’s easy to say that running back Bilal Powell had a major hand in keeping the playoff hopes of the Jets alive. He got red-hot during the last quarter of the season and had he been healthy, could have been a difference-maker in that season finale loss tot he Bills that kept the Jets out of the playoffs.

If he can stay healthy, Powell will undoubtedly be huge on offense for the Jets as he brings an incredible dimension every single time he’s on the field. Last year, Powell totaled 313 rushing yards, 70 rushes, and a touchdown.

As a receiving option, Powell totaled 388 receiving yards, 47 receptions, and two touchdowns. When it mattered most, especially on key third down conversions, Powell always kept those chains moving.

Expect to see major results out of Powell as he’s going to have a huge season for the Jets, provided of course if he can stay healthy and on the field. One can only imagine how the course of the season last year could have been with Powell in the lineup.

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tackle Ryan Clady (78) prepares to block in the second quarter of the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

15. Offensive tackle Ryan Clady will be just fine

When the Jets acquired offensive tackle, Ryan Clady, this offseason, many wondered if it was a good move or not. Not only would Clady be replacing an ironman on the Jets’ offensive line in D’Brickashaw Ferguson, but it’s a risky move considering that he has a rep of always being injured and missing playing time.

Early reports say Clady has done well preparing for the upcoming season and could be a viable replacement. Of course, it remains to be seen but there is always something special about a player entering their first year with a new team.

Expect to see Clady do well in his first season with the Jets as he’s ready to prove his worth on his new stomping grounds. Clady has the skill-set to be an anchor on the Jets’ offensive line as his ability to consistently get the job done will be crucial for a successful offense.

Clady might have been down in the past but isn’t forgotten as he will rise to the occasion in 2016. Especially on an offensive line that will need time to get into a consistent rhythm.

Aug 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones (31) rushes the ball as New York Jets outside linebacker Darron Lee (50) looks on during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

14. Linebacker Darron Lee will be a difference-maker

The Jets knew if they wanted to push the envelope this upcoming season, they needed to upgrade their pass rush tremendously. Their linebacker corps of last year didn’t do a consistently good enough job to bring pressure against quarterbacks.

As always, defense wins championships as the Jets know the formula to success is to be able to rush quarterbacks into making bad decisions. It’s a blueprint that came to fruition from Super Bowl 50 as the stout defense of the Denver Broncos stopped one of the top offenses in the NFL, the Carolina Panthers, from dabbing in the end zone.

Rookie linebacker Darron Lee brings with him an impressive resume to the Jets’ defense. In his collegiate career at Ohio State, Lee totaled 146 tackles, 11.0 sacks, five passes defended, and three interceptions.

Known for his speed and being a natural born play-maker, Lee will be a difference-maker on the Jets in his rookie season. He’ll be eased in slowly but once he gets acclimated to life in the NFL, will make the most out of the opportunities presented before him.

Aug 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (81) gains yards during the first half of the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

13. Wide receiver Quincy Enunwa will be Mr. Utility

Wide receiver Quincy Enunwa will be entering a glorious position in 2016. Not only is he heading into his third season with the Jets, but is ready to make some serious noise once the football is in his hands.

Jets fans might as well call him “Mr. Utility” as he will have many roles on offense. From the No. 3 wide receiver on the team to being a fill-in tight end on certain formations, Enunwa will be lighting up the scoreboard heavily for the Jets.

Last season, Enunwa made a name for himself by being able to come through in clutch situations and make big plays when the Jets needed it. Despite dealing with a concussion injury he suffered in the preseason, Enunwa is ready to have a big impact in 2016.

Expect Enunwa to total his best season yet as it’s common knowledge the third year that players are in the NFL, they show their overall potential. Keep an eye on Enunwa once he’s on the football field since opposing defenses won’t have any answers for him.

Aug 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Jalin Marshall (89) catches a pass in front of Washington Redskins cornerback Mariel Cooper (32) in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

12. Wide receiver Jalin Marshall will enjoy huge season

All throughout the preseason, wide receiver Jalin Marshall has been the hot topic of conversation due to everything he brings to the table. His speed, ability to extends plays, and his determination due to be undrafted all are a recipe for major success.

The Jets wisely kept Marshall on their final roster since they know, he’s truly going to be something special not just this season but for many years to come. It’s hard to believe he went undrafted but general manager Mike Maccagnan knows talent when he sees it.

Marshall will undoubtedly enjoy a huge season with the Jets. Not only will he be a versatile threat on offense, he could finally give the Jets that deep receiving presence they desperately need.

With all the attributes of being a star on the Jets, he will be the next big name to hit the NFL. Once he starts proving his worth during the regular season, he will be a human highlight machine.

Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) rushes the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter of the preseason game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

11. Running back Matt Forte will thrive in 2016

Running back Matt Forte spent the past eight seasons with the Chicago Bears. When they informed him that they wouldn’t be re-signing him this offseason, it undoubtedly sparked him to play with a huge chip on his shoulder on a new team.

In such scenarios with players, especially those that are savvy veterans like Forte, it bodes well for the new team they’re on. Luckily for the Jets, they got a true workhorse that is ready to silence all his critics.

So far in his prolific career, Forte has totaled 8,602 rushing yards, 2,035 rushes, and 45 touchdowns. Don’t let his time spent rehabbing a hamstring injury this offseason fool you, Forte will be ready to go this season and put on quite the performance week in, week out.

Forte will thrive in his first year with the Jets and will prove why the Bears made a terrible mistake letting him go. He easily has some gas left in the tank and will ensure the Jets are going to launch an intricate offense thanks to everything he brings to the table.

Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker Keenan Robinson (57) trying to tackle New York Jets wide receiver Jalin Marshall (89) in the 1st half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

10. Special teams will finally be formidable

Last year, the special teams unit of the Jets was easily one of the worst in the NFL. Not only did they fail to score a single touchdown on special teams, but they couldn’t tackle the opposition at all.

The field positioning battle easily went in favor of their opponents as the Jets couldn’t get anything right on special teams. It was so bad, the Jets had to fire special teams coordinator Bobby April and his staff this offseason.

Now with new special teams coordinator Brant Boyer leading the way, all throughout the preseason, the Jets’ special teams has looked solid. Their kicking, punting, tackling, and even kickoff/punt return specialists have all been impressive.

It will be a great sight to see that the special teams unit of the Jets will finally be formidable for a change. They will easily win a few more games in 2016 thanks to much better field positioning and also being able to pin their opponents deep in their own territory to set things up nicely on defense. It’s a recipe that will bring some pretty nice results once they click on all cylinders.

Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) warms up before a preseason game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

9. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick won’t play all season long

Despite paying top dollar to acquire his services for at least another season, Fitzpatrick will more than likely not play every single game in 2016. Whether he has a decline in play or gets injured, the Jets mostly paid for his veteran influence on those around him.

With a brutal slate of opponents early on, it won’t be a walk in the park like it was last season for Fitzpatrick. While he did set a franchise record 31 touchdowns last season, it was mostly thanks to his familiarity with offensive coordinator Chan Gailey’s playbook and a plethora of top talent around him.

Fitzpatrick is as tough as they get but to expect him to put up similar results like last year just isn’t realistic. Considering he missed some time last season due to a thumb injury, shows that the Jets will more than likely have to depend on a certain backup quarterback at some point in 2016.

Whether he’s under center or on the sideline helping those around him, Fitzpatrick was brought in to serve as a bridge gap quarterback for the young quarterbacks around him. Hopefully, he’ll continue his momentum and remember to slide in the face of danger this time around.

8. Quarterback Geno Smith will eventually get a shot

Whether you cheered for him or booed him, Smith at some point this season will eventually get a shot to see what he can do with easily the best supporting cast he’s ever had. Unfortunately for Smith, he was thrown to the wolves too soon and never given an opportunity to be properly coached and trained to be a good starting quarterback.

Since Smith was able to take a step back last season and put things in perspective, he had to have learned a thing or two from watching Fitzpatrick dominate the position. Should Fitzpatrick start off poorly or get injured, Smith is easily the next best option to run the Jets’ offense efficiently.

It would be his last shot at glory considering it is the final year of his rookie contract. Perhaps he’ll do well or he will show that he simply isn’t a good starting quarterback if he still can’t get the job done with such offensive weapons in his arsenal.

Either way, the Jets need to know once and for all whether he’s worth keeping around or not. Whether it’s due to Fitzpatrick or even playing in garbage time, the Jets will give him an opportunity at some point to see what he’s capable of.

Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) catches a game-winning touchdown pass from New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) (not shown) during overtime at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Patriots 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

7. Wide receiver Eric Decker will continue to be underrated

With all eyes usually on his partner in crime, wide receiver Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker will continue to once again be underrated in 2016. It’s no secret that when the Jets originally acquired Decker via free agency in 2014, he was brought in to be a No. 1 wide receiver on offense.

Unfortunately, that’s not the role Decker thrives in. While he did put up a decent first year with the Jets, it wasn’t until Marshall was in the mix that he really proved his worth. Decker is naturally a No. 2 slot kind of receiving option that can cause some serious damage working his way through defensive mismatches and opportunities.

In this role last season, Decker flourished and totaled some major results. In 2015, Decker totaled 1,027 receiving yards, 80 receptions, and 12 touchdowns. He even had a nice streak going on of at least scoring one touchdown per game during the regular season.

Decker continues to be a great part of the Jets both on and off the field. Decker might continue to slip under the radar but his contributions are incredibly important on the Jets’ offense for 2016.

Aug 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) looks on from the sidelines against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

5. Cornerback Darrelle Revis will silence all his critics

Last season, something seemed a bit off with cornerback Darrelle Revis. Whether it’s due to him getting up there in age or the fact that he could be on the decline for continuing to be a true shut-down cornerback, Revis will be just fine in 2016.

Revis had wrist surgery this offseason to help with the nagging injury that preventing him from doing what he does best. Now that he’s all patched up and ready to deliver, expect to see “Revis Island” not only open for business but promising all top receivers an unpleasant stay upon visit.

There is no reason for Revis to have to change positions to a safety or be delegated into some kind of backup role. He’s still one of the best cornerbacks playing today and will prove it to the masses in his eighth year with the Jets.

Revis will be back to his usual self of being able to keep up with any receiving target coming his way. This will be another season where he not only proves he’s still elite but also that last year doesn’t mean he’s slowing down anytime soon.

Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) runs past Tennessee Titans cornerback B.W. Webb (38) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Titans 30-8. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

4. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall set for monster year

Last season with the Jets, Marshall had a year worthy of being in the record books. In 2015, Marshall totaled 1,502 receiving yards, 109 receptions, 13.8 yards per receptions, and a career-high 14 touchdowns.

Needless to say, it was a huge year for Marshall and the impact he had on the Jets. Marshall proved that at the age of 32-years-old, anything is possible when you put mind over matter.

Expect to see 2016 yield even bigger results, no matter who is under center for the Jets. Marshall knows that he’s entering the final few years of his prolific career and will want to make sure he gives it his all until the very end.

Could Marshall total even bigger numbers in his second year with the Jets? If you’re a betting person, it’s a safe bet to make since we haven’t seen anything yet. Expect Marshall to put up a season only to be labeled as greatness.

Sep 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Jets outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (55) during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

3. Linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin will be unstoppable

In his rookie season with the Jets, linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin had an impressive year. In 2015, Mauldin totaled seven tackles, four sacks, and a fumble recovery.

There is a lot of faith being put in Mauldin by the Jets to deliver some big results this upcoming season. Not only has Mauldin earned a starting spot at outside linebacker, but this will be an unstoppable year for him as he continues to show what he’s made of.

Expect to see a huge step forward for Mauldin as he has the speed, aggression, and high football IQ to add an incredible dimension to the Jets’ pass rush. At 6’4 and 256 pounds, Mauldin has the size and skill-set to be the next big thing on defense.

Mauldin leads a revamped linebacker corps that will wreak havoc against the opposition with how much consistent pressure they will bring to anyone holding the football. Mauldin will easily do his part and then some en route to a monster season.

Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets punter Lac Edwards (4) punts the ball against the New York Giants during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Giants won 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

2. Lachlan Edwards will be one famous punter

Punter Lachlan Edwards will probably go down as one of the most famous punters to ever play for the city that never sleeps. In case you haven’t heard, Edwards has been impressive all offseason long and especially in the preseason.

In what can only be described as having a “booming” leg, Edwards has a knack at pinning opponents deep in their own territory when he has to punt. While it might not seem important to many, imagine what the Jets’ defense can do if they are inside the five-yard line in enemy territory consistently?

The results will be huge and can make the Jets be a very successful team in 2016 with a top notch punter capable of giving them great field positioning. Edwards is easily going to be an x-factor for the Jets and yes, it’ll be thanks to his superb punting.

Expect to see Edwards rise to stardom and make punters all across the globe be inspired that they can get love and appreciation too for being the best at the position. Keep an eye on Edwards as he’ll surely make a name for himself one punt at a time.

Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; A general view of a New York Jets helmet and an NFL football during the game between the Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

1. Jets will make NFL Playoffs

By now we all know that the Jets have an absolutely brutal schedule that awaits them in 2016. With facing teams like the Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Arizona Cardinals, it’s safe to say the Jets will have a fighting chance thanks to all the solid talent across the team.

While most analysts don’t see the Jets doing much this season, it should be noted that the “Any Given Sunday” mentality should be used in 2016. One never knows what can happen on a team, even if they don’t have the perfect situation in place at quarterback or are expecting a whole lot from their rookies they just drafted.

One thing is for sure, this team has everything it needs to succeed, no matter what team they are scheduled to face. They have an identity and a great mixture of youth and veterans ready to put up another big season for the Jets. Their leadership regime is there every step of the way as this team knows what is at stake.

Overall, this team is built to win now and will use all the negativity by those that think otherwise as inspiration to get the job done. Don’t forget, they almost got a ticket to the postseason last year and failed to punch it in. If they’re in a similar situation, one better believe they will have a different outcome and persevere.