USAT: Jets Wire audio clip

USAT: Jets Wire

Feb 4, 2022

It looks like Joe Douglas hit a home run with his 2021 draft class after whiffing in the 2020 draft. - New York’s rookie class looked the part this past season. Alijah Vera-Tucker was the team’s best offensive lineman. Michael Carter led Gang Green in scrimmage yards and Elijah Moore was equally as dynamic when healthy. Michael Carter II, Brandin Echols and Jason Pinnock all had their moments in the secondary. Even Zach Wilson, who got off to a rough start, made major strides under center by the end of the year. - Hamsah Nasirldeen and Jamien Sherwood struggled with injuries and Jonathan Marshall was a non-factor, but there is still time for those three to develop into contributors. - The 2021 draft class is the Jets’ foundation for the future. Wilson is the potential franchise quarterback. Carter and Moore are the dynamic skill weapons Wilson will make the most use of. Vera-Tucker is the future anchor of the offensive line. Carter, Echols and Pinnock are key parts of the secondary. - All of that sounds nice in theory, but player development is the elephant in the room entering the offseason. None of New York’s rookies can afford to stagnate in their progressions. Otherwise, potential will never be translated into production and the Jets won’t go anywhere despite the promise of 2021. - With that in mind, here is the next step for each member of Gang Green’s 2021 draft class and what they need to accomplish moving forward.

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