Jets offseason roster analysis, Part 1: Offense and special teams

Something had to change. Actually a lot had to change for the Jets after last season’s show of offensive futility and ineptitude. They scored one touchdown or fewer in nine games.

Aaron Glenn hired a new offensive coordinator (Frank Reich), quarterbacks coach (Bill Musgrave) and passing game coordinator (Seth Ryan). The quarterback room is almost completely different than last year. The Jets added more playmakers to an offense that needed it.

Here’s a closer look at their roster on offense and special teams heading into training camp in July.

QUARTERBACK

Returning: Brady Cook

Additions: Geno Smith, Bailey Zappe, Cade Klubnik (Rookie)

Evaluation: Smith is a definite upgrade from Justin Fields and will push the ball down the field. Smith is coming off a season in which he led the NFL with 17 interceptions, but the Raiders were a mess and didn’t have a No. 1 receiver. Smith threw 19 touchdown passes – five more than the Jets’ three starters combined and in two fewer games. The Jets still need a veteran backup to replace Tyrod Taylor, but they’re high on Klubnik, a fourth-round pick. His maturity, big-game experience and mettle he showed at Clemson impressed the Jets.

RUNNING BACK

Returning: Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis, Kene Nwangwu, Andrew Beck (fullback)

Additions: None

Evaluation: Hall got a three-year, $45.75 million extension and wants to be used the way other highly paid backs are. Reich said they will “emphasize” the run, but he also has featured his backs in the passing game. Hall could thrive in this offense. Allen’s return strengthens this group and the offense overall. The Jets had high expectations for Allen before he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4.

WIDE RECEIVER

Returning: Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, Isaiah Williams, Arian Smith

Additions: Omar Cooper Jr. (R), Tim Patrick

Evaluation: Wilson, who missed 10 games last season, has more playmakers around him now. The Jets think Mitchell - acquired from Indianapolis in the Sauce Gardner trade – can be a No. 2 receiver. Evaluating Mitchell in his eight games as a Jet is hard because of poor quarterback play. Wilson and Mitchell haven’t played together yet. The Jets drafted Cooper in the first round, adding a big, strong playmaker who can line up in the slot or outside. Cooper and Williams could be used a variety of ways in Reich’s offense. The savvy and experienced Patrick should find his way onto the field.

TIGHT END

Returning: Jeremy Ruckert, Mason Taylor, Jelani Woods

Additions: Kenyon Sadiq (R)

Evaluation: Taylor led the Jets in targets (65) and catches (44) as a rookie last season. Taylor and Sadiq, the No. 15 overall pick, should be heavily involved in the passing game. Sadiq’s speed and ability to create separation make him a matchup nightmare. He recently had surgery to repair a hernia, but Glenn expects him back “during training camp." The selfless Ruckert remains a big part of the run game with his blocking. Expect the Jets to use more two- and three tight-end sets with this diverse group.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Returning: Joe Tippmann, Olu Fashanu, Armand Membou, Josh Myers, Max Mitchell, Xavier Newman, Chukwuma Okorafor, Marquis Hayes, Kohl Levao

Additions: Dylan Parham, Landon Young, Anez Cooper (R)

Evaluation: The Jets are basically running it back with four-fifths of last year’s starters returning: Membou (right tackle), Tippmann (right guard), Myers (center) and Fashanu (left tackle). Parham is the new left guard, replacing John Simpson, who signed with Baltimore. The rarely penalized Parham played both guard spots and center for Las Vegas so he adds position flexibility. The Jets’ offensive line was unheralded and performed well last year. They could be even stronger this season, if their two young bookend tackles continue to grow and develop the way they have been.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Returning: Williams (returner), Nwangwu (returner), Austin McNamara (punter), Thomas Hennessy (long snapper)

Additions: Cade York (kicker), Lenny Krieg (kicker), Younghoe Koo (kicker)

Evaluation: This unit was the strongest part of last year’s team. Electric returners Williams and Nwangwu are back, along with consistently solid long snapper Hennessy and McNamara, one of the best punters last year as a rookie. The kicking spot is up for grabs after old reliable Nick Folk signed with Atlanta. The Jets brought in the veteran Koo to compete with York and Krieg for the kicking job.