With training camp kicking off on July 18th, several questions are circling on what the Jets plan to do with star quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ supporting crew. Joe Douglas has been trying his best to fill in star players around Rodgers and improve their talent both offensively and defensively.
One of these new additions includes Mike Williams at the wide receiver slot with a backup from the draft in Malachi Corley. Either player would give Rodgers solid targets to use his arm effectively.
In addition, the Jets brought in some muscle to protect Rodgers. Star offensive lineman Tyron Smith was a great grab for the team, and the Jets also acquired John Simpson while he was in free agency and Olu Fashanu in the draft, all players that will keep Rodgers standing in the pocket for as long as possible.
While these are all great additions to the team, what else could Aaron Rodgers do to lead the Jets to a playoff run? A tight end is already locked down with Tyler Conklin coming off a career-best season and some good depth in Jeremy Rucket. Running backs (RB) are not done the same way, with Breece Hall coming off a 1,500 combined yard season he is the only non-rookie RB the Jets have. While this could be concerning, Rodgers is the active career leader in passing yards, so a run-heavy offense isn’t exactly what the Jets may be geared toward.
For possible picks, more receivers are where I would be looking. With Garrett Wilson at WR1, even with the extra additions coming at the receiver position, I think more depth is needed. Two players stick out, Courtland Sutton and Hunter Renfrow: both of them flourishing in a pass-heavy environment.
Courtland Sutton played with Russell Wilson while Wilson was deteriorating, a pass-heavy offense where he gained notoriety in his position. However, this past season he finished 44th in the league in yards but was tied 4th for touchdowns. Sutton at the WR2 would be a good addition to Rodger’s targets.
Hunter Renfrow is in the same category as Sutton, coming from a Raiders team where he used to thrive. The last two seasons were severe shortcomings, but in 2021 he finished over 1,000 yards on the season with 128 targets, ending the season by being named the Raiders’ Pro Bowl selection. With training camp starting next week, the Jets can bring Renfrow in for cheap as a WR3 option for Rodgers.
