The 2025 New York Jets may be deploying one of the most complete rosters the franchise has seen in recent years. Legitimate strengths at key position groups and a new coaching staff have the Jets primed for a different look than in years past.
Some of their units could even be some of the NFL's best, with the offensive line, linebackers and defensive line groups all predicted to be elite units for the upcoming campaign.
According to The Jet Press's Derek Praschak, one position group is holding the rest back, and it may cost them a playoff run.
With free agency all but wrapped up, rosters are mostly set around the NFL, meaning the Jets are likely going to have to look internally for production at wide receiver, with the exception of Garrett Wilson.
"It’s not that the Jets have no talent at wideout; it’s that they have almost no reliable talent." Praschak wrote. "The group is an underwhelming mix of aging veterans, late-round rookies, and unproven depth pieces. After losing Davante Adams, the Jets failed to land a real replacement, and they’re now left with one of the weakest receiving corps in the league."
Of course, Wilson is a budding superstar. Coming off his third consecutive 1,000-yard season in as many NFL seasons, Wilson is a bonafide star. Paired with his college teammate Justin Fields and an offensive coordinator in Tanner Engstrand who wants to utilize Wilson in any way possible, Wilson is practically earmarked for another 1,000-yard campaign.
Outside of Wilson, the options are bleak.
"As the name of this group suggests, you may as well flip a coin and wait for the result." Praschak wrote. "Neither Allen Lazard nor Josh Reynolds should be ridiculed as horrible NFL receivers, but they should also never be mistaken for high-end talent either."
Lazard has really struggled as a Jet. After posting 2,229 yards in five seasons in Green Bay, Lazard has hauled in just 60 catches for 841 yards and seven touchdowns in his two Jet seasons. "The fact that he's still on the roster, let alone a projected starter, is concerning." Praschak noted.
Reynolds is a big question mark. Coming off an injury-riddled 2024 season that resulted in him being released, then surviving a shooting, Reynolds' production level is up in the air.
The Jets have a pair of recent draft picks in the wings as well, 2024 third-round pick Malachi Corley and 2025 fourth-round pick Arian Smith. Neither project to have massive roles in this year's offense.
"Smith should have opportunities in designed packages to make plays in space, but it’s impossible to project his role until we see him on an NFL field." Wrote Praschak. "As for Corley, he may have disappointed last year, but the Jets were enamored with his talent for a reason. A second-year jump isn't out of the question. Realistically, a successful season for either player would be hitting the 20-catch, 300-yard mark. If they both hit that threshold, it’s a win for the Jets. But right now, there just isn’t enough evidence to expect anything definitive from either."