(Image credit Stew Milne / USA Today Sports)
Written by: Nicholas Mullick
The 2021 NFL season was a big disappointment for the New York Jets. But while it was a disappointment I will admit it was a lot better than it was during the Adam Gase years. While I do still have concerns with Robert Saleh, I still think if he continues to evolve his coaching skills that the Jets could have a good coach. Even though there were negatives this season that the Jets need to fix in the offseason, it is best to look at some of the positives regarding the season. I will start on offense as compared to last year there were more players that impresses, Now here are the Top 5 best players on the New York Jets offense during the 2021 NFL Season.
Honorable Mentions: OL Dr. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, OL Morgan Moses, OL Connor McGovern
5. OG Alijah Vera-Tucker I was excited that the Jets drafted Vera-Tucker as the Jets desperately needed to improve their o-line, especially with the interior o-line. Vera-Tucker is who I thought was going to be but has more strengths than negatives. Vera Tucker is outstanding as a run blocker opening holes for the running game to take advantage of and was a strong lead blocker. The Jets really have something with Vera-Tucker. Now Vera-Tucker does need to work on his pass blocking skills but for now, the Jets have hit with their 1st round pick on Alijah Vera Tucker in the 2021 NFL Draft.
4. WR Elijah Moore
I can’t believe I am saying this but the Jets may have finally hit on a 2nd round draft choice for a wide receiver. Almost a big chunk of draft choices the Jets always chose a wide receiver in the 2nd round and a majority of them have flopped. But Moore might have broken that with his excellent season as he became a dangerous weapon for this offense.
Now Elijah Moore, many will say, is ranked too low on this list. Well, the reason why is that he had a slow start at the beginning of the season and he suffered injuries that took him out of games. But if Elijah Moore can keep this up then the Jets really have something in him. Joe Douglas may have finally hit on a second-round wide receiver for the Jets. Moore is a player I am excited to see play next season.
3. WR Braxton Berrios
Braxton Berrios was definitely the most improved player of the Jets offense this year. He went from a guy whose value is only playing on special teams to being a valuable part of the New York Jets offense and strengthening his value on special teams. It is amazing how Berrios is a lot better on offense when he doesn't have a so-called offensive genius in Adam Gase as the head coach. Berrios improved a lot with him running routes and catching the football. Now Berrios’s contract does expire at the end of the season and I like many kept asking GM Joe Douglas to sign Braxton Berrios no question. But apparently, Berrios is aiming for a contract worth 9 million dollars per year. Who knows if the Jets will extend him but they have the salary cap to do it. This will be a wait-and-see if they can come to a deal and I hope Berrios and the Jets can come to an agreement.
2. RB Michael Carter
Michael Carter was fantastic this season. He had a ton of production this season having 639 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, and 26 catches for 325 yards. He was strong with the utilization of his foot quickness, very aware, and has strong hands. The best part about Michal Carter is how strong of a power runner he is. This guy runs with a ton of speed and can power through to fight for the first down. He creates opportunities which is a great trait for a running back to have. The Jets really have something in Michael Carter and if he stays healthy then Joe Douglas hit on this pick and got a draft steal.
1. OT George Fant
Many people will be reading this saying that I have George Fant way too high on this list. However, you can’t deny how great of a job Fant did replacing Mekhi Becton as the blindside blocker for Zach Wilson. I looked it up and he only allowed 18 pressures at around 594 pass-blocking snaps that is just impressive in itself. Fant shined as a pass protector and was also a solid run blocker as well. I hate to say it because I love Mekhi Becton, but if he can’t get his injuries and weight in check I won't be surprised if Fant permanently becomes the blindside blocker for the Jets in the long term. I still can’t believe that he was not a part of the pro bowl this season. Then again who doesn’t want to be a part of a meaningless game of football?