When the New York Jets made a blockbuster trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it brought with it a new look at their defense, but it also left them with a question: How much can they add to their secondary?
It was the most significant move the Jets had made since trading for cornerback Darrelle Revis in the offseason.
It would be a massive rebuilding project for the Jets, but if they were to make it work, they needed to address a glaring need.
The Jets were one of the most aggressive in the league in trying to upgrade their defense this offseason.
In a league that can be tough on top-tier talent, the team was able to take a few big names off the board.
New York took the biggest name in the 2017 class, defensive end Mario Edwards Jr., who was projected as a top-10 pick in the draft.
They took another player who has the potential to become a superstar, cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
The move also brought in a couple of top-flight young safeties in Leonard Floyd and Jamal Adams.
However, they did not make enough progress in their attempts to add quality defensive linemen.
And that’s not all.
They were forced to take another defensive tackle with the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, defensive tackle Jake Butt, a player who is coming off of a torn ACL that cost him his final year of eligibility in college.
They also traded away safety Jourdan Lewis, who they thought would be the answer to the Jets’ problems at the safety position.
Butt has struggled at times this season, but he has shown the ability to contribute in a number of areas.
He was the only safety on the roster who has been on the field for all but one game this season.
When he played, the Jaguars ranked 13th in total defense, third in total yards allowed, and sixth in interceptions.
The question is, is he a long-term answer?
The Jets did not add anyone to the defensive line, and it remains to be seen if they can add another defensive lineman in the coming months.
They did have a couple high-profile free agents in free agency, however.
The most notable of them is defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, who will make $8 million this season and will be a restricted free agent next offseason.
Richardson has been productive for Buffalo in his career, but is he worth the price?
The answer to that is likely no.
Richardson was a Pro Bowl selection last season, a first-team All-Pro, and had been a starter since he was a sophomore at LSU.
He should not be traded and should stay with Buffalo, but the Jets have not been able to move on from Richardson.
He could make a very good return for Buffalo, as he has the talent to compete at the position and would be an upgrade over both of their current tackles.
However, the other name to watch is safety Mike Jenkins.
He is a big-time prospect who has never played a full season of organized football.
He missed all of last season with a broken leg, and will likely have to wait for the next season to see if he will be able to return to full health.
He had a nice rookie season in 2016, recording seven interceptions and 11 pass breakups.
He has the size, strength, and instincts to be an effective secondary player in the NFL.
But Jenkins has played a few games for the Titans in 2017, but was unable to put together a full year in the rotation.
The Jets should be looking to bring Jenkins back as soon as possible.
The Jaguars are looking to add a top cornerback and a top safety, but are not likely to trade any of their other picks.
They will need to add at least one player to their defensive line to give them a quality addition, and they will likely be looking for a high-end defensive lineman.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are currently looking to trade for a cornerback.
What will they do?
(Photo: AP)The Jaguars have one of football’s deepest cornerback groups, and with cornerback Jalen Ramsey in the fold, the front office is likely looking to address the cornerback position in the next few months.
Ramsey, who turns 26 in October, is coming into his own as a player, having already recorded 15 interceptions in his first three seasons.
Ramsey has been able with his play to become one of college football’s best corners.
The next two corners who have the potential for being impact players are cornerback Jalay Jones and cornerback Jalil Brown.
Jones has spent time with the Jaguars in the past and was a second-round pick in 2017.
He’s currently ranked No. 3 in the country in the 2016 draft class, and is coming out of college.
He recorded four interceptions as a sophomore and three in his junior year, and he’s an explosive playmaker.
He might be the next player in Jacksonville who can help the team win games in 2017 and beyond.
Brown is a much younger player and