7 Jets poised for breakout seasons in 2022
Potential and promise are two words that sum up the Jets’ possibilities in 2022.
The team is chock-full of young talent across the roster but lacks clear-cut superstars. That could change this upcoming season, however, if the right players develop and are healthy enough to put together career years.
Here are seven Jets who are poised for a breakout season.
QB Zach Wilson
(Wilfredo Lee-AP)
Wilson has all the tools and weapons at his disposal to improve immensely in his second season. The Jets added WR Garrett Wilson, RB Breece Hall and TEs C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin. An upgraded offensive line and defensive unit should help, too. Wilson doesn’t need to be Patrick Mahomes for this to be a breakout season, but it wll be a massive disappointment if he doesn’t dramatically improve in 2022.
WR Elijah Moore
(Frank Franklin II-AP)
Moore was on pace for 66 receptions and 831 receiving yards during his rookie season before injuries derailed him. But with another offseason to improve and no Jamison Crowder ahead of him on the depth chart, Moore should be in line for a massive target share if he stays healthy.
RB Breece Hall
(David Becker/Getty Images)
If Hall gets at least half of the carries alongside Michael Carter, he could become an immediate contributor on offense. But temper expectations: the last Shanhan-style offense running back to eclipse 800 rushing yards was Carlos Hyde for the 49ers in 2017. The last to eclipse 1,000 yards was Devonta Freeman for the Falcons in 2016.
LB Quincy Williams
(Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Williams proved he can be an NFL starting linebacker in 2021 and his snap share rose dramatically when he took over the starting job in Week 10. He averaged almost nine combined tackles during the final eight games of the season and could flirt with 100 combined tackles if he continues to play at such a high level in 2022.
DE Carl Lawson
(Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports)
Lawson is chomping at the bit to get back onto the field and wreak havoc on opposing offenses. If he’s fully healthy, Lawson has a good shot to reach an 8-10 sack threshold in Jeff Ulbrich’s defense. He’s the Jets’ clear-cut No. 1 edge rusher in a defense that loves to attack the quarterback.
DL Quinnen Williams
(Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Jets have been waiting for Quinnen Williams’ breakout season ever since they drafted him third overall in 2019. It could finally come this season. The defensive line should be the deepest it’s been since Williams entered the league and a better secondary should help his work in the trenches. Another year in the Ulbrich system shouldn’t be discounted, either.
TE C.J. Uzomah
(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Tight ends have been underutilized on the Jets for a long time, but that could change this season. Uzomah put up career-bests last season on a Bengals team with three star receivers and running back Joe Mixon. Now he joins a Jets offense with a lot of skill position players but no clear-cut option. Mike LaFleur’s offense needs a great pass-catching tight end, too. George Kittle thrived in a similar offense in San Francisco.
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