Fantasy football breakdown of Jets roster following free agency

NFL free agency started on March 18th, but technically does not end until the end of the season. However, after a firehose of news the first week, and another run the second week, things quiet down to a trickle. There are still big names out there, but it’s going to take some time to get them signed, sealed and delivered.

With that in mind, it’s time to take a look at where teams stand after the early rush of free agency and what it means for fantasy football. We’re going to take a look at the skill positions, breaking down what the starting lineup and reserves will look like to assess fantasy value heading into August drafts.

Today, we’re taking a look at the New York Jets. The Jets built up their offensive line by adding George Fant and Connor McGovern in free agency. While they lost Robby Anderson to the Carolina Panthers, the added Breshad Perriman to the receiving corps.

Quarterback

Starter: Sam Darnold
Backups: David Fales, Mike White

Darnold was expected to take a big step forward in his second NFL season, but finished as the 27th best fantasy quarterback in traditional fantasy and on DraftKings DFS for a second straight year. Although he did set new career highs in passing yards (3,024) and touchdowns (19), it wasn’t enough to make him a force to be reckoned with.

He’s far from being an elite quarterback, but he’s better than 27th. Even if his receiving corps is less talented in 2020, he should jump a few spots.

Running Back

Starter: Le’Veon Bell
Backups: Josh Adams, Kenneth Dixon, Trenton Cannon

Bell was supposed to make a significant impact on New York’s offense, but he had an underwhelming season in 2019 after sitting out for all of 2018. He totaled 789 rushing yards and 446 receiving yards and tallied four total touchdowns on a career-low 3.2 yards per carry.

Bell was RB17 in standard fantasy leagues after taking a year off from football, so expect him to rise into the top 15 behind a better offensive line and more reps with New York’s offense. Bell has the versatility that most top 10 running backs possess. He should prove that in his second year with the Jets.

Wide Receiver

Starters: Jamison Crowder, Quincy Enunwa, Breshad Perriman
Backups: Josh Doctson, Vyncint Smith, Braxton Berrios

Crowder is set to become New York’s top receiver with Anderson gone, and he’ll likely improve upon last year’s stats if the Jets don’t draft a wideout in the first round. He led the team in targets (122), receiving yards (833), and touchdowns (6).

Crowder ranked 34th in standard leagues and could crack the top 25 if he doesn’t get more help out wide. If he does get some assistance, he has a good chance and hovering around the mid 30’s again.

Tight End

Starter: Ryan Griffin
Backups: Chris Herndon, Danial Brown, Trevon Wesco

Griffin only caught 34 passes for 320 yards last season, but hauled in five touchdown passes. He was only second to Crowder in touchdowns receptions and tied with Anderson, but that stat was an anomaly. He caught six touchdown passes in his first five pro seasons combined. Griffin should drop from the low 20’s to 30th or higher in terms of fantasy production at his position in 2020.