The Jets need QB1 Justin Fields to mature this season. With the seventh pick in April’s draft, the new regime needs to bolster his protection for it the happen.
The Jets Finally get it Right
The New York Jets chairman Woody Johnson sought outside of the organization, hiring The 33rd Man to assist hiring a new GM and coach. The team nabbed Darren Moughey, a proven talent evaluator with the Denver Broncos. Then paired him with New York Jet alumni Aaron Glenn, previously defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. New York fans will rejoice when Moughey and Glenn are able to replicate Detroit’s success. The Jets implement this with bringing in high character players, improving the culture, and building through the draft instead of free agency.
Tanner Engstrand’s Playbook Will Resemble Ben Johnson’s
In Detroit, Tanner Engstrand’s responsibility as passing game coordinator was on full display in 2024. Engstrand’s creativity will give the Jets an opportunity to see if Justin Fields, Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and Braelon Allen live up to their draft pedigree. The Jets and fantasy managers alike, would be ecstatic with these lofty numbers provided by Pro Football Reference.
- 1st in total points 564 (33.2 PPG)
- 2nd in total yards 4718
- 4th in passing touchdowns (39)
- 2nd in passing YPG (263.2)
History Tends to Repeat Itself
Justin Fields transferred to Ohio State in 2019. At the same time Garrett Wilson stepped on stage as a freshman, per Pro Football Reference. The two connected immediately with 30 receptions, 432 yards, averaging 14.4 yards per target (YPT), and Wilson earned 13.1 percent of Justin Fields passing offense as a true freshman. Next the duo improved their connection in a shortened season due to Covid-19, in 2020. With six fewer games improving to 43 receptions, 723 yards 16.8 YPT, and 34.4 percent of the Fields’ passing offense. This is extraordinary due to Chris Olave, Jameson Williams, and Jaxson Smith-Njigba were all competing for targets that season.
Justin Fields produced a top ten season in fantasy, during his sophomore year in Chicago. Fields ranked 7th overall in fantasy points at QB in 2022. That same year Fields also supported Cole Kmet to a top ten finish (7th) among all tight ends. Then in 2023 elevating DJ Moore to his highest fantasy output ever at 6th among wide receivers.
Fields, currently ranked behind Bryce Young, Dak Prescott, Sheduer Sanders, and Tua Tagovailoa in KeepTradeCut superflex dynasty formats. The rushing floor Justin has showcased clearly has him in front of these players. Everyone needs to be acquiring Fields in all formats prior to the draft. If the Jets don’t take a QB you’ll wish you traded for him, with his ascending ADP making him unattainable.
Garrett Wilson Remains a Target Machine for Jets
At the top of the article, we talked about Wilson and Fields being reunited in New York. This bodes well for Wilson who earned 469 targets, has 1,000 yards receiving each year, and has never missed a game during his three-year career. He is ranked WR12 under FantasyPros Dynasty ECR and has room to move up to WR7. These wide receivers ranked below have a path less fantasy production in 2025.
- Puka Nacua has the addition of Davante Adams and missed 6 games due to injury in 2024.
- Nico Collins has played 51 of 68 games in his career and two seasons sub 500 yards.
- A.J. Brown will have the target competition of Devonta Smith is a rush heavy offense.
- Jaxson Smith-Njigba earned over 100 targets and 1,000 yards once in his career.
- Drake London has eclipsed 1,000 yards and 150 plus targets one time in three years.
Garrett Wilson will earn 150 targets next year. Fantasy managers look to players with opportunities; more opportunities lead to fantasy success. Wilson’s offense under Tanner Engstrand will yield more quality targets in an increasingly efficient way.
Sean Payton’s Roots Run Deep
Sean Payton’s legacy is now a part of the Jets. The new Head Coach, Aaron Glenn was a part of Payton’s staff in New Orleans. Again, as the DC under Dan Campbell in Detroit, also a disciple of Sean Payton. Glenn strengthens those roots by awarding Tanner Engstrand the OC job in New York. It’s safe to assume the Jets backfield will resemble a two headed beast with emphasis on getting the ball out fast. History tells us the use of two backs is a part of the gameplan.
In past seasons we saw Ingram and Kamara produce as RB1(2017) in the system. Most recently, Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs (2023/2024), in spite of David Montgomery missing four games both years. Now, we have Breece Hall leading the way for “Gang Green”. Meanwhile, teammate Braelon Allen could prove to be more than a handcuff for fantasy mangers.
Braelon Allen’s Value is Being Overlooked
FantasyPros currently has Breece Hall as RB6 in dynasty formats. In contrast to Braelon Allen, ranked as RB51. Here are notable rankings from Sean Payton’s offensive scheme with two starting running backs. (Half-point PPR)
- 2017 Mark Ingram (6th) Alvin Kamara (3rd)
- 2023 David Montgomery 14 games (13th) Jahmyr Gibbs (10th)
- 2024 David Montgomery 14 games (18th) Jahmyr Gibbs (1st)
Jets Temp Check in Your League’s
Emphasize looking to acquire Braelon Allen for his cost of RB51 as a throw in or ancillary piece. We’ll hold Breece Hall, due to Halls price in the dynasty community or sell if your team is more than one year away from a championship.
This brings me to the price points on all of these players. The consensus is low, and we should be trying to acquire Fields, Wilson, Hall, and Allen while we can. More specifically Fields and Wilson could be the best QB/WR stack of 2025 and beyond.
Perhaps you didn’t get a chance to convince a league mate to make a deal. You’re in luck as the draft offers another chance at a dip in value to acquire Fields and Wilson. The Jets could add another pass catching playmaker like Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland, Harold Fannin, Mason Taylor, or Eli Arroyo. Again, looking to the past with Brees, Ingram, Kamara, Graham, and Thomas. Or more recently with Goff, St. Brown, LaPorta, Montgomery, and Gibbs.
