Jets Eyeing Edge Rushers, Cornerbacks

Two positions at which the Jets may be most vulnerable, even at full strength, may not have key players in Week 1. Trumaine Johnson is dealing with a hamstring injury, and Brandon Copeland just received a four-game suspension. The Jets have been looking for cornerback help since Joe Douglas‘ tenure began, and the rookie GM said Saturday the team will seek edge-rushing contributors as well, per Ralph Vacchiano of SNY (via Twitter).

The Jets hold the No. 3 waiver priority, and Douglas confirms (via Rich Cimini of ESPN.com, on Twitter) the team will be active next weekend when teams slash their rosters from 90 players to 53. Should a trade scenario surface, Douglas said he would consider parting with valued draft capital for the right fit (Twitter link via Cimini).

Although both Copeland and Jordan Jenkins registered at least five sacks last season, with Jenkins collecting a career-high seven, the Jets are thin on the edge. Without Copeland, third-round pick Jachai Polite may be summoned for more extensive duty than initially expected to start his career. The team also has former Colts third-rounder Tarell Basham. No Jets outside linebacker has posted more than seven sacks in a season since Calvin Pace‘s 10.5 in 2013.

At corner, Johnson heads a group including holdover Darryl Roberts and UFA slot addition Brian Poole. It would be surprising if the Jets did not add at least one cornerback next weekend, via pre-final-cutdown trade or through waivers. Considering the corner and edge groups feature Mike Maccagnan investments, it’s a good bet they will look slightly different entering Week 1 compared to how they look when Douglas and Co. initially get down to 53.