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New York Jets’ 5 Biggest Draft Needs Heading Into 2015 NFL Combine

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By @GregSulik

New York Jets' 5 Biggest Draft Needs Heading Into 2015 NFL Combine

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NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports

With the 2015 NFL Combine just two weeks away, draft season is about to get into full swing. New Jets GM/head coach combo Mike Maccagnan and Todd Bowles will be looking to make an impact with their first draft, and they have plenty of needs to fill. The Jets must start rebuilding their roster, and these are their top five draft needs heading into the combine.

5. Free Safety

calvin pryor jets
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

5. Free Safety

calvin pryor jets
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets selected Calvin Pryor in the first round last year, but he is a much better fit as an in the box strong safety. The defense needs a rangy playmaker at the back who has coverage skills and can create turnovers. This is unlikely to be addressed in the first couple rounds, but look for the Jets to target a true free safety in the middle of the draft.

4. Right Tackle/Right Guard

breno giacomini willie colon jets
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

4. Right Tackle/Right Guard

breno giacomini willie colon jets
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

I listed these two together because the Jets need a new starter on the right side of the line but it remains to be seen at which position. If the team leaves Breno Giacomini at tackle, they will need a guard to replace Willie Colon. A better option would be moving Giacomini to guard, where he's a better fit, and adding a solid pass protector at tackle. Either way, the right side of the line needs an infusion of young talent.

3. Outside Linebacker

calvin pace jets
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

3. Outside Linebacker

calvin pace jets
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets finished sixth in the NFL in sacks this year, a stat made all the more impressive by the fact that they don't have an outside linebacker who really scares defenses. It is time to move on from Calvin Pace, and the team must acquire an impact speed rusher to take his place. The top of the draft is loaded with quality pass rushers, and the Jets could take one as early as the first round.

2. Cornerback

darrin walls jets
Getty Images

2. Cornerback

darrin walls jets
Getty Images

Cornerback is probably the weakest position on the team right now, and the Jets desperately need a true No. 1 corner. Bowles runs a pressure heavy defense that relies on corners to play man to man without help, much like Rex Ryan did. Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be a corner worth the No. 6 pick, so look for the Jets to target a coverage player in the second round. If they can't solve this issue, the defense will be in trouble.

1. Quarterback

geno smith jets
Getty Images

1. Quarterback

geno smith jets
Getty Images

Sometimes the NFL is very simple: teams with good quarterbacks usually win and teams with bad ones usually lose. Geno Smith is clearly not a long term starting option, leaving the Jets searching for a franchise quarterback once again. It seems unlikely they'll land Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston at this early stage, leaving the most important position as a major question mark. Until the Jets find a franchise QB, this will be their top need.

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