Every year, every team pins its hopes on something.
A rookie who can make an impact, maybe. Improved play from a developing quarterback, perhaps. Or, for the 2015 Jets, the return of a great secondary.
The Jets were bad enough last year to post a 4-12 record. It’s tough to have optimism after that. They needed a serious influx of talent to have a prayer of contending. And that’s just what new GM Mike Maccagnan got them at one of the game’s most important positions.
Consider the Jets’ top three cornerbacks to start the season a year ago: Darrin Walls, Antonio Allen, Kyle Wilson.