As the Jets get close to training camp, I am examining the roster and giving you my top 25 players. Each weekday, we will reveal another person on the list, leading right into camp. I am not including rookies on this list because I do not feel it is possible to fully evaluate them before they play a game.
No. 12: Jamison Crowder
Last year’s ranking: Unranked (not on team)
Position: WR
Age on Opening Day: 26
How acquired: Signed a three-year, $28.5 million contract as a free agent on March 14.
Years left on contract: 3
2019 Salary Cap figure: $6.8 million
Looking back at 2018: Crowder had his least productive season of his four years with the Redskins as he dealt with a nagging ankle injury.
Crowder missed seven games and finished the season with just 29 catches for 388 yards and two touchdowns. He also returned two punts for 20 yards. Pro Football Focus rated him 91 out of the 117 wide receivers they graded.
The Redskins’ instability at quarterback also had a negative effect on Crowder. Once Alex Smith went down with a leg injury, Washington went through several ineffective options at quarterback and it hurt the offense.
Outlook for 2019: The Jets hope that Crowder can be a huge weapon for second-year quarterback Sam Darnold. The slot receiver is a big part of Adam Gase’s offense and he has had major success through the years with players like Wes Welker, Jarvis Landry and Danny Amendola.
Crowder had an impressive spring. He is extremely quick and looked fully healthy. The combination of Crowder, Le’Veon Bell and Chris Herndon should give Darnold plenty of options in the middle of the field and create headaches for opposing defenses. Gase will create mismatches with Crowder and if he can get a linebacker on him, watch out.
Crowder returned punts in Washington and he could get a look in that unsettled role with the Jets, but they are clearly more interested in him as their starting slot receiver.