As the Jets get close to training camp, I am going to examine the roster and give 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. 4: Robby Anderson
Last year’s ranking: 15
Position: WR
Age: 25
How acquired: Signed as an undrafted free agent on May 6, 2016
Years left on contract: 1
2018 Salary Cap figure: $633,334
Looking back at 2017: In his second season, Anderson became the Jets’ best offensive player. He showed he could do more than just run go routes and became a consistent player and a favorite target of quarterback Josh McCown.
Anderson led the team with 941 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns. He had 63 catches, second on the team. Anderson’s production dipped late in the season, but that could be attributed to McCown being out with a broken left hand.
Pro Football Focus ranked Anderson 44th out of the 118 receivers the site graded. He was their fourth-best receiver on deep passes. He had 12 catches of 20 yards or more.
Anderson’s speed remains his strength. It was common to see him just run by defenders last year who dared to play press coverage on him. But Anderson showed some improved route running in his second season and began to click with McCown midway through the year.
Outlook for 2018: The biggest question with Anderson has been his off-field legal issues, but those look like they are now resolved. His two arrests in the past 18 months ended with most of the charges being dismissed. He pleaded no contest to a reckless driving charge last month and received probation.
The NFL has yet to discipline Anderson or say he is cleared. With most of the charges being dismissed, Anderson could get away with no discipline from the league. If he gets anything, it would be a short suspension. It is hard to see it being more than one game for a misdemeanor.
On the field, the Jets are counting on Anderson to be their top playmaker. The Jets have some depth at wide receiver but are lacking that known No. 1 guy. If Anderson can keep his head on straight and make progress, he has shown the potential to be that guy.
Beyond the off-field arrests, Anderson must show more maturity on the field, too. He threw his helmet against the Dolphins, resulting in a penalty. He hammed it up for the TV cameras, begging for Pro Bowl votes. He pouted at times when he was not getting the ball. Anderson needs to mature to take the next step in his career.
Anderson will be a restricted free agent in 2019. It would be shocking if the Jets do not bring him back. But he might be able to entice another team to bid on him with a big season.
