The 2014 NFL Draft is just a few weeks away and as teams conduct private workouts and Pro Days conclude, draft boards across the league are being finalized and war rooms prepared. Teams have a clear idea of what their needs are and when the best time is to address them.

This will be a big draft for the New York Jets as they try and fight their way back into playoff contention next season. Rex Ryan’s job will once again be on the line and this draft could be the difference between a wildcard spot and new contract or being unemployed at season’s end.  Here are the Jets top needs heading into the draft.

Wide Receiver

The Jets have been known for their defense, but general manager John Idzik has shown a commitment to improving the team’s offense in free agency. While many would like to blame the ineptitude of their offense on rookie Geno Smith, he was put in a situation to make him fail.

Fortunately, this group should see a turnaround in 2014 thanks to some solid moves by Idzik. New York signed Eric Decker, who is coming off two straights seasons of more than 80 receptions, 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. While his numbers were inflated by Peyton Manning, he is still a strong number two wide receiver. Decker will have a chance to prove he is more than that in New York, as he steps into the role as the Jets go-to man in the passing game. They desperately needed impact players for an offense that ranked 31st in passing yards last season.

Even with the arrival of Decker, the Jets still need another top target for their starting quarterback. They picked a great time to have a need at the position, as wide receiver is deeper than it’s been in a long time. They could grab a great slot wide receiver like Brandin Cooks at 18 and fill other needs through the rest of the draft. If a player like Cooks or Mike Evans doesn’t fall to their pick, they easily can wait until the next round and land a first-round talent like Davante Adams.

Potential Fits: Brandin Cooks (1st), Davante Adams (2nd)

Tight End

No matter who starts at quarterback when the Jets take the field to open up the 2014 season, Jeff Cumberland and Zach Sudfeld just can’t be the team’s top-two tight ends. Cumberland showed flashes last year and has shown enough promise to earn a three-year deal worth nearly $6 million total, but he needs more help. The team hay be hopeful of Sudfeld’’s future, they should temper their expectations and really focus on drafting an offensive weapon early.

While this year’s tight end class isn’t overflowing with great talent, it has depth in the middle rounds and scattered talent in the first. Ebron is a top-15 prospect and has drawn comparisons to Vernon Davis, a type of player that would be a great piece to this offense. Other prospects like Jace Amaro offer less upside but can be great weapons in the slot. It all comes down to what New York is looking for at the position and how early they want to take one.

Pairing a strong receiving threat at tight end along with Decker and Kerley would give this offense more weapons to balance out their running game. New York will still be focusing on winning with defense and running the ball, but can start threatening more defenses with play-action and the passing game.

Potential Fits: Eric Ebron (1st), Austin Seferian-Jenkins (2nd)

Cornerback

The Jets’ focused their efforts in the offseason on improving their offense, which should open more possibilities for them early in the draft. Cornerback used to be a strength for New York, but has regressed after trading away Darrelle Revis last offseason and cutting ties with Antonio Cromartie.

One of their first-round selection’s last year, Dee Milliner, showed off his athleticism but lacked the basic instincts and awareness to have a positive impact as a rookie. They were also able to sign 31-year-old Dimitri Patterson, but he is better served working in the slot.

So New York will be spending a lot of time focusing on this year’s cornerback class and deciding when is the right time to strike. While there isn’t an elite cornerback prospect that warrants a top-10 pick, there are several very good players who will land right around the 18th pick.

The cornerback class is deep, giving the Jets an option to wait another round and take an undeveloped player, but Rex Ryan may not have enough time to wait. But no matter what decision is made, cornerback will be a key area to address for the Jets.

Potential Fits: Kyle Fuller (1st), Bradley Roby (2nd)

Safety

Rex Ryan was able to hold on to his job and now will be looking for pieces to give him a shot at a future contract. Ryan is a master of defense but needs to find immediate help in the secondary. New York will need to address both cornerback and safety in the draft, but it may not be as easy to find a top safety.

Due to the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl run and the play of Earl Thomas, the spotlight has turned towards safety play. More teams now want that premier safety that can make plays in coverage and help versus the run, which is pushing the value of safeties up.

New York finished third against the run last season but was underwhelming versus the pass, giving up nearly 250 yards per game. A number that could have been even higher if not for a great pass-rush featuring Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson. A strong front-seven will certainly help the secondary look better and give the safeties more chances to make plays.

Potential Fits: Calvin Pryor (1st), Deone Bucannon (2nd)