With the sixth pick in the 2008 draft the Jets chose Ohio State Defensive End Vernon Gholston. This 6 foot 3 270lb. monster will definitely improve our almost non existent pass rush from last year. He's quick and still very raw in terms of football experience. He started playing his sophomore year of high school. His speed is very impressive and his strength even more so. He tied the first overall pick Jake Long with 37 reps in the bench press at the combine. I would have liked to see us get McFadden but this guy has great potential. Pace, Jenkins, Harris, Rhodes, Revis...Wow this could be pretty exciting.
The trade up to the Packers left us at the 30th pick in the first round where the Jets made a suprising move in my mind. I don't dislike the choice but I did think they would have considered Devin Thomas or another Corner. Dustin Keller is apparently the new Dallas Clark, so if thats the case, let Chris Baker cry as long as he'd like. Bubba is a pretty solid blocking TE. I think they will utilize Keller more as a special package or slot reciever, becuase he is powerful at 6 foot 2 245lbs. and has uncanny speed for that size.
Our fourth round pick addressed yet another issue on our roster at defensive back. Dwight Lowery from San Jose St. This kid is very athletic, one of the best in school history at SJS. Hopefully he can fit right in as a nickel or maybe even compliment Revis on the other side if he can get acclimated to the defense.
In the fifth round we took Tennessee QB Erik Ainge which I thought was a good pick for this low in the draft. He completed 63% of his passes last year and threw 31 TD and 10 INT in a very competitive college football conference. Very big for a QB yet scouts say he lacks creativity and mobility.
These are some of the top players we have taken, things are looking up. Maybe we can put it together this year.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
2008 Schedule Posted
The 2008-2009 NFL schedules were posted this week and the Jets' is looking more favorable than previous years. We open against the Dolphins which could be a nice confidence builder if we can get that win. With all the new guys, getting a win would be great for team morale. Week two is our biggest opponent in the Pats, but we are playing them at home. Week three Arizona who is another team struggling.
I think this schedule is a bit weaker overall and gives us a good shot at making a run. We don't have too many quality teams to face from top to bottom. In the first ten games our only formidable opponents are the Pats and the Chargers, which is a Monday Night game. The last six games is much of the same, we have all the division teams twice obviously but aside from that we play the Titans, Broncos, Niners, and Seahawks.
Things really seem to be falling into place. Then again, the NFL season is dynamic and as we all know ANYTHING can happen.
I think this schedule is a bit weaker overall and gives us a good shot at making a run. We don't have too many quality teams to face from top to bottom. In the first ten games our only formidable opponents are the Pats and the Chargers, which is a Monday Night game. The last six games is much of the same, we have all the division teams twice obviously but aside from that we play the Titans, Broncos, Niners, and Seahawks.
Things really seem to be falling into place. Then again, the NFL season is dynamic and as we all know ANYTHING can happen.
Jetties Love McFadden
In a recent press conference Jets General Manager Mike Tennenbaum commented on the so called "character issues" that some believe will plague McFadden's career. Despite these critics Tennenbaum has no hesitation in drafting the young Arkansas RB, that is of course, if he is still available.
It has been recently reported that the Oakland Raiders with the number four pick will pass on McFadden although they are in desperate need of a running game period, that amongst many other things. The Radiers are believed to have serious interest in the Ohio State pass rusher Vernon Gholston. The Jets are also interested in him if they can't get McFadden, or unless Chris Long slips, which is doubtful.
I would love to see McFadden in green. That two pronged running attack seems to an effective system these days in the NFL. Thomas Jones can be regarded as a bruiser and with McFadden's explosive lateral speed and pretty decent hands, they Jets could have a potent running game next year. I would also be very happy if we can snag Long. Pass rush is not something to overlook. Look at what the Giants did to Brady.
With all the moves made this off season, and I say this evey year but thats being a Jets fan, I really think we can contend given these acquisitions. Draft day is going to be the most exciting for me personally, we haven't had the opportunity to get young talent like this.
It has been recently reported that the Oakland Raiders with the number four pick will pass on McFadden although they are in desperate need of a running game period, that amongst many other things. The Radiers are believed to have serious interest in the Ohio State pass rusher Vernon Gholston. The Jets are also interested in him if they can't get McFadden, or unless Chris Long slips, which is doubtful.
I would love to see McFadden in green. That two pronged running attack seems to an effective system these days in the NFL. Thomas Jones can be regarded as a bruiser and with McFadden's explosive lateral speed and pretty decent hands, they Jets could have a potent running game next year. I would also be very happy if we can snag Long. Pass rush is not something to overlook. Look at what the Giants did to Brady.
With all the moves made this off season, and I say this evey year but thats being a Jets fan, I really think we can contend given these acquisitions. Draft day is going to be the most exciting for me personally, we haven't had the opportunity to get young talent like this.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Rhodes Locked Up
Questionably our most dynamic defensive player signed a five year extension this week. Strong Safety Kerry Rhodes, a former 4th round pick out of the University of Louisville signed a deal where he will receive 33.5 million dollars over the next five seasons. Aside from Coles' contract complications I was extremely glad to see the Jets take care of a young, outstanding, play maker.
Although his production lacked in comparison to the previous year, there is no denying his smarts, work ethic, and athletic ability. With the addition of Calvin Pace and addressing another defensive pass rush or cover need in the upcoming draft, the Jets will be able to mix up blitz packages and let Rhodes roam, which is where he excels most. In 2006 he had many key interceptions and forced fumbles, using his quickness and impressive size for a safety to his advantage.
Although his production lacked in comparison to the previous year, there is no denying his smarts, work ethic, and athletic ability. With the addition of Calvin Pace and addressing another defensive pass rush or cover need in the upcoming draft, the Jets will be able to mix up blitz packages and let Rhodes roam, which is where he excels most. In 2006 he had many key interceptions and forced fumbles, using his quickness and impressive size for a safety to his advantage.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
D-Rob and the Draft
The talks for trading D'wayne Robertson have died down. The Broncos were interested because he would fit their 3-4 scheme yet they remain skeptical with his injury prone knee. In other trade talks with Cincinnati that failed miserably, Robertson failed a physical and the bottom fell out of that one. Now rumor has it that the Broncos will not deal us even picks for him, but they will wait to see if the Jets cut him before the beginning of the season due to the size of his contract. Either way I think we need to get rid of him. He is a good player and can assume a starting role some where in the league, but with his health in question and the little cap room we have left it may be the best idea.
Moreover, there are new rumors circulating that the Dolphins will not use the first pick on Virgina Defensive End, Chris Long. If he were to fall that would give us a better chance at getting either Long or Vernon Gholston of Ohio State. I think w have made some strides defensively at getting a run stopper in the middle in Kris Jenkins and getting a very large pass rusher in Calvin Pace. Still I think we need more in this area. Although we do need to address the wide out and corner needs getting a talent like Long or Gholston would be ideal. Its that great pass rush that won the Giants the Superbowl this year, sadly enough.
If Mcfadden is available at six we should probably consider taking him. Running backs are hit or miss due to the high potential for injury, yet McFadden may be a talent too good for our offense to pass up.
I wouldn't give up anything to get him. Trading up would be nonsense when either way were gonna get one of the top ten players in the draft. Only way we trade D-Rob should be for the picks we traded away to get Jenkins, because we need that money to even sign the picks we draft.
Moreover, there are new rumors circulating that the Dolphins will not use the first pick on Virgina Defensive End, Chris Long. If he were to fall that would give us a better chance at getting either Long or Vernon Gholston of Ohio State. I think w have made some strides defensively at getting a run stopper in the middle in Kris Jenkins and getting a very large pass rusher in Calvin Pace. Still I think we need more in this area. Although we do need to address the wide out and corner needs getting a talent like Long or Gholston would be ideal. Its that great pass rush that won the Giants the Superbowl this year, sadly enough.
If Mcfadden is available at six we should probably consider taking him. Running backs are hit or miss due to the high potential for injury, yet McFadden may be a talent too good for our offense to pass up.
I wouldn't give up anything to get him. Trading up would be nonsense when either way were gonna get one of the top ten players in the draft. Only way we trade D-Rob should be for the picks we traded away to get Jenkins, because we need that money to even sign the picks we draft.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
More Additions, Where do we go from here?
The Jets have made some blockbuster moves early on and there hasn't been any signs of letting up. Within the last couple of weeks Tennenbaum and Mangini have done even more to address our offensive issues. We couldn't run the ball at all last year but things are looking more promising this season. We signed another great big blocking tight end in Bubba Franks. He will complement Chris Baker, another very solid blocking TE. The acquisition of Right Tackle Damien Woody from the Lions gives us even more size up front, and directly addresses the other biggest issue on our offensive line last year. Its about time we cut Anthony Clement. If that wasn't enough to ensure Thomas Jones can pound the ball the Jets also signed veteran Full Back Tony Richardson from the Minnesota Vikings. Richardson just blocked Adrian Peterson's way to a 1,400+ yard season. These signings should have a great impact on our run game and quarterback protection schemes.
Defensively the Jets have also filled some serious needs. The highly sought after Outside Line Backer Calvin Pace of the Cardinals were up there on the Jets Radar and he loved the idea of playing here. Its good to see him in green now. At 6"4, 270lbs. Pace is a monster pass rush off the edge and is expected to fit well into the 3-4 scheme and have a big year after his breakout last season in Arizona last year. There are talks circulating of Ty Law making a return to New York. If we were to fill the Free Safety or Nickelback slot with Law it might add a nice veteran voice in the huddle. Granted he's getting up there in age, but in 2005 law did have 11 int. with the Jets.
April 26-27 will decide the fate of the Jets upcoming season even further. There is already speculation that in the NFL draft the Jets would have liked to take Darren McFadden, if available, second was Vernon Gholston, and third Chris Long. Theres a very strong chance all these guys will be gone by six, in which case maybe we should trade down and address the Wide Reciever and Corner needs because the stock of those two positions is not very strong in the first 15-20 picks. Choosing one before that would be an absolute reach and we'd be shelling out lot more dough than we've already spent on signing a number six overall.
Defensively the Jets have also filled some serious needs. The highly sought after Outside Line Backer Calvin Pace of the Cardinals were up there on the Jets Radar and he loved the idea of playing here. Its good to see him in green now. At 6"4, 270lbs. Pace is a monster pass rush off the edge and is expected to fit well into the 3-4 scheme and have a big year after his breakout last season in Arizona last year. There are talks circulating of Ty Law making a return to New York. If we were to fill the Free Safety or Nickelback slot with Law it might add a nice veteran voice in the huddle. Granted he's getting up there in age, but in 2005 law did have 11 int. with the Jets.
April 26-27 will decide the fate of the Jets upcoming season even further. There is already speculation that in the NFL draft the Jets would have liked to take Darren McFadden, if available, second was Vernon Gholston, and third Chris Long. Theres a very strong chance all these guys will be gone by six, in which case maybe we should trade down and address the Wide Reciever and Corner needs because the stock of those two positions is not very strong in the first 15-20 picks. Choosing one before that would be an absolute reach and we'd be shelling out lot more dough than we've already spent on signing a number six overall.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Free Agency Frenzy
Free agency opened Friday morning and many moves have been made around he league. Suprisingly, the New York Jets are one of the big spenders thus far, and still have more to spend.
Trading for Panthers DT Kris Jenkins was a great move. With little talent available at that position aside from Shaun Rogers, who would have come a higher price, the Jets traded a third and fifth round pick for the three time pro bowler. Granted he comes with some baggage off the field as well as battled through injury, but his 6 foot 5, 335 pound frame will be a much better fit for Mangini's 3-4 scheme. Clogging up that middle will drastically improve our lack luster run defense last season.
Finally Mike Tennenbaum got serious about bringing in talent. Alan Faneca is reportedly very happy to be a Jet and now that side of the line will be Brick and Faneca with that great young anchor in Nick Mangold in the center. This will most definitely help Clemmens' blindside and vastly improve our running game, better utilizing the back Thomas Jones we invested in last year who rushed for over a 1,100 yards with an awful line last year. We've got him locked up for the rest of his career, and the already seven time pro bowler will definitely help offensive efficiency.
I really wish we didn't have to part ways with Vilma but depending on how much time he plays we'll have a second rounder next year in addition to the one this year. D'wayne Robertson is pretty much useless it this point. He's a great player, and former first round pick, but way too small to play DT in the 3-4. He should have pretty decent trade value.
Position needs- Free safety, wide receiver, linebacker, if we don't get my favorite potential pick , Ohio State's Vernon Gholston who had an amazing work out at the combine running a 4.4 40 yard dash, blazing for a pass rushing Defensive End/ Linebacker.
Trading for Panthers DT Kris Jenkins was a great move. With little talent available at that position aside from Shaun Rogers, who would have come a higher price, the Jets traded a third and fifth round pick for the three time pro bowler. Granted he comes with some baggage off the field as well as battled through injury, but his 6 foot 5, 335 pound frame will be a much better fit for Mangini's 3-4 scheme. Clogging up that middle will drastically improve our lack luster run defense last season.
Finally Mike Tennenbaum got serious about bringing in talent. Alan Faneca is reportedly very happy to be a Jet and now that side of the line will be Brick and Faneca with that great young anchor in Nick Mangold in the center. This will most definitely help Clemmens' blindside and vastly improve our running game, better utilizing the back Thomas Jones we invested in last year who rushed for over a 1,100 yards with an awful line last year. We've got him locked up for the rest of his career, and the already seven time pro bowler will definitely help offensive efficiency.
I really wish we didn't have to part ways with Vilma but depending on how much time he plays we'll have a second rounder next year in addition to the one this year. D'wayne Robertson is pretty much useless it this point. He's a great player, and former first round pick, but way too small to play DT in the 3-4. He should have pretty decent trade value.
Position needs- Free safety, wide receiver, linebacker, if we don't get my favorite potential pick , Ohio State's Vernon Gholston who had an amazing work out at the combine running a 4.4 40 yard dash, blazing for a pass rushing Defensive End/ Linebacker.
Make Some Moves
The free agent market will be heating up come March 1st and the Mangini, Tennenbaum duo need to address some real issues. Ive heard several rumors, and a few in particular that are worth commenting on.
First off, as I keep reiterating, our secondary needs some help. Now that the Patriots have no intention of re signing Asante Samuel, and the Jets have the cap room and probably the best chance personnel wise to fit Samuels needs. It helps Mangini was a coach of his back in New England. This obviously would impact the Jets defense immediately but will come at a high price.
Now that Jets are shopping Vilma there have been talks to a trade to Denver for Javon Walker. Walker is a big explosive receiver and a great threat, but at this point we've pissed off our greatest receiver in a while, in Coles, by not giving him the money he deserves. We would need another deep threat, if we had a quarterback that can get the ball there. This should be towards the bottom of the priority list in my mind. we can look to the draft for a solid receiver in the second or third round.
Now that the combine is in full swing as well this week, many Jets associates have been keeping a close eye on Vernon Gholston, Ohio State Lineman projected on most boards to go sixth overall. This kid is a monster. 37 reps in the bench press, sick speed and size. He can develop under Mangini's 3-4 scheme as a potent pass rusher, something we desperately lacked last year.
I think its important to get rid of Pennington and his cap. We've given him the chance already, he hasn't worked out. I appreciate the guys support for Clemmens and his competitive spirit, but its time to move on. There have been talks of a trade of Coles and Pennington to Kansas City for a first round pick number 4 overall. Two first rounders sounds nice to me. I would really hate to lose Coles, hes done so much for us, yet at the expense of getting Pennington out of here, absolutely. Herm Edwards would love to have a big time receiver like Coles and another body in Pennington to battle for their starting QB spot. Also two players he has closely worked with and has good relationships with as well.
First off, as I keep reiterating, our secondary needs some help. Now that the Patriots have no intention of re signing Asante Samuel, and the Jets have the cap room and probably the best chance personnel wise to fit Samuels needs. It helps Mangini was a coach of his back in New England. This obviously would impact the Jets defense immediately but will come at a high price.
Now that Jets are shopping Vilma there have been talks to a trade to Denver for Javon Walker. Walker is a big explosive receiver and a great threat, but at this point we've pissed off our greatest receiver in a while, in Coles, by not giving him the money he deserves. We would need another deep threat, if we had a quarterback that can get the ball there. This should be towards the bottom of the priority list in my mind. we can look to the draft for a solid receiver in the second or third round.
Now that the combine is in full swing as well this week, many Jets associates have been keeping a close eye on Vernon Gholston, Ohio State Lineman projected on most boards to go sixth overall. This kid is a monster. 37 reps in the bench press, sick speed and size. He can develop under Mangini's 3-4 scheme as a potent pass rusher, something we desperately lacked last year.
I think its important to get rid of Pennington and his cap. We've given him the chance already, he hasn't worked out. I appreciate the guys support for Clemmens and his competitive spirit, but its time to move on. There have been talks of a trade of Coles and Pennington to Kansas City for a first round pick number 4 overall. Two first rounders sounds nice to me. I would really hate to lose Coles, hes done so much for us, yet at the expense of getting Pennington out of here, absolutely. Herm Edwards would love to have a big time receiver like Coles and another body in Pennington to battle for their starting QB spot. Also two players he has closely worked with and has good relationships with as well.
Gang Green Die Hard Gives Insight on Off Season Improvement
Rider University undergraduate Daniel Del Guercio has bled green for as long as he can remember. He believes the Jets organization should take advantage of the free agent market and be open minded in moving talent through trade as well. He's optimistic about next season, but for Jets fans, we've grown accustomed to being let down. Let's keep out fingers crossed.
Q: "Depending on availability, who would you like to see the Jets take with the 6th pick in the draft?"
A: "If still on the board, I think Vernon Gholston would be the best bet. He played a very complex defensive scheme at a top school in the nation (Ohio State). He's unbelievably athletic and could create a lot of havoc for opposing offenses with that intense pass rush."
Q: "There has been some speculation that Coles and Pennington may head for Kansas City to reunite with coach Edwards. Would you entertain th idea of this, and why?"
A:"I'd really hate to part with Coles, but Pennington at this point is expendable. He hasn't produced and he has a large salary. The first round pick we'd get from them would be a high one, and that may make it possible for us to get McFadden and Gholston both."
Q:"The Jets have nearly 28 million dollars to spend, if we could sign one of the big name players on the market which of these would you like to sign, Asante Samuel, Terrell Suggs, or Alan Faneca?"
A: I think Faneca may be the most important addition if possible. Then we would have D'brickashaw and Faneca to protect Clemens blind side."
Q: "With the Quarterback controversy in still up in the air, who would you like to see start next opening day?"
A: "Without question Clemens. We drafted him and the second round. He needs time to develop and have a line protect him well enough to not get end up in the dirt every play."
Q: "How do you think inking Bill Callahan will improve out offense efficiency?"
A: "I think a great deal. He's been in the league for a long time, with proven success, and is an offensive specialist whereas Magini is more defensive minded. It will be a good balance."
Q:"How do you anticipate the team to finish next season?"
A:"Im going to say around .500. 7-9. Our team is still pretty young and we have potential to improve once Clemens settles in. We have plenty of young guys with a lot of talent that could be beneficial for years to come."
Q: "Depending on availability, who would you like to see the Jets take with the 6th pick in the draft?"
A: "If still on the board, I think Vernon Gholston would be the best bet. He played a very complex defensive scheme at a top school in the nation (Ohio State). He's unbelievably athletic and could create a lot of havoc for opposing offenses with that intense pass rush."
Q: "There has been some speculation that Coles and Pennington may head for Kansas City to reunite with coach Edwards. Would you entertain th idea of this, and why?"
A:"I'd really hate to part with Coles, but Pennington at this point is expendable. He hasn't produced and he has a large salary. The first round pick we'd get from them would be a high one, and that may make it possible for us to get McFadden and Gholston both."
Q:"The Jets have nearly 28 million dollars to spend, if we could sign one of the big name players on the market which of these would you like to sign, Asante Samuel, Terrell Suggs, or Alan Faneca?"
A: I think Faneca may be the most important addition if possible. Then we would have D'brickashaw and Faneca to protect Clemens blind side."
Q: "With the Quarterback controversy in still up in the air, who would you like to see start next opening day?"
A: "Without question Clemens. We drafted him and the second round. He needs time to develop and have a line protect him well enough to not get end up in the dirt every play."
Q: "How do you think inking Bill Callahan will improve out offense efficiency?"
A: "I think a great deal. He's been in the league for a long time, with proven success, and is an offensive specialist whereas Magini is more defensive minded. It will be a good balance."
Q:"How do you anticipate the team to finish next season?"
A:"Im going to say around .500. 7-9. Our team is still pretty young and we have potential to improve once Clemens settles in. We have plenty of young guys with a lot of talent that could be beneficial for years to come."
Go D.
Last year the New York Jets defense was absolutely miserable. Stopping the run is our biggest need for improvement considering we finished 29th in the league. Obviously we weren't scoring anything but field goals but its a good place to start. In looking at the free agent market, I would like to see our front office spend that astounding 28 million wisely.
Breaking down the defense we need better players in a few positions. At this point our roster is very young. Starting with the secondary, we more productivity from our free safety, corner backs.
Darelle Revis has shown great promise having an impressive rookie season lined up against the leagues top recievers. We didn't have anyone else capable enough and Revis stepped up. I see him having a breakout season. To compliment Revis there are a handful of possibilities entering free agency. Chargers CB Drayton Florence may have a chance leaving due to the fact Jammer and Cromartie are playing so well for coach Turner. Florence has the speed, youth, and cover ability to balance out the defense, thus allowing Barrett, Dyson, or Poteat to come in as a third nickle back. There have been talks of Patriots CB Asante Samuel possibly coming to New York as well. Samuel and coach Mangini had very good relationship in New England and the Pats are looking to hang onto the young talent and depth they already have in Randall Gay, and Brandon Meriweather. They may not pay Samuel the big money he's looking for. May be costly for the Jets in terms of monetary value, but no question Samuel would be an amazing improvement and instant impact player.
Towards the end of the season Jets Free Safety Abram Elam did a nice job making plays but I don't know hes capable of being that everyday starter. Another Pats free agent possibility is FS Eugene Wilson. He has the ability and experience to make him paired with Rhodes, a very dangerous tandem in the AFC.
Playing the 3-4 scheme Bob Sutton would also like to see improvement on the D-line and the line backing core. Kenyon Coleman is still young, and very able to settle in for a starting role. On the other side is DE Shaun Ellis, a Jets veteran, but getting up there in age, and lacking considerably in production with only 5 sacks last year, sadly tied for the team lead. The Jets have the 6th pick in the 08' Draft and are projected to take OSU standout DE Vernon Gholston. After seeing pictures of this absolute monster, I could see him drastically improving our run stop and pass rush, if taken. Maybe filling an OLB role a little bit in the 3-4 scheme.
It is uncertain at this point that Johnathan Vilma will return, and David Bowens played awful last year. The Jets really need some improvement in their LB core. Second round pick David Harris played so well at MLB last year he will definitely start next year. Free agents to look for here are Jags OLB Bobby McCray, a great pass rusher, Cardinals talent Carlos Dansby, although unlikely to leave AZ, and obviously the long shot being Ravens Terrell Suggs. He is the best 3-4 choice out there and is a beast pass rusher.
I'm trying to be as realistic about this as possible. I wish Madden trades were possible. It is rare unless through free agency, to see players change teams. Yet this year the Jets have ample money to spend so we can really rebuild and spend the money to improve several areas, and solidify them for years to come.
Breaking down the defense we need better players in a few positions. At this point our roster is very young. Starting with the secondary, we more productivity from our free safety, corner backs.
Darelle Revis has shown great promise having an impressive rookie season lined up against the leagues top recievers. We didn't have anyone else capable enough and Revis stepped up. I see him having a breakout season. To compliment Revis there are a handful of possibilities entering free agency. Chargers CB Drayton Florence may have a chance leaving due to the fact Jammer and Cromartie are playing so well for coach Turner. Florence has the speed, youth, and cover ability to balance out the defense, thus allowing Barrett, Dyson, or Poteat to come in as a third nickle back. There have been talks of Patriots CB Asante Samuel possibly coming to New York as well. Samuel and coach Mangini had very good relationship in New England and the Pats are looking to hang onto the young talent and depth they already have in Randall Gay, and Brandon Meriweather. They may not pay Samuel the big money he's looking for. May be costly for the Jets in terms of monetary value, but no question Samuel would be an amazing improvement and instant impact player.
Towards the end of the season Jets Free Safety Abram Elam did a nice job making plays but I don't know hes capable of being that everyday starter. Another Pats free agent possibility is FS Eugene Wilson. He has the ability and experience to make him paired with Rhodes, a very dangerous tandem in the AFC.
Playing the 3-4 scheme Bob Sutton would also like to see improvement on the D-line and the line backing core. Kenyon Coleman is still young, and very able to settle in for a starting role. On the other side is DE Shaun Ellis, a Jets veteran, but getting up there in age, and lacking considerably in production with only 5 sacks last year, sadly tied for the team lead. The Jets have the 6th pick in the 08' Draft and are projected to take OSU standout DE Vernon Gholston. After seeing pictures of this absolute monster, I could see him drastically improving our run stop and pass rush, if taken. Maybe filling an OLB role a little bit in the 3-4 scheme.
It is uncertain at this point that Johnathan Vilma will return, and David Bowens played awful last year. The Jets really need some improvement in their LB core. Second round pick David Harris played so well at MLB last year he will definitely start next year. Free agents to look for here are Jags OLB Bobby McCray, a great pass rusher, Cardinals talent Carlos Dansby, although unlikely to leave AZ, and obviously the long shot being Ravens Terrell Suggs. He is the best 3-4 choice out there and is a beast pass rusher.
I'm trying to be as realistic about this as possible. I wish Madden trades were possible. It is rare unless through free agency, to see players change teams. Yet this year the Jets have ample money to spend so we can really rebuild and spend the money to improve several areas, and solidify them for years to come.
2008 Offseason
The New York Jets disappointed fans this year with a horrible regular season performance of 4-12. After finishing with a 10-6 record last year that resulted in a playoff birth with a no running game, although "little" Leon Washington provided a great offensive spark, things looked that much more promising when we traded for Thomas Jones in the off season. 2008 was something for me to feel very confident about aside from our quarterback controversy. Unfortunately, it didn't pan out as expected. The team had many weaknesses that the organization will hopefully address in the 2008 off season.
First and foremost the offensive line is a big concern. After losing veteran guard Pete Kendall in a trade to the Redskins before the start of the season, the Jets will have a very challenging void to fill. Quality left guards are few and far between in the NFL, and with LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson not playing as well as expected for such a high pick in the 2006 Draft, the only real anchor was their much improved Center, Nick Mangold, last years second round pick out of Ohio State. Ferguson is still very young and has unlimited potential. I expect him to come out much improved after another off season to study. The work he will be doing is with newly acquired offensive assistant Bill Callahan will improve his game and confidence tremendously. Callahan is respected around the league for his offensive line specialization. Veteran Steelers Guard Alan Fanneca will be entering the free agent market, so the Jets should eagerly pursue him, to ensure solid improvement on the left side of the line, and secure a young talent for years to come.
The right side of the line features two, still very young linemen in Right Tackle Anthony Clement, and Right Guard Brandon Moore. Aside from another off season to mature and improve these linemen, I don't think I could say enough what Callahan will do for our running game, pass protection, and overall offensive potency. The collaborative effort of Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, Coach Magnini, and Offensive Assistant Coach/ Offensive Line Coach Bill Callahan should mesh very well for inevitable improvement in the 08'-09'.
Miraculously, newly acquired Thomas Jones rushed for over 1,110 yards (3rd player in Jets history to rush for 1,100 ) in 2007 with a mediocre line to be gracious. Our red zone production lacked miserably, partly Pennington's fault as well. Solidifying the line will allow Jones to stand out as the premier back hes capable of being, and protect Clemmens. A successful running game, more times than not, allows utilization of play action and open the passing game, providing a much more potent offensive attack all around.
Offensive weapons are commonly regarded as the big play makers such as Wide Receivers and Running Backs, a reasonable argument yet, considering offensive efficiency starts with the guys up front, the organization is starting in the right place. The front office has nearly 27 million in cap room, therefore a big name like Faneca should be within their reach.
Its time for GM Mike Tennenbaum to start making some moves. With ample cap room, it would be a shame to see our front office procrastinate as in previous years, and watch other teams devour the market that offers several impact players.
First and foremost the offensive line is a big concern. After losing veteran guard Pete Kendall in a trade to the Redskins before the start of the season, the Jets will have a very challenging void to fill. Quality left guards are few and far between in the NFL, and with LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson not playing as well as expected for such a high pick in the 2006 Draft, the only real anchor was their much improved Center, Nick Mangold, last years second round pick out of Ohio State. Ferguson is still very young and has unlimited potential. I expect him to come out much improved after another off season to study. The work he will be doing is with newly acquired offensive assistant Bill Callahan will improve his game and confidence tremendously. Callahan is respected around the league for his offensive line specialization. Veteran Steelers Guard Alan Fanneca will be entering the free agent market, so the Jets should eagerly pursue him, to ensure solid improvement on the left side of the line, and secure a young talent for years to come.
The right side of the line features two, still very young linemen in Right Tackle Anthony Clement, and Right Guard Brandon Moore. Aside from another off season to mature and improve these linemen, I don't think I could say enough what Callahan will do for our running game, pass protection, and overall offensive potency. The collaborative effort of Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, Coach Magnini, and Offensive Assistant Coach/ Offensive Line Coach Bill Callahan should mesh very well for inevitable improvement in the 08'-09'.
Miraculously, newly acquired Thomas Jones rushed for over 1,110 yards (3rd player in Jets history to rush for 1,100 ) in 2007 with a mediocre line to be gracious. Our red zone production lacked miserably, partly Pennington's fault as well. Solidifying the line will allow Jones to stand out as the premier back hes capable of being, and protect Clemmens. A successful running game, more times than not, allows utilization of play action and open the passing game, providing a much more potent offensive attack all around.
Offensive weapons are commonly regarded as the big play makers such as Wide Receivers and Running Backs, a reasonable argument yet, considering offensive efficiency starts with the guys up front, the organization is starting in the right place. The front office has nearly 27 million in cap room, therefore a big name like Faneca should be within their reach.
Its time for GM Mike Tennenbaum to start making some moves. With ample cap room, it would be a shame to see our front office procrastinate as in previous years, and watch other teams devour the market that offers several impact players.
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