I've been working on this in bits for over a week and I finally got it done. This is an evaultion of positions on the team and how the position can be upgraded if need be. Then I did a short, realistic mock-offseason. It's a little long, but we need to pass some time until free agency... So here it is: EVALUATION Quarterback Chad Pennington is fine as the starter for now and when he isn’t Kellen Clemens is our guy for the future. Some people want to cut Patrick Ramsey in favor of a late round pick, but we need a veteran QB on the roster other than our starter. What we need: Nothing When to address it: Stand pat Running Back Personally, I like Leon Washington and Cedric Houston as our main backs. Leon Washington is definitely a game breaker and reminds me of Brian Westbrook and Tiki Barber. Cedric Houston is a tough runner who runs very hard and fights for extra yardage. Kevan Barlow was a solid goal line runner, but is too slow to play a whole lot and should get cut. Derrick Blaylock has been inactive for most of the year after botching his few opportunities. What we need: A reserve to take a couple carries a game. When to address it: Preferably in free agency (not a starter) or maybe in the late rounds Fullback BJ Askew is not a true lead-blocking FB, which is what this team needs IMO. He’s a solid player though and could be kept around. James Hodgins is a solid blocker, but I didn’t see a whole lot of him. What we need: A lead blocker When to address it: Maybe a late round guy (Le’Ron McClain) or a free agent (Who?) Wide Receiver Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery form a top duo at WR. Cotchery should be locked up long term. McCariens has struggled and may very well be cut or traded. Tim Dwight is a solid reserve and wouldn’t be bad to keep around. Brad Smith is a weapon at many positions and is a great gadget player and maybe more. What we need: A tall, deep threat for depth and for the slot. When to address it: If free agency goes well, we could get a top WR as early as #25 or later on on Day 1. Otherwise, a free agent should be brought in Tight End There’s nothing wrong with Chris Baker. From what I saw, he’s a pretty decent blocker and when given the chance, a good receiver. He doesn’t drop many. The TE wasn’t utilized a whole lot this year. Sean Ryan was just a solid blocker and James Dearth earns a roster spot solely to long snap. What we need: A decent #2 TE When to address it: Late on Day 2 or free agency. NOT ANOTHER DAY 1 TE! Offensive Tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson looks to be a potential star at LT. Adrian Jones is probably as good as gone after his DUI. Anthony Clement played well and should be resigned to compete for the RT spot again. Wade Smith can play anywhere on the line and should stick. What we need: Competition at RT for Anthony Clement. When to address it: A free agent is fine, or a draft pick anywhere from #25 to the mid rounds Center Nick Mangold might have been the best draft pick the Jets have made in a while and looks like a star. Trey Teague was on IR all year, but has veteran experience and the ability to play on other areas on the line. What we need: Nothing When to address it: Stand pat Guard Pete Kendal was solid this season and should stick around. Brandon Moore was inconsistent at RG and an upgrade could be needed. What we need: a Guard for depth and to compete to start. When to address it: A young free agent acquisition would be fine or a draft pick in the early-mid rounds (Justin Blalock is an ideal selection at #37) Defensive End Shaun Ellis looks like a good fit as a DE in the 3-4. Bobby Hamilton is also a good and fit and provides good depth. Kimo Von Ohloffen fits well, but seemed to struggle a whole lot and could very well be cut. David Ball played well, but we didn’t see enough out of him. What we need: Someone to play RE and step in immediately When to address it: Since we need immediate help, a rookie might be a risk. If we find a NT, then Dewayne Robertson should be able to fit as a DE. A free agent would be ideal. Nose Tackle Dewayne Robertson adjusted to the 3-4 better as the year went on and could play NT next year if needed, although he might be a better fit outside. Sione Pouha was on IR, but has the size to play NT. If he can step up, Dewayne could play DE. Tui Alailalfelua could be a factor if he’s still around being that he’s 6-3 and about 350, but don’t count on it. What we need: A NT would be nice, but we could live Dewayne if we had to. When to address it: There are no top prospects at NT in the draft (Demarcus Tyler is trouble). If we could find a free agent to start for years, that would be great, but I don’t know if any NTs like that. A Keith Traylor type that could play for a year or two might be a solid solution for now. Outside Linebacker It took 4 seasons of being labeled a “bust,” but Bryan Thomas broke out this year and is a great fit at OLB. Victor Hobson played well and should stick around, but he may fit better at ILB. Matt Chatham is just a special team player. What we need: Depth and a pass-rushing specialist When to address it: Anywhere on Day 1. Maybe Dan Bazuin or Lamar Woodley for example would be good. They can start as situational pass rushers, but eventually play full-time. Inside Linebacker This position looks pretty good. Jonathan Vilma should succeed in the 3-4 based on his overall skills (speed, tackling) and intangibles as long as a bigger ILB is next to him. That ILB is Eric Barton. There shouldn’t be talk of cutting him. Brad Kassell is a solid situational player and special teamer. Don’t forget about Schlegal. He didn’t show much this year, but is a perfect fit. What we need: Nothing When to address it: Stand pat Cornerback Andre Dyson is a fine starter and should stick around as starter. David Barrett never seems to play too consistently and could be a cap casualty. Justin Miller seems to be nothing more than a KR (A great one though). Give him another year. Drew Coleman was OK for a 6th round pick and should stick as a dimeback or something like that. Hank Poteat played nicely and should be resigned. The CB spot opposite Dyson was harassed as none of the above 4 CBs could master the position What we need: A starting CB When to address it: It is a top need and we should either acquire a big-time free agent or use a 1st or 2nd round pick on one. Safety Kerry Rhodes was a Pro Bowler whether he got there or not. Erik Coleman is a decent player, but hasn’t played as well as he did as a rookie yet. Eric Smith is physical and good tackler. He should compete with Coleman for the SS spot. Rashad Washington is a solid player to play special teams and situationally. Is Andre Maddox still around? What we need: Nothing When to address it: Stand pat Kicker/Punter Ben Graham provides stability and is clearly a fan favorite. Mike Nugent shook of an opening game disaster in Tennessee and quietly had a fantastic season. His kickoffs need work What we need: A kickoff specialist When to address it: Hopefully wither Nugent or Graham can step up. IDEAL OFFSEASON Free Agents: - Correll Buckhalter RB, Philadelphia Eagles - Leonard Davis T/G, Arizona Cardinals - Donald Lee TE, Green Bay - Hollis Thomas, NT, New Orleans Cuts (Not resigned) - Kevan Barlow RB - Derrick Blaylock RB - BJ Askew FB - Justin McCariens WR - Sean Ryan TE - Adrian Jones OT - Kimo von Ohellofen DE - Matt Chatham LB - David Barrett CB DRAFT 1. Chris Houston CB Arkansas 2a. Justin Blalock OG/OT Texas 2b. Lamar Woodley OLB/DE Michigan 3. Brandon Myles WR West Virginia 5. Le’Ron McClain FB Alabama 6. Germaine Race RB Pittsburgh 7. David Patterson DE/DT Ohio State FIANL ROSTER QB: Chad Pennington-Kellen Clemens- Patrick Ramsey RB: Leon Washington-Cedric Houston-Correll Buckhalter-Germaine Race FB: James Hodgins-Le’Ron McClain WR: Laveranues Coles-Brad Smith-Tim Dwight WR: Jerricho Cotchery-Brandon Myles-Wallace Wright TE: Chris Baker-Donald Lee-James Dearth LT: D’Brickashaw Ferguson- Wade Smith LG: Pete Kendal- Justin Blalock C: Nick Mangold-Trey Teague RG: Brandon Moore-Justin Blalock RT: Leonard Davis-Anthony Clement DE: Shaun Ellis-Dave Ball-David Patterson NT: Hollis Thomas-Sione Pouha-Tui Alailafeluea- Dewayne Robertson DE: Dewayne Robertson- Bobby Hamilton-David Patterson OLB: Victor Hobson- Lamar Woodley ILB: Jonathan Vilma- Anthony Schlegal ILB: Eric Barton- Brad Kassell OLB: Bryan Thomas-Lamar Woodley CB: Andre Dyson- Justin Miller-Drew Coleman CB: Chris Houston- Hank Poteat FS: Kerry Rhodes- Rashad Washington SS: Eric Smith- Erik Coleman K: Mike Nugent P: Ben Graham KR: Justin Miller-Leon Washington PR: Tim Dwight- Leon Washington LS: James Dearth Thanks for reading!:up: Any praises, comments and criticism is appreciated.
Nice work!!! Very organized, keeps your attention. I would not find it ideal to sign Leonard Davis. We adressed the offensive line with two first round picks last year. I'd rather spend the money the defensive side of the ball. I also think we need to adress the running back system. Leon Washington is surely a keeper, but I'm still unsure of what his role could be. I like cedric houston, but I don't really picture him good enough to be part of an effective "one-two" touch which I think your suggesting. I'd love to see the jets try to fill this spot with a player maker i.e. clinton portis if he can come at the right price (absolutley not for vilma). I also don't think correll buckhalter is any good.
I like all the comments you made about needs/strengths. I just wish I saw alil more emphasis for both lines on day 1 of the draft. I think it's something we really need to drive home. Getting bigger, stronger, and more physical along both lines is imperative to long term success.
I can't see how, with Coles, Cotchery, and Smith on the roster, you can justify using a first day draft pick, let alone a first round pick, on a WR. The Jets need immediate help in the form of starting players at RG, RT, NT, DE RB. You could make an argument for a CB, but with the weak DL and the lack of pressure on the QB, I think the DBs are fine. It takes three years for a rookie WR to produce in the NFL. Drafting a WR in the first or second round to wait around until 2009 for him to produce would make for a disasterous draft IMO. It is clear that the Jets need immediate help in the trenches. That is where the first two rounds should be focused as well as free agency.
It's a BPA pick... Something new to see in Round 1. Mel Kiper agrees if that counts for anything. It would look better if we got Houston in the 1st and Sidney Rice in the 2nd as a BPA.
Thanks for the analysis, I just don't see picking BPA if you don't need that player. Trade up or down if you must. There are big needs on both lines. Its not like we can afford to leave these line problems as they are. If Clemens is ever to take over, he'll need a running game as a new starter at QB. A new QB with a mediocre OL and running game is a way to ingrain bad habits.
Our Offensive gets upgraded nicely with Leonard Davis at RT and D'Brickashaw Ferguson should improve. I think those guys can get it done at RB. Who says Clemens starts? Unless Chad is hurt, or we are out of playoff contention early, Clemens will probably be on the bench.
Sorry, I was making my own projection about 2-3 yrs from now. I totally agree that Chad will probably start next yr. I just think it takes a yr or so for a OL to really get it together as a group. With the seeming lack of RT prospects, Davis could be as good as any if the salary is reasonable. I'd like to add a guard as well (maybe Blalock or Beekman?). If we could set up a OL of good youngish guys, it'll pay off now and even more 2-3 yrs from now.
We get Wrotto in the 3rd round. I'm not saying he'll step right in and start, but rookie Guards generally are quick to adapt. Hopefully, he'll be able to start soon. Or maybe Brandon Moore has a great season... Either way...
First let me say your analysis was well thought out and much appreciated. I like the idea of trying to sign Leonard Davis, as his skills would be a great improvement to the line. However, I am not so sure about your ideas for our D-line, as we were lacking in the sack department. A big part of that was Kimo and he definatly needs to go. I can't claim to be an expert, but can D-rob really just switch from NT to DE? I would like to see a big improvement there first. After that, I believe our linebacker corps could use a bolster of size with more tenacity than Barton. But yes, I do agree that a CB opposite Dyson is also a must, as we got burned too many times on big plays last season. On the offensive side, I agree with your analysis of our FBs, we just need a better blocker up front. The TE situation is great IMO, with an excellent reciever like Baker (some of those catches were brutal) and a good blocker like Ryan. HOWEVER, my biggest disagreement is in your evaluation of our WRs. I think LC is the tall wide receiver that can be our deep threat, as evidenced by a few games last season. I don't think i need to sing praises of Cotch. And chatham is turning into a replacement for Wayne (in skill not in heart). To spend out first pick in the draft on a WR would be a bust akin to the Jets taking another TE in the first round. The only reasons for the futility of our recievers throughout the year was the lack of speed that the ball reached them (I like penny, not getting into a Penny noodle-arm debate). Once again though, i think you have really well-thought out ideas and it was a nice evaluation to read.
I'll look into Wrotto. I haven't heard all that much about him. It scares me to have 3 picks in the top 60 and only have one projected to start. Then again, one could easily look at last years draft as a long term draft and not a short term solution.
i disagree about your assessment of the rb position. with reguards to it look no further than the NE playoff game. washington was only able to carry it 11 times and i dont even think cedric houston got in the game. anything less than getting turner or using one of our first 3 picks on a rb is unacceptable. being able to run the ball effectively is the difference between losing in the first round of the playoffs and advancing deep into the playoffs. i also dont understand how you say that kimo "fits well" but should be cut.
We should keep drafting QB's until we get an elite franchise QB. Chad isn't it and Clemens who knows. I agree we can live with Chad for 1 more year. I could live with Houston and Washington and see if one of them develops into a big time back. We should at least draft another young player with upside. Agree completely we need a lead blocker at FB in the worst way. Agree again. Coles with at least 1 and maybe multiple concussions is close to done. We must tie up Cotch now. Agree again maybe even get a mid grade FA. I would love to upgrade at RT. Nice evaluation but again we do need more than depth we need a stud who can start at some point. Moore is okay and Kendal is getting old. Desperate for either another good end or a solid NT. If Dwayne is going to play extensive minutes at Nose again we might as well trade Vilma now. Would love to get the CB from Buffalo addition and subtraction. It might be worth keeping both Jones and Chatham. Jones can play several line positions and he's young and athletic. Hopefully he isn't a real problem. Really good post! I think we do need an upgrade at CB, LB, NT move Dwayne to DE. We need an upgrade at RT and guard along with another solid WR in case Coles is done. Would love to make a major move to get one of the two top QB's but I don't see it happening.
Thanks for the in-depth feedback! I think/hope that all 380 pounds of Leonard Davis can "beef up" the RT or RG spot and open holes for Washington/Houston. We won't be going after a franchise QB until it has been decided by the Jets coaching staff that Kellen Clemens is not, which could be a while.
QUESTION: I think it might be better if we draft Justin Blalock at #25 and maybe WR Brandon Myles in the 3rd? Thoughts? I just made another possible draft scenario changing picks in Round 1 and 3. I think I even like that better...
Excellent analysis, a good read and much appreciated. Im not up to speed on who the possible draft selections could be but WR is not what we need to draft first. But i generally agree with everything else, i would like to see out running game improve with these 2 doing it and maybe as you say, bring in someone else. once again, well written.
i thought coles was brilliant last year and id hate to not see him for another 3+ years....to think someone thinks he is almost done is very sad to read. I hope he isnt at all.
Hard to tell, I don't think they are committed to either Chad or Clemens but you are probably right they won't make a big move to get one of the top guys but probably will draft a QB prospect every year until they find the one they like.
Cutting Justin McCariens is a bad move. He is a great tall 3rd receiver and gets beat up on this board too much. Our WR's are fine, I agree with tying up Jerricho.
