By Ken Berger
Most of you seem interested in explanations from Tangini on the Schlegel and
Eric Smith picks. I refer you to the free-agent signings of Kimo von Oelhoffen,
Matt Chatham, Brad Kassell, and the like. They are going for smarts, toughness,
versatility -- classic overachievers who are willing to sacrifice and take
tough coaching.
It is a dramatic shift in philosophy from the past few years, when Herm Edwards
wanted nothing but speed on defense. That's why it's going to take time, and
that's why I think the best thing they did in this draft -- besides restocking
the two most important starting positions on the O-line -- is getting a head
start in next year's draft by picking up a second-round pick from the Redskins.
Clearly, they're going to need it. This team, as currently constructed, will be
hard-pressed to have a winning record this season. The quarterback situation is
extremely uncertain ... Curtis Martin, who turns 33 tomorrow, is still the
starting tailback ... there is still no legitimate deep threat in the passing
game ... and Mangini couldn't even answer the most basic questions today about
how he envisions the starting front seven on defense.
Is Dewayne Robertson the starting nose tackle? "Dewayne’s going to get
some time at defensive line across the board," Mangini told us today.
Who is John Abraham's replacement at rush outside linebacker? "We're going
to continue to address the team week in and week out and see if we can improve
the team," he said.
Will Chad Pennington participate in the offseason minicamps? "He’s
progressing."
No wonder one of the writers in this room, who shall remain nameless, was
dozing off a few minutes ago while crafting his story for tomorrow.
Having said all this, I still like the direction Tangini have taken. I am not
buying into all this nonsense that the Jets somehow failed yesterday because
they took someone with the fourth pick whose name wasn't flashy enough to
interest writers who don't know the game or study it. (You know who they are.)
Seems to me the Chargers had a pretty exciting draft a few years ago when they
selected Ryan Leaf. So did the Browns when they took Tim Couch.
Finally, despite his increasingly sophomoric attacks on me, I would like to
congratulate Glauber for nailing both of the Jets' first-round picks in his
mock draft. And if he wants to take credit for Leinart falling to 10th when he
had him falling to 17th, I will take the high road and let him have his fun.
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Comments (11)
Now, you're talking, Ken-doll. Looks like I'm gonna have to get one of these blogs myself. You actually sound intelligent when you post your thoughts. Maybe it will have the same effect on me.
btw, who was that writer falling asleep in the press room? ... was there snoring involved?
ken, you're weaker than i thought. apologizing to glauber like that. and now this guy is getting his own blog? have you seen him on tv? what a mess.
good thoughts on the jets draft and their future. i fully agree with you. the toughest part is explaining it to everyone. tomorrow morning i know i am going to get drilled though emails by 2 of my eli loving giant fan friends
oh well, at least NOW i know the jets are headed in the right directon.
is was the guy from the westchester journal news falling asleep, wasn't it?
Ken,
I could not agree with your comments more. I have said in several previous blog's that the game begins with the Offensive Line and we put it on the line (pun). What's the good of drafting a young QB so he can be a target for DT's. I think the Jets drafted smart and the team looks to be turning around. My only regret was they should have selected WR Chad Jackson with their second round pick and hoped for Clemmons or Croyle in the begining of the third round.
Actually, it doesn't matter how well you did or didn't do on your mock draft. You're the beat writer. What matters is that you bring us the latest and most indepth news (and faster than the other dailies, who don't seem to understand the concept of the Internet yet). Keep doing that, you're our man.
That said, what's wrong with ESPN? It seems like they've got some technological ADD. Sheesh, after round 1, ESPN is doing features and jumping all over the place. Those features should have been used during the huge dead time of Round 1. ESPN totally ignored what should have been the Jets' turn at No. 35, then botched the explanation of the trade. And on and on. Poor Kiper. Spends 364 days in a basement studying for this, and his work is ignored for the final six rounds.
Thanks Ken, good work as always.
I liked the draft, not sexy by any stretch, but what do I know about College players? I follow the Pro Game close, but I have to trust these guys, especially the new TANGINI guys who get 3 years to prove there stuff.
What I do know is that trading a lot of picks to move up, rarely works (see Dewayne R.), so I was happy they stayed put, stuck to there gameplan and locked and loaded on the o-line. There semi-soft schedule gives me hope for a .500 season, but the reality is I just want them to be pointed in the right direction.
JAWS on ESPN really loved this Clemons kid, he gets me excited at the hopes that maybe we actually did pick the right QB in this draft afterall.
Ken;
Why the spin praising Man-Tan for passing on Leinart by putting him in the Ryan Leaf and Tim Couch septic tank. If you were unbiased you might also have mentioned that (1) the last three OT's taken in the draft in the first four picks of the first round were Robert Gallery (2nd overall), Mike Williams (4th overall) and Leonard Davis (2nd overall) and (20 you might also have mentioned that only one center was taken in the first round of the draft this decade, last year Chris Spencer (Seahawks). Activated for only 7 games with no starts.
John Abraham and Kevin Mawae do not equal one Nick Mangold.
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Now, you're talking, Ken-doll. Looks like I'm gonna have to get one of these blogs myself. You actually sound intelligent when you post your thoughts. Maybe it will have the same effect on me.
I do not agree.
Now, you're talking, Ken-doll. Looks like I'm gonna have to get one of these blogs myself. You actually sound intelligent when you post your thoughts. Maybe it will have the same effect on me.
I do not agree.
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