By Tom Rock
First, a note on full disclosure. While I've been a life-long fan of the NFL and football in general, I've never been one to get revved up by the draft. I know there are guys who consider this coming Saturday and Sunday to be two of the greatest sports days on the calendar. They plan parties, invite friends, order food, and watch Mel and Mort and the gang for a dozen or so hours. That's not even considering the people who wait in line to attend the draft in person. I never was one of those guys. I let the offseason proceed without much notice and then refocused my football attention sometime around the Hall of Fame Game.
Now, of course, it's my job to pay attention to the draft. And I have to say, I'm a little juiced about it. I even have a little party of my own to attend: the Jets beat writers will be in the press room at Hempstead all day Saturday and Sunday watching and eating (and writing and working phones). Of course we'll be focused on the Jets, who they pick, what moves they make, instigate, or turn down. But I'll also be watching as a fan, particularly for the first few hours since the Jets are unlikely to make many moves before the first round is decidedly underway. In other words, I wouldn't bet the ranch that the Jets trade up for JaMarcus Russell.
With that out of the way, here's the business. I was dragged into the office earlier this week to tape a webcast for newsday.com discussing the Jets and the upcoming draft. They tell me the thing will appear right here:
Comments (12)
For years the draft has been a source of hope for many jets fans, especially in the pre Parcells era. Now that the Jets are no longer lumped in with the Lions and Cardinals, Hope may not be as accurate an adjective, but the excitement remains. With that being said, and with the off season moves made by the front office to fill most team needs, curiosity is what I feel most going in. I agree with most prognosticators in that a shut down corner would most benefit our team. Unfortunately, alot of the first 24 teams picking feel the same. In the event that the coveted guys are gone by 25, I'd have to agree with Ed that a new toy for Brian S. would be an interesting way to go. Where we differ is in the player. Although Ted Ginn is fast, he has been called out for poor route running (or atleast inconsistant). I don't know as though this would work well with Chad and a timing oriented pass attack. Speed is essential, but didn't Coles run as fast as Santana coming into the draft (unofficial 4.18 at Fl State). A great weapon with some speed would be Greg Olsen at TE, and he's projected as possibly still being there at 25. I think Baker did a great job last year. With another pass catching TE we would have alot more options, and the ability to give different looks for the opposing D to analyze. Olsen gives match up problems for the opposition (not many LB's can keep up). If they're expecting Baker to be the blocking TE, that could make our play-action more effective, and may actually give Baker more room to catch the ball on those plays. Just my opinion, but if the top 3 CB's are gone Olsen would be a viable option. At any rate, the front office has done such a good job, the team is in position to take the best player available. This is the best case scenario for any team or fan Kudos to Terry, Mike, and Eric for establishing intrigue and eliminating the need for hope.
sorry Craig - but I've had my fill of the Jets picking a TE in the first round. The Ted Ginn JR. pick would also help in the KR/PR game and would allow us to drop or trade McCairens. The other draftee that I would consider is the LB from Penn St. - would relieve us of Eric Barton.
OK Edd, I'll give you the Paul P. from Penn St pick. Great Motor, and supposedly even greater character. I also think the D could use more help than the O. Thing is with the first round pick you usually hope the guy can jump in and play the first year. I don't think LB is a hole needing to be filled. He's a great player/person, and if he's still there at 25, and the best player available then he's the guy. If you go offense, olsen over Ginn. If you go D, CB over LB, but only in the event of a rating tie breaker. If not take the best player. And you can't be afraid to draft a position because former regimes screwed up. Seems we haven't had much luck at the TE position drafting or trading, but we still need one. This guy isn't Brady or Becht. And he's coming from a school that's been pretty consistant lately in producing NFL TEs
The problem with selecting a TE with the 1st pick is that we wouldn't use him enough to warrant selecting one that high. He might only get 2 or 3 passes a game thrown his way. There are plenty of quality TE's this year. Take a look at the previously mentioned Joe Newton - great 3rd round pick. Whereas if we choose Ted Ginn Jr. - we could just let him run down the field and he might take 2 defenders with him - therefore opening the defensive backfield for our playmakers. We need to start thinking about life after Chad and Laverneus and TGJr out there with Kellen Clements heaving the bombs would be reminiscient of Wesley Walker going down the sideline. On the D-side, the top CB's will be gone before we're selecting. We've shored up the defensive line thru free agency - so the obvious defensive choice is a LB
Anyone here ever hear of Walter Thomas? 370, 4.9 40, benches 475 squats 800? I heard the Jets interviewed him. Projected as a late 2nd day pick because of character issues and hence little film on him.
By the way Mike Mayhock rates Ginn as the 13th best player in the draft so I doubt he'll be there...
Still a chance that TG Jr. might be available. If not TG Jr. or Paul Poscnsudhfo(sp) - I would consider trading down - maybe get another Redskin choice - like last year.
Good job Tom, wow is this Adam guy awful...
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