The late but official 2007 NYJ offseason thread

[brettbrettr]

I meant to do this following the playoff loss to NE but I was busy tallying my losses (3 meals, drinks, and an avatar--why do I know so many Pats fans?)

ANYHOO, The Jets biggest needs are on defense. We played well last year towards the end of the year in a new scheme with players who don't fit but guys who do fit are in high demand if we want to even try to stop the run.

Defensive line:

Obviously, a big Wilfork-type NT is of the higest priority. Problem is guys like this don't grow on trees on only drop to #25 if you're the Patriots. Bottom line on NTs is I don't think there's anyone around who fits the bill. One guy who is supposedly of interest is NCState's Tank Tyler. But the new regime seems hellbent on character guys and I believe he once assaulted a police officer. There's also an issue of his size in that he's only a shade above 300lbs, not sure how much room he has to grow.

We also have a hole at DE as Kimo is old. One guy in the draft who I'd love is Adam Carriker but he had a great senior bowl week and likely won't be there at #25. Another guy who might fit the role here is DE Anthony Spenser from Purdue. (Note: NE picks at 24 and plays the same 3-4 we do. They don't need a starting DE, but he'll be on their radar for sure.)

LBs

Lots of questions here. What isn't in question is that the Jets need a pass rusher so OLB is a def need. It seems pretty clear that A Thomas is too expensive and won't be an option. Joey Porter is interesting to me given his recent release and experience in the 3-4. Again, character issues. I do like the intangible fact that he got shot in the ass. Another guy the Jets are supposedly high on is Jarvis Moss, the DE from UF. He doesn't have the size to plat DE in the 3-4 so I'm assuming he'd be converted to an OLB.

Regarding our existing LBs, someone needs to figure out whether Vilma doesn't fit in the 3-4 or doesn't fit in the NYJ non-big-d-line 3-4. Thing is he's *maybe* 230, which isn't ideal for an ILB in this system but he is a very talented guy and I'd hate to see him go. I am not opposed to the idea of trading him. He has a ton of value for a tampa-two team of which there are many.

The Jets are also supposedly shopping Barton. With an eye towards what I have no idea.

CBs

Need an immediate and instant upgrade. Barrett, Miller, Dyson, etc., none of these guys are very good. This is obviosuly another position that could be eyed with the first pick. There seem to be a lot of good CBs in this class so one of our two 2nd rounders could also be dedicated to a corner.

Safety

Our strongest defensive position and even though I don't think Erik Coleman played well last year Kerry Rhodes got jobbed out of a pro-bowl bid for no reason whatsoever. Rhodes will likely be signed to an extension in the near future.

Offense

QBs

Chad I [img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img], Ramsey is gone, Kellen is in the wing, and there's talk of bringing in an experienced back up. We're ok here.

RBs

One of our two biggest offensive needs. Gone are Barlow, Askew, Curtis will retire soon enough, which leaves us with Leon and Houston. Leon is obviously going to get his touches but no one is anointing this guy the starter and we obv need ot bring in some help. Apparently a deal with the Skins for Ladell Betts couldn't be reached. Michael Turner is on the radar, but I do not want to trade our #1 for this guy. He does seem very talented though. There will be options here in the second and third rounds but I think the Jets will be very active in the trade market too.

WRs:

Laverneus and 89 (just signed extension) have the starting spots locked up. If we had picks, flexibility, less needs elsewhere I'd love to bring in a burner or some other deep threat but we have too many holes and not a deep throwing QB anyway. I think McCairens will be gine and we might pick up some riff-raff elsewhere.

TE

Now here's a position we could really use an upgrade. I like Chris Baker, but someone to roam the middle and give Chad another consistent option could really give us some options on offense. UM's Olsen had a great combine but I don't think we have the luxury of using our #1 pick on offense.

OL

Well, we're almost done. I think you're see an improved D'Brick (+20-25 lbs) next year and he and Mangold will be here for years to come. We do have a gaping hole at RG and the kid from UT, Justim Blaylock, would be a nice pick in the second. I'm afraid Pete Kendall won't be able to play another 20 years but I like having him between the two youngin's. Learnin' them, as it were.

All in all, going into last year's draft I would have been happy to see us draft 9 offensive lineman. This year its probably defense all around, and its much needed.