New York Jets
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NFL Team Column By Michael Ngernnak |
Jets Midseason Report Card
In order to really grade a team you have to look at the organization from the ground up. Most reports cards simply grade offense, defense and special teams. However, there are so many more avenues to look at. What I have put together is a break down of positions, still rather general but more invasive then the traditional report card.
Front Office A-
Mike Tannenbaum has put together a team that not only could make a long run in the second half, but rather should make a run. When the media of New York proclaimed that a Mike Shanahan type of coach was the only answer he went with his gut, and brought in a loud, brash and simply cocky figure to an organization that has not been known for being a talkative bunch. So for that Mike gets a solid A here. Bringing in Mark Sanchez via Eric Mangini was a very bold move. Although he has become victim to recent struggles this was a solid pick and will pay dividends down the road. Also the additions of Bart Scott, Jim Lenoard and Braylon Edwards could potentially cement his fate as the most aggressive Jets GM, ever.
Quarterbacks B-
Mark Sanchez has been a breathe of fresh air for everyone who bleeds green and white. During the Jets most recent skid his numbers looked more like that of a second day pick, but the way he is doing it is what is most intriguing. It takes players years to command a locker room; he seems to have everyone on board including the fans.
Running Backs C
The Jets running game strung together two back-to-back three hundred plus rushing games, the first team to that. But how much of that was due to the Jets offensive line. Thomas Jones has looked solid of late, but with injury to Leon Washington it is becoming obvious that his days as a feature back are numbered. Shaun Green looks like a stud but has to handle the ball a bit more carefully. That can be worked on; the Jets running game will be fine down the road.
Wide Receivers C+
Fine, a C+ is generous, but all things considered it could be a lot worse. With the addition of Braylon Edwards via Eric Mangini the Jets wide receivers can now be spoken in the same breathe with some of the top receiving corps in the game. The addition of Edwards not only gives Mark Sanchez a prime target, but also now allows his fellow receivers to slide into their proper slots. Jericho Cotchery could be a number one, but is better suited in the two slot crossing the field while David Clowney and company are no doubt no better then complimentary pieces. Dustin Keller continues to impress when incorporated into the offense.
D-Line C-
The defensive line cannot put pressure on the quarterback without assistance from the linebacker corp. and strong defenses put solid pressure with only three and four man pushes. Kris Jenkins loss has not largely been felt yet as the Jets defense had not allowed a one hundred yard rusher till this past weekend against Maurice Jones-Drew.
Linebackers B-
Bart Scott has played as advertised. Ferocious, while running with reckless abandon all over the field making highlight quality plays. David Harris leads the team with tackles as he cements himself as the team’s leader by example. Calvin Pace had a great game against the Oakland Raiders registering three sacks, but since his return from being suspended the Jets have won only one game.
Defensive Backs C-
Jim Leonard has played solid and Darell Revis is putting together an All-Pro campaign, but the rest of the crop has suffered. Kerry Rhodes has played average at best while Lito Sheppard has been a non-factor and Dwight Lowery continues to show he is just merely a nickel back and cannot keep up with NFL quality receivers every down.
Coaching D+
Rex Ryan talks a great game; he builds confidence in his team and the fans, but for some reason has not been able to win the “winnable” games. He has made questionable play calls throughout the season on offense and needs to better equip himself with knowledge of how to run an offense. Mike Westhoff, one of the games best special teams coach has seen spotty play from his players, which was magnified in the Jets second loss to the Dolphins when Ted Ginn ran all over their kickoff.
Jets- C-
As a whole the Jets sit at 4-5, which with all things considered could be much worse. However the Jets have left themselves with a small margin of error. The season is far from over, but a loss to the Patriots in Foxboro could all but cement the Jets fate as another season of watching the post season from home.
WR Braylon Edwards Speeding Into NY
At around 9 AM eastern standard time ESPN NFL analyst Adam Schefter broke news that the Cleveland Browns would be sending disgruntled and fallen out of favor Wide Receiver Braylon Edwards to the New York Jets. In exchange the NY Jets will be parting with special team staple and reserve LB Jason Trusnick, and WR Chansi Stuckey, and a pair of middle round picks were also included.
The trade took place two days after the Jets suffered their first loss of the season to the New Orleans Saints. It should be noted that the Jets had been keeping tabs on the Browns stud receiver since mid July when training camp began. There was no secret that Edwards had wanted out of Cleveland. The Browns used their third pick overall in the 2005 NFL Entry Draft to select Edwards who was rated by many scouts as the clear cut top receiving prospect, but also one of the top prospects over all. During the 2005 and 2006 campaigns he put together 1396 receiving yards to go along with 9 touchdowns. In 2007, his most productive year during his first four full years, Edwards nabbed 1289 yards while boosting 16 touchdowns. 2008 was plagued with numerous dropped passes and many people began to question his overall mindset. He was with Donte Stallworth the night Stallworth got behind the wheel and took the life of a pedestrian, and he was also ticketed for driving 120 mph on a Cleveland highway.
His off the issues aside, Edwards is a tremendous talent, and when you look at what this does to the Jets aerial attack it is easy to see way Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum jumped on the opportunity. The Jets while under Tannenbaum’s reign have been conscience is selecting players whether it is through the NFL draft or free agency, and making sure they were “quality” individuals. Wednesday afternoon when asked about Edwards off the field issues Tannenbaum offered these words, “ We reached out to the league and Steve Yarnell (Vice President of Security) reached out to law enforcement…. We’re comfortable in adding Braylon. We’ll cooperate with all the authorities, but we’re glad he’s here. We did all our due diligence and we’re comfortable adding him to the team”
The departures, Jason Trusnick was an un-drafted linebacker in 2007 coming out of Division 3 Ohio Northern. He has since been a special team ace thriving in Mike Westhoffs scheme. Chansi Stuckey, a 7th round selection for the Jets in 2007 never really panned out the way the team might have hoped for. He showed modest production and caught a touchdown pass from Brett Farve in the first three games of the 2008 season. Both players were favorites of current Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini.
Grading the 2009 NFL Draft
What’s becoming a trend in New York, the Jets once again lived by the drafting theory of quality over quantity. Making the most memorable move of the 2009 draft, the Jets aggressively traded up from the number 17 spot to the fifth overall pick. Swapping a pair of first, and throwing in a 2nd round pick along with quarterback Brent Ratliff, safety Abraham Elam, and defensive end Kenyon Coleman, the Jets rekindled a relationship with former head coach Eric Mangini. On paper, this is a fantastic deal for the Jets considering no future picks were involved. Moving up those pivotal twelve spots, it’s assumed the first and second round picks were going to be included, but the Jets additionally only gave up a quarterback that was never going to see the field, a backup safety, and a mediocre defensive end.
With the 5th overall pick, the Jets then proceeded to draft a new face of the franchise, Mark Sanchez (or I was like to call him Mark “Franchez”). Sanchez instantly provides a spark to arguably the worst quarterback depth chart in the NFL. Though projected starting quarterback and 2006 2nd round draft pick Kellen Clemens might have a batter arm, he lacks the pedigree, charisma, and leadership skills that make Sanchez the special talent that he is. Already in just his few shorts days of wearing the green and white, Sanchez has already thrived in the hasty New York media. Coming from a pro-style system ran at Southern California, it’s not out of the realm for Sanchez to start from opening week, but it’d be wise for the Jets to let him sit and learn the NFL game. Nevertheless, the selection of Sanchez fueled the Jets Nation with excitement as the cornerstone of the franchise is now in place.
After the trade, the Jets were only left with a 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 7th round picks. Again, in the third round, the Mike Tannenbaum drafting strategy holds true. As the clock struck 10 AM eastern time on Sunday morning, the Jets once again traded up. The deal included the jets surrendering a 3rd, 4th, and 7th round picks to Detroit in exchange for the first pick in the 3rd round. With that pick, the Jets selected the bruising, tenacious running back from Iowa, Shonn Greene. With Leon Washington already the future speed back of the team, the Jets felt they needed thunder to pair with lighting. Greene is the epitome of a bruising back. He loves contact, lowers his shoulders, has great vision, is extremely strong, and even has deceptive agility. With the drafting of Greene, it appears Thomas Jones’ days in New York are numbered. Though I expect Jones to stay put this year, it’s likely he’ll be cut next offseason as he’ll save the Jets roughly $5.9 million against the cap. With the other remaining pick in the 6th round, the Jets drafted offensive linemen Matt Slauson from Nebraska.
The Jets draft of 2009 is reminscint of the Jets draft two years ago when the only two selected players were cornerback Darelle Revis and linebacker David Harris. The quality of quantity approach on the defensive end worked out two years ago, and the Jets are hoping to strike gold again in the theory. With the defense set for the next couple of years and the offense coming into place, the Jets, on paper, will have one of the most talented teams in the NFL for years to come.
The 2009 NFL Draft Review: The New York Jets
The New York Jets pulled off one of the most talked about trades and ended up getting one of the most talked about, if not the most talked about, players in the draft in USC quarterback Mark Sanchez. Sanchez was someone that the Jets desperately needed and should be a solid piece for them to build their offense upon. They also got a running back which they may need much more than they originally thought sometime down the road.
The following is a look at the players that the Jets drafted in the 2009 NFL Draft with a final grade on their draft at the end the article.
Mark Sanchez-QB-USC picked 1st (5th)
The Jets traded away several picks and a few players to land in this spot and get Mark Sanchez, the guy that they will stake their future on at the quarterback position for several years to come. He has already become a huge hit in New York but may need some time to develop. However, the Jets don’t have the luxury of having a good veteran so Sanchez may get thrown into the mix right away and this could make or break his career. He is very talented but someone that should be developed and not thrown into the action right away.
Shonn Greene-RB-Iowa picked 3rd (65th)
With Thomas Jones aging and at a possible contract impasse, the Jets went out and did what they had to do in getting a good young running back who could be one of the better running back in the future. While Greene didn’t have a long and productive career in college (being somewhat of a one year wonder) he should be able come in and boost the Jet’s rushing attack. Overall, Greene is a fine player with a great future in the league.
Matt Slauson-OG-Nebraska picked 6th (193rd)
The Jets went for some depth on the offensive line with their final pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Slauson will be a developmental prospect to start out but he could crack the lineup as a backup in a year or two. This was a smart pick for the Jets and one that might pay off down the road.
Despite the fact the Jets only had three picks, they took care of two huge needs in this draft and this draft should be one that pays dividends for them for several seasons to come
Overall Grade: B+
By Bryan Dietzler
What will the Jets do in the 2009 NFL Draft?
With the NFL Draft only a week away, here is the preview for the New York Jets’ defensive plans. In this preview, you’ll see a list of potential targets for the Jets at each position on the first day of the draft, what projected round they go in, why that player is a good fit, and a couple of sleeper targets that make sense towards the later rounds of the draft.
Defensive End – The Jets aren’t in dire need of a defensive end, but with Shaun Ellis getting up there in age and Kenny Coleman being serviceable, but nothing spectacular, it’s possible the Jets go defensive end early. Head coach Rex Ryan loves the idea of penetrating, versatile defensive ends, so expect him to look towards that style of play.
1. Tyson Jackson, LSU (1st Round) – Jackson is the ideal 3-4 DE leaving the college ranks. He has a great built standing 6’4, 296 pounds, and does an exceptional job clogging blockers. He’s stout against the run and is a powerful end. He doesn’t offer much in pass rushing, but may be the best defensive end in the class in terms of stopping the run.
2. Evander Hood, Missouri (1st – 2nd Round) – Evander Hood, nicknamed Ziggy, played defensive tackle during his career at Missouri. Ziggy has a quick first step, and does a great job penetrating for a 300 pound player. Against the run, he’s best at getting into the backfield where he’s able to use his quick first step. Fits the ideal, versatile defensive end for Ryan’s flexible 3-4 scheme.
3. Jarron Gilbert, San Jose State (2nd Round) – Ever since leaving San Jose State, Gilbert has become a Youtube sensation for jumping out of a pool, but he has other skills. He has a great quick first step, has the frame of a 3-4 DE, has a ton of potential in pass rushing, and has great burst. However, he isn’t stout all the time in the one game, but could be a nice fit to Rex Ryan’s flexible, one-gap 3-4 scheme.
- Late Round Targets – Fili Moala (Southern California) and Mitch King (Iowa)
Nose Tackle – The Jets have a stud nose tackle in last offseason’s acquisition of Kris Jenkins, but behind him, the Jets are paper-thin. Last year, when Jenkins was spelled, the run defense and defensive unit struggled immensely. Wouldn’t be out of the question for the Jets to go nose tackle early, but the value has to be terrific.
1. Ron Brace, Boston College (Late 1st – 2nd Round) – The other Boston College defensive tackle, Ron Brace, simply takes up space. He has staggering size of 6’3, 330 pounds, and is the prototypical nose tackle. He’s stout against the run, clogs blockers, and frees up lanes, but is virtually nonexistent in the pass rush. Would be a nice complement to Jenkins at the nose tackle position.
- Late Round Targets – Terrance Taylor (Michigan), Chris Baker (Hampton), Sammie Lee Hill (Stillman), and Myron Pryor (Kentucky)Outside Linebackers – The Jets already have a ton of money invested into the outside linebacker position, so don’t expect them to pick one early. With last year’s first round pick Vernon Gholston and last year’s free agent signee Calvin Pace, occupying a ton of cap space, the Jets would to be wise to avoid an outside linebacker early. Nevertheless, expect Ryan to continue building his system with late round projects for depth purposes and trade up for players that fall into the third round.
- Late Round Targets – Lawrence Sidbudy (Richmond), Clint Sintim (Virginia), Cody Brown (Connecticut), and Zack Follett (California)
Inside Linebackers – In terms of the starting jobs, the Jets are nearly set at the inside linebacker positions. Ryan signed one of his favorite players from Baltimore this offseason in Bart Scott, and the Jets already have a younger version of him on the roster in David Harris. With the two starters very formidable, don’t expect the Jets to go inside linebacker early in the draft.
- Late Round Targets – Jasper Brinkley (South Carolina), Scott McKillop (Pittsburgh), Josh Mauga (Nevada), Frantz Joseph (Florida Atlantic), and Antonio Appleby (Virginia)
Cornerbacks – The Jets have a young, stud cornerback in Darelle Revis, but opposite him, the position could use a boost. Lowery is slated into the opposing slot, thus, making it a real possibility the Jets can go corner in the first or second round if they like what they see on the board.
1. Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State (1st Round) – Jenkins is a physical corner that can play at the line or away from his man. Has the recognition and physicality to play in zone, and the cover skills to play in man. Due to his strengths, Jenkins can also play some safety down the road. Jenkins would fit another prototypical Rex Ryan versatile defensive player.
2. Vontae Davis, Illinois (1st Round) – Davis is a physical freak for the corner position. He has terrific strength, has the speed to recover, and does an excellent job in run support. Though he’s a raw player, his physical skills are something Ryan would drool over if he’s able to work with him. Pairing up Revis and Davis could lead the Jets to have the best young corner duo in the NFL.
3. Sean Smith, Utah (2nd Round) – Smith is another corner, safety tweener who fits the mold of a versatile player. He’s flexible in coverage as he can play in man and in zone. He’s not as stout against the run as you’d like, but he’s more of a center fielder if he were to play safety. Another solid role player that feeds into the flexibility preached by Rex Ryan.
- Late Round Targets – Sherrod Martin (Troy), Kevin Barnes (Maryland), Mike Mickens (Cincinnati), and Coye Francies (San Jose State)
Safety – One of the centerpieces of the Jets defense is their safety Kerry Rhodes, and entering the offseason, there was a gap beside him. However, Rex Ryan signed his safety from a year ago, Jim Leonhard, to a contract, so it appears he’ll be the starter alongside Rhodes. Unlikely the Jets go safety early in the draft as they’re pretty set at the position.
- Late Round Targets – Chip Vaughn (Wake Forest), Emanuel Cook (South Carolina), Chris Clemens (Clemson), and Michael Hamlin (Clemson)
