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[kelly]

Is Rodney Harrison right about Jets QB Geno Smith ?

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In case you missed it, former New England Patriots safety-turned-TV analyst Rodney Harrison lit up Geno Smith in a scathing commentary last Friday on a radio show. One particular aspect of his rant jumped out:

"If you go into the season and you’re expecting Geno Smith to improve, it’s not going to happen. He might get a little better, but when times get tough, when adversity hits, guess what he’s going to do? He’s going to fold just like the last couple years."

Does Smith fold in the face of adversity? Let's take a closer look.

Supporters of the New York Jets' quarterback can point to his rookie year, 2013, when he tied for the NFL lead with five game-winning drives. (A famous cliff jumper from the Patriots also had five that year.) This is the strongest piece of evidence to counter Harrison's claim. Yeah, he caught some lucky breaks along the way (Lavonte David, anyone?), but give the man his due.

Smith also demonstrated some resilience last season, responding favorably after his three-game benching. His Total QBR over the final five weeks was 49.8, 19th in the league. That's only an average number, but consider it was a dreadful 27.6 over the first 12 weeks (31st). So, no, he didn't fold, although critics can certainly argue the season was lost -- read: no pressure -- by the time he returned.

Unfortunately, there's no "adversity" stat, a number that illustrates a player's ability to function in tough situations. However, we can study how Smith handled himself in the clutch, perhaps a window into his mental toughness. And our quick conclusion is: Not well. Somewhere, Harrison is saying, "I told you so."

Smith's Total QBR (and league rank), courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information :

 

Fourth quarter passing: 18.3 (31st)

When pressured by the pass rush: 1.8 (27th)

When blitzed: 38.9 (25th)

Last two minutes of a half: 16.0 (31st)

In the red zone: 17.3 (29th)

Games decided by 1 to 8 points: 30.4 (34th)

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/50261/is-rodney-harrison-right-about-jets-qb-geno-smith

 

[kelly]

Jets' Furious Pace Set to Slow

After Some March Madness, the Jets Voluntary Program Commences on April 6The Green & White have remained busy well beyond the first-tier of free agency, recently adding veteran OL James Brewer & Corey Hilliard, DE Stephen Bowen and TE Kellen Davis to the mix. While GM Mike Maccagnan still has financial room to address depth, the speed of transactions we saw in March will slow down now as the focus shifts to the 2015 NFL Draft.

 

As we start the week, let’s look back at some memorable quotes Jets HC Todd Bowles delivered in Arizona at the NFL Meetings.

 

Geno Is No. 1: “He’s the number one guy right now. (Ryan) Fitzpatrick is injured and we don’t have the draft yet, but we’re looking to add competition there."

 

EA Takeaway: Great opportunity for Geno Smith.  After spending his first two years under the direction of offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg/QB coach David Lee, Smith transitions to the duo of OC Chan Gailey/QB coach Kevin Patullo. He needs to soak in the system this spring and take advantage of his reps. Fitzpatrick, who broke his leg last December, played three seasons under Gailey and the Harvard product shouldn’t have much difficulty picking up the offense whenever he returns to full strength.

 

Franchise QB Facts: “You would love to have a great quarterback, but with 32 teams in the league, you’re not going to have 32 franchise quarterbacks. That’s just fact. You can name five (franchise quarterbacks), maybe 10 if you want to stretch it to two types of tiers. There are 12 playoff spots. There are not going to be 12 franchise quarterbacks who are in the playoffs.”

 

EA Takeaway: Preach! I’m still looking for the franchise QB tree myself. Chad Pennington, one of the top signal callers in Jets history, has always maintained it’s a three-to-five year process to find out if a signal caller is a franchise QB. “If I had to start my first or second year, it wouldn’t have been pretty,’ CP told me recently. ‘In the third year, the light bulb turned on and I felt like I was much more comfortable, I felt like I belonged, I felt like I was in control.”

 

Best Player: “We’re going to take the best player. I think Mike (Maccagnan) said it earlier that we’re going to take the best player available. We’re not going to deviate from our board and if that happens to be a quarterback, then we’ll take a quarterback.”

 

EA Takeaway: Get used to this line. The Jets aren’t going to reach. Period.

 

Defense Under Construction: “It’s not complete yet. We’ve added some pieces that can help us and hopefully help the younger guys. We still have a ways to go as far as getting the players we want and the draft should help that when it comes along.”

 

EA Takeaway: While the Jets are stacked on defense, I like this attitude. Bowles, one of the game’s top defensive minds, doesn’t strike me as a rest-on-his-laurels type. The Jets, who racked up 45 sacks last season for the first time since 1998, are set to have all five players back who recorded five sacks or more in 2014. With the well-documented secondary reinforcements, quarterbacks are going to be forced to hold onto the ball more. And with the No. 6 overall selection, the Green & White may have the option to take a Dante Fowler, Shane Ray or Vic Beasley type. But even if they don’t add a pass rusher in round one, there could be other options down the line. It will be interesting to see where Virginia product Eli Harold and Kentucky alum Bud Dupree go in the draft.

 

Marshall Madness: “Brandon brings toughness, he brings work ethic and he brings a winning spirit and determination that rubs off on other guys. He doesn’t let anybody slack that way and he’s going to come forward. He helps the quarterback by being a big body type, understanding the game. But Brandon is so much more than just a big target. He can run routes, he has great hands and he can block.”

 

EA Takeaway:The Jets got this dude and a 7^th rounder in exchange for a 5^th rounder. Hold me to this one – Marshall will have more receptions in 2015 than any WR taken in the 5^th round of the 2015 draft.  Great acquisition and limited risk because Bowles knows Marshall from their days together in South Florida.

 

> http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-6/Jets-Furious-Pace-Set-to-Slow/364a1240-1dbf-487e-9ffe-f90e774f5a9b

 

[kelly]

Monday Morning Quarterback

Mon Mar. 30, 2015

 

~ ~   4. I think the tit-for-tat tampering thing between the Jets and Patriots has gotten out of control. (No duh.) Woody Johnson, three months ago, tampered with Darrelle Revis of the Patriots by saying, “I’d love for Darrelle to come back.” Informed by someone smart that those were tampering words, Johnson called New England owner Bob Kraft to explain himself and, presumably, to apologize. The Patriots still filed tampering charges against the Jets. Revis signed a five-year contract with the Jets this month. Last week in Phoenix, Kraft said: “I hate to lose [Revis]. We wanted to keep him. We wanted him in our system … We understand his going back, and we’re sorry he didn’t stay with us.” The Jets filed tampering charges against the Patriots. Johnson tampered; he said he wanted Revis to return to the Jets. Kraft did not tamper; he said he hated to lose Revis. I would ask this question: When Ravens assistant GM Eric DeCosta said it was “sickening” when he realized Haloti Ngata was going to be traded because the Ravens couldn’t sign him long-term, would that be considered tampering? No. Because it isn’t.

 

5. I think it’s absurd the NFL has to spend three minutes, never mind legitimate time, on the football equivalent of a frivolous lawsuit that the Jets filed.

 

rest of above article :

> http://mmqb.si.com/2015/03/30/extra-points-pat-rule-change-nfl-draft/5/

[kelly]

Examining possible tampering penalties for Woody Johnson & Co.

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The Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns got zapped Monday by the NFL. Now we wait to find out what the league has in store for the New York Jets, who committed an apparent tampering violation last December when owner Woody Johnson publicly expressed interest in reuniting with Darrelle Revis even though the star cornerback still was under contract to the New England Patriots.

The Atlanta and Cleveland penalties, while not severe, send a message that the league won't let men in suits -- front-office execs -- get away unscathed when they break the rules. Therefore, it's hard to imagine the Goodell Police letting the Jets walk away without some sort of punishment. Even though Johnson claims he misspoke in his end-of-the-season news conference, he broke the tampering rule based on the letter of the law.

The Falcons were fined $350,000 and will lose a fifth-round pick in 2016 for piping crowd noise into the Georgia Dome the last two seasons. In addition, team president Rich McKay was suspended at least three months from the competition committee, which is no big deal. Even though their home record was only 3-4 last season (one home game was played in London), the fake noise was an unsavory ploy that, in theory, gave them a competitive advantage.

It's highly doubtful the Browns gained any advantage from their general manager, Ray Farmer, sending strategy-related texts to staffers on the sideline, but it still was a violation of league rules. He was suspended four games and the team was fined $250,000, but the Browns weren't stripped of any draft choices. They got off easy, unless you factor in the embarrassment caused by their stupidity.

The Browns admitted they screwed up. So did the Falcons.

The Jets haven't admitted anything. Truth be told, they think the Patriots' tampering charge is so frivolous that they tried to mock it by filing a ridiculous counter charge against owner Robert Kraft based on innocuous comments at last week's league meetings.

Unlike the Atlanta and Cleveland officials, Johnson didn't repeatedly break the rules. It was a one-time blunder, and that should be taken into consideration when the penalty is handed down -- unless the league digs up more dirt, of course.

If it uncovers a smoking gun -- i.e. phone records indicating contact with Revis and/or his reps before he became a free agent -- the Jets should be stripped of their fourth-round pick. A precedent: In 2008, the San Francisco 49ers were docked a fifth-round pick for contacting the agent of Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs during the season. (The Jets don't have fifth- or sixth-round choices in the coming draft.) If this is how it shakes out, the NFL would be making an example out of the Jets because, let's face it, covert tampering is rampant across the league.

If all we're talking about is Johnson's off-the-cuff remark, the forfeiture of a late-round pick in 2016 would be a just punishment.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/50274/examining-possible-tampering-penalties-for-woody-johnson-company

 

[kelly]

The Jets will hold this summer's training camp at its state-of-the-art Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, NJ.

The decision was made after careful consideration and with full recognition and appreciation of the team’s outstanding experience at SUNY Cortland.

“SUNY Cortland felt like home because of the tremendous local support we received during our time there,” said Jets Owner Woody Johnson. “President Erik Bitterbaum and the university staff, as well as the families and businesses of Central New York, all went above and beyond to embrace our organization and create a comfortable environment for our team and fans. They always will be a part of our Jets family.”

Preparing for the season at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center offers the added benefit of locating camp closer to the team’s core fan base in the New York/North Jersey metropolitan area.

 

“We are very grateful for the outstanding support of our fans in Cortland and to fans who made and enjoyed trips to the area,” said Jets President Neil Glat. “Our hope is that our training in Florham Park will allow additional fans to experience the fun and excitement of a Jets Training Camp this year.”

The Jets had held five of their past six training camps at SUNY Cortland in Central New York. The return to the year-round training facility is consistent with the trend of a number of teams remaining at home for camp. Currently, 21 of the 32 teams conduct camp at their practice facility.

 

2015 New York Jets Training Camp is supported by EMC/SAP, JetBlue, MetLife, SNY, and Toyota. Practice dates and times will be announced as soon as they are determined.

 

> http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-9/Jets-to-Remain-in-Florham-Park-for-2015-Training-Camp/17a75803-dfb9-414a-8c59-a7a1681be940

[kelly]

So long, Cortland.

 

The New York Jets announced Tuesday they will conduct training camp this summer at their year-round facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, joining a leaguewide trend. Currently, 21 of the 32 teams hold training camp at their facility.

Starting in 2009, the Jets camped in Cortland, New York, where they trained at SUNY-Cortland. Former coach Rex Ryan, the driving force behind Cortland, liked the location because it allowed the team to get away from home and build chemistry. Under Ryan, they skipped only one summer in Cortland -- 2011 -- the year of the NFL lockout. That summer, they held camp in Florham Park.

But this is a new era, and Todd Bowles is looking to put his stamp on the team.

Team president Neil Glat said their hope is that staying at home will allow more fans to attend camp. In 2014, the Jets drew 22,500 fans in Cortland, according to a study. The study also determined that the Jets' presence in Cortland generated $4.6 million for the local ecomony over a three-week period.

"SUNY Cortland felt like home because of the tremendous local support we received during our time there," owner Woody Johnson said in a statement. "President Erik Bitterbaum and the university staff, as well as the families and businesses of Central New York, all went above and beyond to embrace our organization and create a comfortable environment for our team and fans. They always will be a part of our Jets family."

At one point, the Jets were leaning toward SUNY-Farmingdale on Long Island. The objective, it seemed, was to get back to the metropolitan area, trying to re-energize a fan base that became disgruntled with last season's 4-12 record.

The team hasn't announced the starting date, but it will be about July 28. There is no word yet on where the Green & White scrimmage will be held -- or if it will be held at all.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/50290/jets-say-goodbye-to-cortland-will-stay-home-for-training-camp

[kelly]

Former New York Jets first-round pick Kyle Wilson found a new home, signing Wednesday with the New Orleans Saints.

 

It's quite obvious the Jets had no interest in re-signing Wilson, judging from their spending spree at cornerback. He was a disappointment for the Jets, whom they drafted 29th overall in 2010. He never developed into anything more than a nickelback, and not a very productive one. It didn't take long for him to become a target of the fans' ire.

 

Looking at the big picture, Wilson's expected departure means the Jets have no players remaining from their 2008 to 2010 drafts. They had only 13 picks over that span, only one of whom still is a full-time starter -- guard Matt Slauson, now with the Chicago Bears.

 

That's a big reason why the Jets were 4-12. The players from those drafts, now with five to seven years experience, should comprise the nucleus of the team. Now you know why the Jets suffered from a dearth of talent.To refresh your memory, the Jets' first-round picks in those years were Vernon Gholston, Dustin Keller, Mark Sanchez and Wilson. Other immortals from that era were Joe McKnight, Vladimir Ducasse and Shonn Greene.

 

In New Orleans, Wilson will play for Rex Ryan's brother, Rob, who was smitten with him before the '10 draft. At the time, he was the Cleveland Browns' defensive coordinator.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/50314/kyle-wilson-is-gone-and-the-jets-2010-draft-is-history

 

 

 

[kelly]

The Jets have done nothing in recent weeks to bow out of the Marcus Mariota sweepstakes.

 

On a conference call with season ticket holders Thursday, New York's new head coach, Todd Bowles, told participants that he's interested in adding another quarterback alongside Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Matt Simms.

 

This could mean a fifth-round backup option.But it could also mean the No.6 overall pick in the draft. "We want competition at every position," Bowles said, via ESPN.com. "Ryan is going to compete, as well as Geno is going to compete, and we hope to add somebody else to compete with them, along with (Matt) Simms."

 

Though temporarily exciting, Bowles' comments speak to a general sadness felt by Jets fans for years. When is the last time the team went into a season confident and collected in its quarterback situation? When is the last time they didn't have to endure a summer of breathless tweets breaking down their four-way battle under center ?

 

It looks like this is no more than the summer of Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow and Greg McElroy all over again.In some distant version of NFL history, the Jets might be looked at as a franchise that knew how to develop a passer. But over the past five decades, very few names stand out.

 

> http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000483333/article/todd-bowles-says-jets-will-look-to-add-another-qb

[SouthernJet]

 

 

It looks like this is no more than the summer of Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow and Greg McElroy all over again.In some distant version of NFL history, the Jets might be looked at as a franchise that knew how to develop a passer. But over the past five decades, very few names stand out.

 

> http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000483333/article/todd-bowles-says-jets-will-look-to-add-another-qb

Having Vet Fitz who knows Chans playbook puts us way ahead of that summer IMHO at least

[kelly]

Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay discuss what the New York Jets will do with the 6th pick...

 

> http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=12600146&ex_cid=espnapi_public

[kelly]

New York Jets coach Todd Bowles opened his first offseason program Monday without one of his best players: defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson.

 

Wilkerson, entering the final year of his contract, decided to stay away as he awaits a new deal, a source confirmed. Even though the workouts are voluntary, his no-show sends a message to the front office that he is not happy with the pace of negotiations.

 

Mo Wilkerson, who is seeking a long-term contract extension, is staying away from the Jets' offseason program, which began Monday.

 

There was no indication if he will skip the entire offseason program. The Jets don't have a mandatory event until June 9, their second minicamp.The two sides have been talking on and off for about a year, but they've never been close to a deal. The Jets changed general managers after the season, replacing John Idzik with Mike Maccagnan, which may have slowed the process.

 

Wilkerson always has put the team ahead of his contract, indicating last offseason that he'd never consider a holdout. He played last season for only $1.2 million. At the end of the season, though, he admitted he was surprised he didn't have a new deal.Wilkerson, a first-round pick in 2011, is due to make $6.969 million in 2015, the amount of his fifth-year option. The Jets exercised the option last spring. Right now, he's the seventh-highest-paid player on the team, based on 2015 compensation.

 

The Jets have been one of the most active teams in the offseason, having doled out close to $90 million in fully guaranteed money.Wilkerson's absence comes four days after Maccagnan suggested Wilkerson's contract situation will be on the back burner until after the draft."That's something we're going to discuss here in the offseason at some point in time with him," Maccagnan said. "Obviously, for us, first we're going to work ourselves through the draft process. After that, that's something we're going to address going forward. I think for a lot of these things, it may be a process.

 

"Obviously, the agent and Muhammad have their perspective. We're going to have our point, and at the end of the day, hopefully find a middle ground we're both comfortable with. Muhammad is a very good player. I'd like to keep him a Jet."Wilkerson's no-show was earlier reported by CBSSports.com.

 

> http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12627453/muhammad-wilkerson-new-york-jets-skips-start-offseason-program

[kelly]

The New York Jets hold the sixth overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. NFL Media's Charles Davis discusses if the Jets can afford to pass on University of Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.

 

video...

> http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-path-to-the-draft/0ap3000000483696/Can-Jets-afford-to-pass-on-Mariota

[Snell41]

Mariota is a mid round talent in a god awful crop of QBs. Any team that drafts him as any kind of answer for this season is making a huge mistake. And if he's not a potential help to this season he is NOT worth a top 10 pick.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Komba]

Mariota is a mid round talent in a god awful crop of QBs. Any team that drafts him as any kind of answer for this season is making a huge mistake. And if he's not a potential help to this season he is NOT worth a top 10 pick.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

 

Forgetting Mariota, QB is EVERYTHING in this league.  If they have ANY chance at developing into a top 10 guy even 5 years down the road, they are worth taking.

 

 

And Mariota is a much higher talent.   This isn't a case of him being talked into a higher spot.  Everyone has known for a long time now that Mariota was a top 10 draft pick.

[kelly]

Jeremy Kerley, Nick Mangold and Geno Smith were made available to the media on Monday, the first day of the New York Jets' offseason program. A few highlights from the interviews  :

 

Mangold on Todd Bowles' introductory team meeting : "He's got great passion, really excited about being a head coach, about his vision. I'm excited as we get going to continue to see how he goes about doing things, how he runs meetings, how he runs practices. It's going to be a fun offseason."

 

Smith on Bowles' message to the team : "It's all about winning. Every guy on this team is going to have a role and it's going to be very definitive. But right now, the only role you have is to develop a bond and a chemistry with your new teammates and all the new coaches and all the new faces in the building. Allow yourselves to get better and allow yourselves to be coached."

 

Kerley on the addition of fellow wide receiver Brandon Marshall : "Hopefully, it will free me up a little bit on the inside, free Jace [Amaro] up a little bit on the inside so he can do a little bit more work there. He's going to create matchups for us, one on one. Even when he has that No. 1 corner on him, he's such a big target that, when you throw it to him, he'll go up and get it. Or he can run past you and go get it, whatever you ask him to do. And then we have Eric Decker, who showed what he can do in the last game of the season (221 yards). We just have weapons everywhere."

 

Kerley on Chan Gailey's spread offense: "It's something different, but different can be good. We have to utilize it the right way."

 

Mangold on Rex Ryan being hired by the division rival Buffalo Bills: "Obviously, happy for Rex. I'm excited for him and I hope that he does well, but not that well."

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/50436/jets-players-react-to-todd-bowles-first-address-to-team

[kelly]

A few weeks after the season, Geno Smith showed up on the USC campus to work with one of the nation's top throwing specialists. It was more than a few passing drills, a pat on the back and a plane ticket home. He stuck around for the full House.

 

Smith spent nearly two months under the supervision of Tom House, who introduced the New York Jets' quarterback to the high-tech world of physical and mental performance. He evaluated Smith's throwing motion by sticking tiny sensors all over his body and hooking him up to a computer. When he threw a football, it generated data in a three-dimensional representation that detailed every nuance in his delivery. A 1,000-frame-per-second camera allowed House and his team of instructors to break down every phase.Geno Smith has been working with QB guru Tom House, who has aided Tom Brady and Drew Brees among others. 

 

Science !

 

And that was only part of the program.As he does with every quarterback, House assessed Smith at the outset, focusing on four basic metrics: biomechanical, functional strength, nutrition and a mental/emotional profile. His progress in those areas was charted throughout his stay."I think he left incrementally better in all four metrics," House told ESPN.com.

 

House spoke in generalities, saying he doesn't get into specifics when discussing his clients. Fair enough. He described Smith as a hard worker who's "not afraid to put in the time. ... He was challenged, and he met the challenge perfectly."Some of the biggest names in the sport, including Tom Brady and Drew Brees, have gone to House for advice and help. The man knows throwing. He pitched in the major leagues for eight years (he caught Hank Aaron's 715th homer while standing in the Atlanta Braves' bullpen) and later became a pitching coach. In 2014, he crossed over to pop culture. Bill Paxton played House in the Disney film "Million Dollar Arm," a true story in which House teaches two teenaged cricket players from India how to pitch a baseball.

 

So yes, he knows big projects. Smith isn't a big project, according to House.

 

"He's really good," he said. "None of them are perfect -- Nolan Ryan and Greg Maddux weren't perfect when they came to me -- but we try to train for perfection."Smith spoke positively of his experience with House, but he downplayed the notion that his mechanics needed to be tweaked. House said he made "incremental changes in his delivery and incremental changes in his conditioning." He also said he adjusted Smith's diet, which should help. He expects Smith to return for a "tuneup" before training camp.

 

You won't be able to notice any differences in Smith's delivery, at least not with the naked eye. House said half-jokingly, "If you recognize big changes, I need you to come work for me."There will be skeptics, of course. Will a scientific study of his throwing motion help Smith avoid multiple-interception games? Will a healthier diet make him better in the red zone? So much of the quarterback position involves innate ability. But in House's world, the objective is to help every athlete improve by 5 percent. That, he said, can separate a Super Bowl champion from a marginal starter.

 

Say this for Smith: He's trying."This," House said, "should make him a more consistent performer for a longer time."

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/50468/qb-guru-tom-house-sees-improvement-in-jets-geno-smith

[kelly]

The NFL released the preseason schedule on Thursday. The dates and times still haven't been announced, but this is what it looks like for the New York Jets :

 

Week 1 (Aug. 13-17) -- at Detroit Lions

 

Comment: The Jets will open at Ford Field for the second time in three years. This time, it marks the debut of new coach Todd Bowles. Based on Bowles' recent comments about the quarterback situation, we have to assume Geno Smith will get the start. Smith sprained his ankle two summers ago in Motown. Rumor has it the Jets played an unusual regular-season game last year in Detroit, but no one affiliated with the organization wants to acknowledge that it occurred.

 

Week 2 (Aug. 20-23) -- Atlanta Falcons

 

Comment: The storyline here is the coaching matchup -- Bowles versus fellow first-year coach Dan Quinn, who was thought to be the leading candidate for the Jets' vacancy (depending on whom you ask).

 

Week 3 (Aug. 27-30) -- at New York Giants

 

Comment: It'll be the 47th consecutive preseason meeting for the two locals. For those who actually give a hoot, the Jets lead the summer series, 24-21-1. This will be more meaningless than usual because they face each other in the regular season (another Giants' home game), so expect a double scoop of vanilla in terms of the X's and O's.

 

Week 4 (Sept. 3-5) -- Philadelphia Eagles

 

Comment: If Marcus Mariota isn't drafted by the Jets, he still might get a chance to play in MetLife Stadium -- that is, if Chip Kelly can pull off a blockbuster trade on draft day. If neither team has Mariota, it'll be a Mark Sanchez homecoming and the usual Matt Simms Bowl

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/165923/2015-new-york-jets-preseason-schedule

[kelly]

For all the presumed certainty that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will make Jameis Winston the No. 1 overall pick of the draft, the quarterback's April calendar is still filled with interest from other teams.

 

The latest :

The former FSU star will have a pre-draft visit to the New York Jets facility, according to NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport. And NFL Media's Albert Breer reports that Winston will have a private workout with the St. Louis Rams, along with Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, next week.

 

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht, for his part, played coy this week about whether the club will even pick a quarterback."They're both winners, they're both smart, they've both won a Heisman Trophy and they're both respected by their teammates and coaches. That's what's going to make it tough (to decide) â if we go that route," Licht told tbo.com.

 

If the Bucs were to trade out of the first pick, or shock the pundits and pick someone other than Winston, the rest of the NFL won't be caught without having done its homework on the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner. The Jets hold the No. 6 overall pick and have struggled at the quarterback position with Geno Smith, making Gang Green a potentially attractive trade partner for the Bucs. The Rams, having traded Sam Bradford for Nick Foles, wouldn't figure to have as much interest in Winston as the Jets might.

 

If Tampa Bay takes Winston at the top of the draft, the Jets could potentially target Mariota with the No. 6 overall pick, if he is available at that point. Based on the comments of one NFL personnel man, Mariota should have his fingers crossed that he falls no further than that.

 

> http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000484877/article/jets-bringing-in-jameis-winston-for-predraft-visit

[kelly]

A look at what's happening around the New York Jets :

 

1. Sweet 16 ? General manager Mike Maccagnan has done a nice job of increasing the competition at virtually every position on the roster, acquiring 16 new players, but he has spent a little too much time shopping in the aisle marked "Older/Injured Players."Eight of the 16 will be at least 30 years old when the season starts and, more concerning, six ended last season on injured reserve -- Brandon Marshall, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Stevan Ridley, James Brewer, Jamari Lattimore and Corey Hilliard. Another player, Joe Mays, began the season on IR and returned at midseason. All told, the new players missed a total of 63 games because of injuries, not counting Erin Henderson, who sat out the year because of substance-abuse issues. Then there's Marcus Gilchrist, who didn't miss a single game but is limited this offseason due to a residual shoulder injury.Of the injuries that plagued many of the Jets' newcomers, Stevan Ridley's knee issue was the most serious. Maccagnan went into the second wave of free agency with his eyes open and, appropriately, reduced the risk by doling out nine one-year contracts for minimum salaries and small signing bonuses. In other words, if they're hurt or ineffective, they're gone -- with no damage to the salary cap. My prediction is at least 10 or 11 will make the team, but you wonder how many will contribute on special teams. And that's what backups are supposed to do, right? Only three played at least 100 special-teams snaps last season -- Lattimore, Buster Skrine and Kevin Vickerson.This approach, in part, was born of necessity. Save for 2013, the recent John Idzik and Mike Tannenbaum drafts failed to produce the kind of numbers you need to sustain a healthy roster, leaving gaping holes on the depth chart.

 

So,basically, Maccagnan did some bulk shopping at cut-rate prices, saving the big money for Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Skrine.If you're a Jets fan, you'd better hope Maccagnan doesn't start trading away draft choices, thinking the older/injured can hold the fort for more than a year. The draft remains the lifeblood of successful organizations.

 

2. Ridley on the mend: Of all the newcomers, the most seriously injured was Ridley, who is only five months removed from major knee surgery. Nevertheless, the Jets are optimistic about his recovery. He soon will report to the offseason program to continue his rehab. Barring a setback, he should be ready to go for training camp, a source said. This is a prove-it year for Ridley. He signed a one-year deal, although he's not behaving like someone who expects a one-and-done with the Jets. On Friday, he posted an Instagram video of himself getting a rather large "Jets" tattoo on his right forearm. Imagine if he signed a Revis-type deal; they would've run out of ink.

 

3. Maybe ball deflation is the answer: The biggest criticism of Ridley is that he's a fumbler, which is weird because his former team -- the New England Patriots -- is known for excellent ball security. From 2012 to 2014, he fumbled seven times on rushing attempts. The only running backs with more fumbles over that period are Jamaal Charles (13), Alfred Morris (11), Joique Bell (10), Reggie Bush (nine), C.J. Spiller (nine), Marshawn Lynch (eight) and LeSean McCoy (eight), according to ESPN Stats & Information. That's a pretty good group; the Jets probably could tolerate a few miscues if Ridley can produce like those guys.

 

4. Motivation behind the Coples move: The Jets' decision to exercise the fifth-year option for Quinton Coples gives them another year to evaluate the talented, but inconsistent former first-round pick. It simply buys them time before they have to make a call on whether to pony up the serious money. Let me explain. Right now, his 2016 salary ($7.8 million) is guaranteed for injury only. The salary doesn't become fully guaranteed until the start of the 2016 league year in mid-March. If Coples has a terrible year, he can be released before then with no cap ramifications.Teams still are getting comfortable with the concept of the fifth-year option because this is only the second year of its existence. Some facts and figures from last year: Thirty first-round picks from 2011 were eligible for a fifth-year option. Of those 30, 21 had their option picked up, including the Jets' Muhammad Wilkerson. Four of the 21 received long-term deals; the other 17 remained on their teams. That includes the San Francisco 49ers' Aldon Smith, who restructured his contract.

 

5. The joy of six: There are six elite prospects in the draft, according to a consensus from four well-respected experts -- Mel Kiper, Jr. and Todd McShay of ESPN, Rob Rang of CBSSports.com and Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Media. After compiling their player rankings, six stood out above the crowd (in order): USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams, Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper, West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White, Florida defensive end/linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. and Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.Although receiver isn't a position of need, the Jets would have a hard time passing up Amari Cooper if he's available at No. 6 in the NFL draft. 

 

The good news for the Jets, picking sixth, is they're guaranteed to get one of these players. Wide receiver no longer is a need, but I think Maccagnan would have a tough time passing on Cooper. Yeah, they'd have a crowded receiving corps, but I'd rather take the value than force a "need" pick.

 

6. A chip off the ol' Tuna: Todd Bowles is a Bill Parcells disciple, which might provide some insight into how he wants to build his defense. Parcells always subscribed to the bigger-is-better theory, especially in the front seven. There is a lot of speculation about the Jets picking an outside linebacker with the sixth pick, but neither of the likely candidates fits the ideal mold from a height-weight standpoint. Shane Ray and Vic Beasley are on the small side. They're both 6-foot-3, but they're probably maxed out at 245 and 246 pounds, respectively. Randy Gregory (6-foot-5, 235) has the skill and the frame to add weight, but his stock could suffer because of admitted marijuana use. Fowler (6-foot-3, 261) would be a nice fit, but he probably won't get out of the top five.This brings us back to the previous item. If the choice is between a stud receiver or an undersized pass-rusher, take the receiver. Bowles can always scheme up a pass rush, especially with Revis & Co. protecting on the back end.

 

7. Time to grow up: Winston's attorney, David Cornwell, offered a brutally honest assessment of his client, telling a sports law symposium the quarterback is "not ready to be an NFL player off the field." Cornwell later tweeted that he'd put all rookies in that category. Maybe, but all rookies won't be the No. 1 pick in the draft. With that comes responsibility and pressure, and you have to wonder if Winston can handle it. Imagine him in New York.An NFC scout said of Winston, "He wins football games. The only thing you have to worry about, especially in New York, is that he's a celebrity quarterback before he even gets there. He's only three years out of high school, and he acts like it."It would be high drama if, for some reasons, the Jets had a shot at Winston. I bet they'd take him in a New York minute.

 

8. This Ali's the greatest (among small-school prospects): Hobart's Ali Marpet, who attended Hastings-on-Hudson High School in Westchester, New York, could be the first Division III player to be drafted in the top 100 since Ferrum College's Chris Warren in 1990. He's a 6-foot-4, 310-pound offensive lineman with mad athletic skills. The Jets are intrigued. They were among a handful of teams that checked him out last week in a mini-pro day on his campus in upstate New York.

 

9. Lucky/unlucky six: If the Jets stay put in the first round, it'll mark their fifth selection at No. 6 overall in the common-draft era. The first time was 1971; they chose John Riggins, now a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The last time was 2008; they picked Vernon Gholston, who washed out of the league after three years. Going out on a limb here, but this year's pick probably will fall somewhere in between.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/50556/sunday-notes-new-york-jets-bulk-shopping-has-pros-and-cons

[kelly]

Whenever a new player or coach comes to a New York team, there’s an inevitable question about whether he can handle the local media. Jets coach Todd Bowles thinks that question is silly.

 

Asked on NFL Network what it will take to navigate the New York media, Bowles said that’s not a concern of his.“I’m a football coach. I coach football. I don’t coach the New York media. At the end of the day, it’s about wins and losses,” Bowles said.Bowles added that when facing reporters he’ll “speak to them and answer the questions I need to answer,” and that’s about it.

 

That’s a wise approach. Coaches who worry what the media say about them usually end up working in the media, after they lose the head-coaching job.

 

> http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/15/todd-bowles-scoffs-at-concerns-about-handling-the-new-york-media/

[kelly]

Between now and the draft, we'll take an up-close look at the leading candidates for the New York Jets, who own the sixth pick. Previously featured were Amari Cooper, Dante Fowler Jr. and Vic Beasley.
 

Player: Brandon Scherff, G/T, Iowa

Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 319 pounds

Scouts Inc. overall ranking: 6th

 

Why the Jets should draft him: He's the best offensive lineman in the draft, period. In case you haven't noticed, the Jets' line could use a young stud, especially with Nick Mangold and D'Brickashaw Ferguson starting the backside of their careers. They haven't had a Pro Bowl guard since Brandon Moore in 2011. Guard play is vital in the AFC East. Not only do the Jets have to deal with Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus of the Buffalo Bills, but there's a new hell-raiser in the neighborhood -- Ndamukong Suh, who signed with the Miami Dolphins. Scherff wouldn't excite the masses because he's a lineman, but he'd be a safe pick if GM Mike Maccagnan wants to take the conservative route.

 

2015 NFL DRAFT

 

Why they should pass: The No. 6 pick is awfully high to select a guard, which most scouts see as Scherff's best position on the pro level. Since 2010, only eight guards have been chosen in the first round, including just two in the top 10 -- Jonathan Cooper (seventh, 2013) and Chance Warmack (10th, 2013). Neither has lived up to expectations, although it should be noted that Kyle Long (20th, 2013) is a two-time Pro Bowl selection. The Jets minimized the need by signing James Carpenter and re-signing Willie Colon.

 

Scouting report: He was a 290-pound quarterback early in his high school career. Scherff began college at left guard, but he spent the last three seasons at left tackle. He won the Outland Trophy in 2014. Many see his future at guard, or possibly right tackle, because he lacks the agility, athleticism and ideal arm length (33⅜ inches) to protect the blind side. At Iowa, which churns out fundamentally sound linemen, Scherff made his bones as a road-grader in the running game. He's big, strong and intense. He has enormous hands (11 inches) and uses them to defeat defenders at the point of attack. He plays upright and he's a little stiff in the hips, leading to hiccups in pass protection.

 

Key stats: He played 43 games at Iowa, including 36 starts -- 33 at left tackle, three at left guard. Not that it matters a lot for his position, but he ran the 40 in 5.05 seconds. Curiously, he had only 23 reps on the bench press, an average number for a player whose weight-room exploits are legendary.

 

Red flags: Nothing major, just some relatively minor injury issues. In 2012, he played only seven games because of a fractured leg and dislocated ankle. In 2014, he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, but he didn't miss any games. In fact, he was back at practice by midweek. Tough dude, Scherff.

 

What scouts are saying: NFL Network draft expert Daniel Jeremiah, a former scout: "I know Brandon is 100 percent a guard. He can be a great guard. He reminds me of Marshall Yanda, who we drafted in Baltimore. [Yanda] made the switch inside and has been a fantastic pro." ... NFL Network analysts Charles Davis: "The [Zack] Martin comparison will continue to come up. I would rate Zack Martin higher coming out last year than I would rate Brandon Scherff, but that doesn't mean he's not a good football player."

 

In Scherff's own words: "I don’t think there would be a challenge [to move to guard]. I like run-blocking. It would be a little closer. You're getting a little help from the center also. I think it would it would be a smooth move for me. ... [The Iowa pipeline] speaks for Coach [Kirk] Ferentz and the coaching staff that he has there. I learned from Riley Reiff; he’s the Detroit Lions’ left tackle right now. He has taught me everything I know." ... [Playing quarterback in high school] was different. I was 290 pounds and my center was like 190 pounds, so it should be flip-flopped probably from that. It was a good experience for me, I learned a lot and I’m thankful for that."

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/50640/pick-six-iowa-ol-brandon-scherff-would-be-safe-choice-for-jets

[kelly]

With only nine days left until the draft, rumors are swirling that the New York Jets are plotting a blockbuster move to trade up for Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston. ESPN analyst Jon Gruden doesn't see that happening. He doesn't think the Jets will give up on Geno Smith."I'd be surprised if the Jets pull the plug on Geno because, as painful as it is for some Jets fans, I see some progress," Gruden said Tuesday on a media conference call.

 

Todd Bowles said recently he expects Smith to go into training camp as the Jets' No. 1 quarterback, competing for the starting job with veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick. But Bowles also said he wants to add another quarterback, and we know the new regime has no allegiance to Smith.

Jon Gruden doesn't think the Jets should give up on Geno Smith just yet. Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY SportsGruden suggested Smith deserves another shot to prove he can be a winning quarterback in the league."Geno Smith, as polarizing as he is from most of the people I hear talk about him, he's getting better," Gruden said. "He is showing some progress and they are adding some players around him. Brandon Marshall comes to town to potentially give him a go-to target. I think [Jace] Amaro, the young tight end, has a chance to be a factor in the passing game. ... Maybe another year of spending time with Geno, with a solid backup like Fitzpatrick, will be beneficial."

 

Winston is the presumptive No. 1 overall pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leaving Mariota for the Tennessee Titans at No. 2. They hold the key to the top half of the first round. The Titans could pick Mariota, trade down for picks, trade the pick to the San Diego Chargers for Philip Rivers or draft another player.The Jets hold the sixth pick, looking up -- perhaps with envy -- at the quarterback action.

 

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., commenting specifically on the Jets, said it "would take an RG III-type deal to get that second pick." Translation: They'd have to sell the farm. In 2012, the Washington Redskins traded three first-round picks and a second-rounder to move up four spots, selecting Robert Griffin III at No. 2."If you want to give up all that, mortgage your future when you have a young quarterback like Geno Smith ... they have other needs," Kiper said, adding, "If they feel they can go forward with Smith, you don't make that move."

 

That's obvious. Even if the new regime believes Smith has some redeeming qualities, it would be foolish to ignore Mariota. Gruden was effusive in his praise of the Heisman Trophy-winning passer.

"He's a rare prospect," he said. "I think he has some can't-miss qualities. If you can bring him along and have just a little bit of patience to give him the correct direction, I think this kid Mariota can be one of the great quarterbacks in the future of the NFL."

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/50762/jon-gruden-says-hed-be-surprised-if-jets-give-up-on-geno-smith

[kelly]

saw this..

 

~ ~ With an improved secondary, the New York Jets will double their win total from last season. But uncertainty at quarterback, coupled with an improved AFC East, makes the playoffs out of the question in 2015. Prediction: 8-8.

 

A game-by-game breakdown :

 

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13, Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m.

The Todd Bowles era opens at home, the Jets' sixth straight season opener at home. This is a favorable opener for the Jets because they're familiar with former Jets assistant Mike Pettine's defensive scheme (a carbon copy of the Rex Ryan system) and because the Browns, like the Jets, have an unsettled quarterback situation. Maybe we'll see Johnny Football. Prediction: Jets 21, Browns 20. Record: 1-0.

 

Week 2: Monday, Sept. 21, at Indianapolis Colts, 8:30 p.m.

This could be the Jets' toughest non-divisional road game. In three seasons, Andrew Luck is 19-5 at home. This will be the Jets' first trip to Indy since their wild-card win in the 2010 playoffs. Ah, those were the days. Prediction: Colts 27, Jets 14. Record: 1-1.

 

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 27, Philadelphia Eagles, 1 p.m.

Strange, but true: The Jets never have beaten the Eagles in a regular-season game -- 0-9. Maybe Bowles, a former Eagles assistant, can end the skid. It'll be a lot more dramatic if former Jets quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and/or Tim Tebow get a chance to play. Prediction: Eagles 24, Jets 21. Record: 1-2.

 

Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4, at Miami Dolphins, 9:30 a.m.

The two AFC East rivals play at London's Wembley Stadium, the first overseas regular-season game in Jets history. Maybe the Jets and Dolphins, who played the famous Midnight Miracle game in 2000, can stage a Midday Miracle on the other side of the pond. Prediction: Jets 40, Dolphins 37 (OT). Record: 2-2.

 

Week 5: Bye

 

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 18, Washington Redskins, 1 p.m.

A lot of similarities here: Both teams are coming off four-win seasons and they're both facing the likelihood of a quarterback controversy. Bowles played for the Redskins for seven years in the late 1908s and early 1990s, so that's a neat, little subplot. Prediction: Jets 26, Redskins 16. Record: 3-2.

 

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 25, at New England Patriots, 1 p.m.

In honor of Darrelle Revis, who left the Super Bowl champs to sign with his old team, let's call it the Tamper Bowl. Bowles gets his first crack at the Patriots, the nemesis that inflicted so much frustration during the Ryan era. With a vastly improved secondary, the Jets should have a fighting chance against Tom Brady. Patriots 24, Jets 21. Record: 3-3.

 

Week 8: Sunday, Nov. 1, at Oakland Raiders, 4:05 p.m.

With an emerging defense, the Raiders could be a sleeper in the AFC. Memo to Bowles: Make sure Geno Smith is aware of the proper time zone. California causes problems for him. Prediction: Jets 20, Raiders 17. Record: 4-3.

 

Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 8, Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m.

Big question: Will former Jets general manager John Idzik, now a salary-cap consultant for the Jaguars, make the trip back to MetLife Stadium? If so, will he be greeted by a banner-toting airplane, just for old time's sake? But, seriously, the Jets can't afford to lose this game. They won't. Prediction: Jets 28, Jaguars 10. Record: 5-3.

 

Week 10: Thursday, Nov. 12, Buffalo Bills, 8:25 p.m.

For six years, the Jets tried to back up Rex Ryan's often outrageous boasts, failing more often than not in recent seasons. Now we'll get a chance to see how the Jets respond when they're on the receiving end of the trash talk. Watch your back, Jace Amaro. Prediction: Bills 13, Jets 12. Record: 5-4.

 

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22, at Houston Texans, 1 p.m.

The Texans traded Ryan Fitzpatrick to the Jets because they felt more comfortable with a couple of younger quarterbacks, Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer. Maybe Fitzpatrick gets a chance for a little payback in the Maccagnan Bowl -- if he's starting over Smith. Prediction: Texans 24, Jets 20. Record: 5-5.

 

Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 29, Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m.

The Jets can beat them on foreign soil, and we know they can beat them in South Florida, but they can't beat them at home. This will be the Jets' fourth straight home loss to the Dolphins, which will make former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum -- Miami's new VP -- a happy man. Prediction: Dolphins 21, Jets 17. Record: 5-6.

 

Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 6, at New York Giants, 1 p.m.

Four years after the Victor Cruz Game (read: 99-yard touchdown), the Jets enjoy a little payback. The battle of New York will feature the matchup of the year: Revis versus Odell Beckham Jr. Oh, baby. Prediction: Jets 24, Giants 23. Record: 6-6.

 

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 13, Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m.

If the Jets don't draft quarterback Marcus Mariota, they might have to face him in this contest. The Titans could take him with the No. 2 pick in the draft, setting up a delicious subplot. Prediction: Jets 34, Titans 13. Record: 7-6.

 

Week 15: Saturday, Dec. 19, at Dallas Cowboys, 8:25 p.m.

The Jets visit Jerry's World for the first time, clinging to their playoff dreams. In the end, Adrian Peterson (wink, wink) will be too much for them to handle as the Cowboys pull away in prime time. Prediction: Cowboys 27, Jets 17. Record: 7-7.

 

Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 27, New England Patriots, 1 p.m.

Sorry, Todd, no one said this Patriots' thing was going to be easy. The Jets lose their fourth straight to the defending Super Bowl champs. Look at the bright side: Tom Brady will be one year closer to retirement. Prediction: Patriots 20, Jets 16. Record: 7-8.

 

Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3, at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m.

Amaro catches the winning touchdown pass in the final minute, costing the Bills a wild-card spot. Ryan fires his headset into the ground and later remarks, "I wanted to kick their a--, and they kicked mine." He responds by abolishing team captains for 2016. Prediction: Jets 28, Bills 23. Record: 8-8.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/50724/game-by-game-predictions-new-york-jets

[kelly]

When we talk about the Draft, people frequently talk about needs. Certainly the Draft can help to fix areas of weakness. The Draft isn't only about filling needs, however. It also presents a chance to transform the team by adding a strength that forces the issue on opponents. I'm going to pick one potential area for the Jets on offense and one on defense where the addition of a big-time player could have a ripple effect.

 

Offense: Running Back

While it s possible the Jets will add one of the top two quarterbacks, the odds do not seem to be in Gang Green's favor. This team is likely going to have to get by with either Geno Smith or Ryan Fitzpatrick. In either case, the Jets are going to have to help their quarterback a lot. The Jets have decent players in the backfield, but adding a top back from this year's class has a chance to change the offense. Back in 2009 and 2010, the Jets were able to prop up an unspectacular passing game because of the success they had running the ball. They had arguably the best offensive line in football at the time. To run the ball that effectively, a team either needs a great back or a great offensive line. In this year's class, the back might be easier to get.

 

Defense: Edge Rusher

I have heard a lot about the Jets' sack totals recently. It is true that the Jets could get by on what they have because of their strong defensive line, adding an explosive edge rusher could have an outsized effect on the defense. It isn't just about upgrading over Quinton Coples' and Calvin Pace's production. If the Jets add an edge rusher other teams have to gameplan to stop, Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson get less attention inside. Offenses have to leave extra blockers in, meaning the only receiving options on a given play might be covered by Revis and Cromartie.

 

> http://www.ganggreennation.com/2015/4/24/8488671/new-york-jets-building-strengths

[Smashmouth]

We already made a huge trade to chase a hyped up, marginally talented QB who was the 2nd best in the draft when we took Sanchez.

We have a desperate need for an elite outside pass rusher and the free agent market is already dry at that position. and there will be at least 2 waiting for with the #6 pick. This is the wrong time to chase this QB.

We do not have a desperate need for an elite outside pass rusher we have a need for an elite NFL QB and the only way your going to find one is to keep trying. We can be a top 5 defense easily with our current personnel on defense and if Fitz plays good we can be a damn good team. Fitz is capable of playing good and if he can keep turnovers at a minimum this team can be a lot better than most people think. Mariota can learn in those conditions just fine and will be able to step in when and IF Fitz falters which can be sometime this year next year or the year after. Mariota has the talent and the ability and drive to win. The bullsh*t nonsense that's being spread about him will be proven wrong if hes handled the right way and surrounded with talent and a solid system. Ever wonder how many QB's were ruined playing in piss poor systems with next to no talent around them ? The answer is probably a lot and the Jets have been one of those teams who never seemed to do the right thing for QB's . The short time Parcells was here he did it right as soon as he left its all started to spiral out of control. Just as Vinny Testaverde who used to throw 20 - 30 Ints a year what it was like to play under Parcells in a real system surrounded by talent

[kelly]

It's NFL Draft week, you guys.

 

There's been endless bandwith used to break down and analyze and poke and prod the players who are expected to be selected in the first round. But the draft runs for seven rounds, with the first round on Thursday, the second and third rounds on Friday, and rounds four through seven on Saturday. Which means there are many, many players to consider.

 

The Jets have a total of six picks in the seven rounds. We've heard a lot about the edge rushers, quarterbacks, and receivers they may or may not take with the No. 6 pick in the first round. But what about after that ?

 

In the gallery below, we identify 10 players who could be targets for the Jets on Friday and Saturday. Bear in mind: These players are all based on needs the Jets have, and general manager Mike Maccagnan has said he doesn't always believe in drafting to fill a need. Besides, Maccagnan took care of a number of the Jets' needs by being so aggressive in free agency, and by trading for wideout Brandon Marshall and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

 

That said, these are players who could be attractive for the Jets as the draft progresses past the first round. Happy clicking.

 

> http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/04/10_prospects_to_watch_for_jets_after_first_round_o.html

[kelly]

Report : Jets believed to “have an affinity for” Andrus Peat

 

With a new head coach (Todd Bowles) and General Manager (Mike Maccagnan) in the fold, and with a host of roster needs, the Jets could go numerous ways with the No. 6 overall pick in Thursday’s draft.However, a few other clubs reportedly think they have an inkling of a prospect New York especially likes.

 

According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, “several” NFL personnel directors suspect the Jets are fond of Stanford offensive tackle Andrus Peat.Offensive line would be a logical area for the Jets to address early in the draft. Three of their starters are at least 31 years old, and right tackle Breno Giacomini turns 30 in November. Left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson, who enters his 10th season as a starter, will turn 32 in December.

 

As the Daily News notes, Peat took a pre-draft visit to the Jets, who have six draft selections in 2015. Given their lack of picks, the Jets would seem a logical trade-down candidate.

 

> http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/26/report-jets-believed-to-have-an-affinity-for-andrus-peat/

 

[kelly]

This may be the first time that Mike Maccagnan will be seated at the general manager's chair in the war room for an NFL Draft but he is already starting to develop a philosophy for how he will build this team. The more picks the merrier for the new general manager of the New York Jets.

 

Maccagnan, the fresh off the assembly line general manager of the Jets, comes into this his first NFL Draft with a pedigree in player personnel. Most recently the director of college scouting for the Houston Texans, he knows and understands this whole process from the bottom-up. He's scouted players, evaluated them and helped build a draft board. He has sat next to the general manager, has been to Pro Days and spent hours pouring over film.His professional career has pointed towards this moment, the time he will finally make the call as a general manager.

 

All of which is to say that he understands what a crap shoot this whole thing is.“Well, since it’s my first time as a general manager, I don’t have a track record yet. But I think philosophically I like the idea of, personally, getting more picks because to me more picks are more opportunities to find players. Really what you end up weighing is really how good that one player would be that you’re going to move up for the potential two or three or whatever draft picks you’re going to give up for them and kind of the yield there,” Maccagnan said during a Friday press conference at the team's facility to discuss the draft.

 

“It’s kind of like we were talking about before, it’s almost like a portfolio, do you pick one stock you think is going to get the big return or do you pick three stocks which may not actually hit the same ceiling but the overall value of it actually gets a higher yield. We’re going to reach out to every team ahead of us and kind of just get a value of what they’re looking for in compensation to move up in the draft. That doesn’t mean we’re actually trying, necessarily, to go up and get a player but you figure out what the market value is, basically. And then what you do, you see what unfolds with the first few picks and who’s available and then you’re at least informed to go make that decision. And we’ll have that discussion before we get to the draft to see if we want to move up in the draft and what we feel would be a fair value for it would be. But that’s kind of what we do in terms of what we’re basically doing now until Wednesday – just going over different mock draft scenarios.”

 

His team holds six picks, a far cry from the 12 selections the Jets had last year – and they utilized all of them. This year they have all of their selections in each of the first four rounds and two in the seventh round, giving them a certain amount of flexibility while allowing Maccagnan to hopefully bring in a couple players to make an immediate impact on the two-deep.He has the top 300 players ranked and Maccagnan admits that players from the first four rounds are looked at to make a more immediate impression on the roster.This will be his first time as general manager of a team and while he's had an influential role in past drafts with the Texans, now he is the one to make the final call. It would be expected that given his background in personnel and in particular with a resume strong on scouting that this could shape up to be a good draft for the Jets.

 

Especially since the last two drafts under former general manager John Idzik saw the team net only Sheldon Richardson as an immediate impact player, the standard for Maccagnan will be high if this Jets team is ready to compete right away. This team doesn't have a tremendous amount of young stars and it will be up to Maccagnan to begin an immediate infusion of talent.“It’s funny, during this process, I think when I have quiet time, if I ever do have quiet time, that’s probably when it hits me a little bit. At least for the last 15 years, I’ve always really sat right next to the person who’s [making the call]. And my role was very instrumental in all the previous places I’ve worked. When you’re actually in the meeting or at the Pro Day or doing your job or watching film, that’s like riding a bicycle,” Maccagnan said.

 

“It doesn’t feel any different at that point in time. I think it’s when you get sort of the quiet time, when you’re kind of late at night, you roll into the apartment, you’re sort of unwinding, you start thinking about that. But I think what ends up being a little bit, I think everybody probably in my role, I would imagine, and all my friends I’ve talked to about this, you want to be perfect. You want to make sure every pick you make is the best pick at that point in time in theory. That’s where the pressure kind of hits you because really when you look at the draft, we’ve evaluated probably just under 1,400 players and then every one of those players will go eventually to have some sort of career in the NFL at some level of production. The tricky thing is this is so much information and data and evaluations and all this information and what you’re trying to be is be as accurate as you can possibly be at projecting the future.”

 

> http://www.metro.us/kristian-dyer/jets-gm-mike-maccagnan-ready-for-2015-nfl-draft-his-first-as-the-head-man/zsJodA---xf28FrykcAyM/

[kelly]

Three days until the NFL draft, and this is what I'm hearing about the New York Jets :

 

1. General manager Mike Maccagnan wasn't blowing smoke last week when he mentioned his preference for trading down, accumulating extra draft picks. The Jets, creating various contingency plans, have let teams below them know they're willing to move down from their current spot, sixth overall. I don't think they'd be willing to drop below, say, the 10th or 12th pick because there's a dropoff in talent at that point. This would be a smart move. With only six picks, the Jets can improve their depth by stockpiling draft choices.

 

2. It probably will be a moot point anyway, but I'd be surprised if the Jets pick quarterback Marcus Mariota at No. 6. Personally, I think he'd be a good value, considering the need at the position, but the latest buzz in league circles is they'd pass. Chances are, it won't matter because the consensus is that Mariota will go second to the Tennessee Titans -- or a team trading into that spot. Obviously, if the Jets aren't sold on him at No. 6, they won't try to trade up for him.

 

3. I think four players the Jets like a lot are defensive tackle Leonard Williams, linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. and wide receivers Amari Cooper and Kevin White. There's a decent chance the first three will be gone, meaning White could be available at six. For what it's worth, I selected White in the NFL Nation mock draft. No, wide receiver isn't a huge need, but White is widely regarded as a top-five talent and he'd bring a game-breaking dimension to the offense. I also think they could look to trade back if the decision comes down to White, guard/tackle Brandon Scherff or the top pass-rusher. If they drop down a few spots, the tackles, Andrus Peat and Ereck Flowers, come into the conversation.

 

4. Speaking of pass-rushers, it's hard to get a read on the Jets' preference. Is it Shane Ray? Vic Beasley? Bud Dupree? Just a hunch, but I think it would be Ray, depending on how they view his toe injury. Some teams are troubled by it; others believe it can be managed with rehab through his rookie season. They like Beasley and Dupree too, but maybe not as high as No. 6.

 

5. The wild card is running back Todd Gurley. It would be somewhat of a gamble, considering his surgically repaired knee, but scouts believe he's the best running back in years. The Jets have Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell and Stevan Ridley, also coming off knee surgery, but they still don't have a home-run threat. If healthy, Gurley is that guy. The question is whether they'd be comfortable with the risk. There's definite interest in Gurley, but it would take some onions to pull the trigger at six. Maccagnan would come out looking smart if he trades down a few spots, then picks up Gurley and an extra pick.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/50916/draft-update-latest-rumblings-with-the-new-york-jets

[kelly]

The offseason program has moved to Phase Two in New York.  But the quarterback competition remains at Square One.The Jets traded for veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, as the potential alternative to incumbent starter Geno Smith.  Unless the Jets emerge from Thursday night’s first round of the draft with Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota, it’ll be Fitzpatrick versus Geno Smith. 

 

Eventually.“Right now I can’t do a whole lot,” Fitzpatrick told reporters on Tuesday, referring to the broken leg he suffered in December.  “I am kind of limited in what I am doing.  So, I will slowly start working in and doing different things.  So that is a little setback for me right now but my rehab is doing great.  I am doing really well, so that is kind of yet to be determined just because for my health and how things are going.”

 

The delay isn’t a surprise.  And it gives Smith a chance to show what he can do.  Which is good news.  Assuming he does a better of job showing what he can do than he has done in his first two NFL seasons.The bad news for Fitzpatrick is that it sounds like the previous projection that he’ll be ready to go by training camp could be in jeopardy.

 

“If you ask me, yes,” he said regarding whether he’ll be cleared by the start of camp.  “If you ask one of the trainers, maybe it’s going to be a little while, but I will be good.  I am on pace right now to definitely be healthy for training camp.  It’s just a progression right now, I am not trying to do too much too early.”The Jets collectively are presumably hoping to do as much as they can, as early as they can.  With Fitzpatrick not ready to jump in, maybe it makes them more likely to emerge with a quarterback.

 

> http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/29/fitzpatrick-plans-to-compete-with-geno-smith-eventually/

[kelly]

check out the video with cimini..

 

> http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/12808588/zac-stacy-traded-st-louis-rams-new-york-jets

[kelly]

Todd Bowles made some interesting comments yesterday regarding the state of the quarterback position yesterday for the Jets after the fourth round trade up for Baylor signal caller Bryce Petty.

 

On potential time table he expects Petty will need to develop into a starter…

Bowles:

He has a lot to learn. Like I said, we are not looking for him to be a starter right now. He has to project a whole different offensive type of scheme that he is going to. You have to see progress (there) before you can make those kind of decisions and we have not even gotten him here to get him on the field yet. So I don’t know how fast that can happen.

 

On the quarterback depth chart for the offseason now that the draft has concluded…

Bowles:

It is the same thing how I said before of how they stack up.  Obviously, Geno is going into training camp first team and Ryan is going in as second team. Matt is going to get some reps and Bryce is going to get some reps and we are going to let them battle it out. We are going to see who makes growth and who moves forward. We are going to make the best decision we can make for the team (as far as) who is starting at quarterback.

 

The company line has been that Geno Smith is going to enter training camp as the number one guy. I'm not really concerned about ceremonial titles as camp opens, but the Jets haven't been clear on how firm Smith's grasp is on the starting job.I see lot of arguments saying Geno should be the starter. I see others about how Fitzpatrick should start. I don't agree with either side. I think this should be a competition. The better guy should start.

 

The way I view things, players like Darrelle Revis, Sheldon Richardson, and D'Brickashaw Ferguson have proven themselves to a degree in the NFL that their starting jobs should be guaranteed. A bad camp and preseason shouldn't change that. At the quarterback position, the Jets have nobody with that kind of record.There is Geno Smith, who has been in the league for two seasons and been one of the least effective quarterbacks in the league for two seasons. Then there is Fitzpatrick, who is on his fourth team in four seasons. If he was that good, it would stand to reason three teams would not have given up on him since 2012.

 

Nobody here has earned the right to be viewed as the starter or even have a leg up. I'm hoping this job is earned by the best guy. Heck, there's even an outside chance that might be Bryce Petty. Maybe he really takes to NFL concepts quickly. Back in 2012, the Seahawks entered training camp thinking Matt Flynn would be their starter. They ended up being shocked by how good Russell Wilson was.

 

> http://www.ganggreennation.com/2015/5/3/8539749/todd-bowles-on-the-jets-quarterback-situation

[kelly]

Don't look now, but New York Jets' receiving corps is, like, good

 

 

Two years ago, the New York Jets had one of the worst receiving corps in the NFL -- and that's a kind description.

 

They went into the season with a diminished Santonio Holmes and Stephen Hill as their starting wide receivers. Holmes was coming off foot surgery and Hill was useless unless he was facing the Buffalo Bills, the only team he showed up against. The backups were Jeremy Kerley, Clyde Gates, Greg Salas and David Nelson, an in-season "street" free agent who actually jumped to the top of the depth chart by year's end. Of course, it didn't take a Bob Beamon jump to accomplish that; it was more of the hopscotch variety.

 

Remember the immortal Ben Obomanu ?

 

Yeah, it was that bad.

 

Of the aforementioned seven receivers, only two are currently employed in the NFL -- Kerley (Jets) and Hill (Carolina Panthers). Hill spent last season on the Panthers' practice squad.The position has undergone a dramatic transformation since 2013. It's hardly recognizable. With three significant moves, capped by last week's draft, the Jets turned a weakness into a potential strength. Unlike the secondary, rebuilt entirely with Woody Johnson's money, the wide-receiver makeover was accomplished through a variety of methods.

 

Draft : With a second-round pick, the Jets selected Ohio State's Devin Smith, arguably the most accomplished deep-ball threat in the draft. He scored 10 touchdowns last season on passes of at least 20 yards.

 

Trade market : Before free agency, they traded for former Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall, giving up a fifth-round pick but also receiving a seventh-rounder in return. At 31, his best days probably are behind him, but he's a seven-time, 1,000-yard receiver, still capable of being a No. 1 target. His contract isn't guaranteed beyond 2015, so it was a worthwhile gamble.

 

Free agency : Former general manager John Idzik took a walk on the wild side last year, signing Eric Decker to a five-year, $36.3 million contract -- a rare splurge. Decker didn't have a great year (74 catches, 962 yards), but he was hampered by a hamstring issue. A healthy Decker should be a nice complement to Marshall.

 

With Kerley in the slot, the Jets can put four legitimate receivers on the field, something they haven't been able to do in maybe forever. The battle for the No. 5 spot should be interesting because they have veterans DeVier Posey (acquired from the Houston Texans), T.J. Graham, Chris Owusu and a bunch of unproven kids.

 

No one is saying they're the "Greatest Show on Turf," but gone are the days when desperate fans applauded the return of Braylon Edwards, as if he were some kind of savior. The Jets have graduated to respectability.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/51171/dont-look-now-but-new-york-jets-receiving-corps-is-like-good

[kelly]

-- A few takeaways on the New York Jets' first day of a three-day minicamp for rookies:The Jets' Leonard Williams showed off his agility during Friday's workout. 

 

1. Leonard Williams has 'good eyes': It's almost impossible to evaluate a 300-pound defensive lineman in a practice with no pads and no hitting -- just a bunch of guys running around in helmets and shorts -- but the Jets' first-round pick stood out in a subtle way, if that makes sense. As coach Todd Bowles said, "The one thing I saw: He has good eyes. He can hit and lock-out, and he can see what's going on, and kind of still play with his feet. It's early, on Day 1, but that's one of the small things I saw." Otherwise, Williams flashed speed and quickness, getting in the quarterback's face on a play-action rollout pass. He's familiar with a 3-4 scheme -- it's what he played at USC -- but Williams said he likes Bowles' version because it allows the linemen to do more attacking instead of reading and reacting. On Day 1, he lined up as a 3-4 end in the base, sliding inside in the nickel.

 

2. Devin Smith can go deep: Oh, wait, we knew that already. That's what he did best at Ohio State, and he flashed that ability in his first pro practice, hauling in a long ball from Jake Heaps, a non-roster quarterback. It was about 40 yards in the air, and Smith did a nice job of maintaining his speed and tracking the ball -- just what the scouting reports said about him. The big question is, can he run short and intermediate routes? Bowles acknowledged Smith "needs some route work," not to mention a better grasp of reading coverages. But let's say this: Smith ran a quick out and made a nice grab, arms extended.

 

3. Bryce Petty can throw: This might seem like an obvious observation -- after all, he passed for 8,000 yards in college -- but you never know until you see the player in person. Remember Tajh Boyd, a sixth-round pick last year? He put up huge numbers at Clemson, but it was painfully obvious in his first practice that he didn't have the arm talent to make it in the NFL. Petty tore it up in a seven-on-seven drill, displaying good velocity and excellent ball placement. Take it with a grain of salt: It was a no-contact practice and many of the players on the field won't get anywhere near an NFL Sunday. Nevertheless, it was a promising start for the fourth-round pick.

 

4. Famous names in the locker room: There are three non-roster players from celebrated sports families. Tight end Mike Flacco is the younger brother of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco. He was surrounded by reporters in the locker room, but such is life when your big bro is a former Super Bowl champion. He said nobody in the locker room (other than reporters) noticed his famous last name. Tight end Steve Borden is the son of pro wrestler Steve Borden Sr. -- a.k.a. Sting. If this football thing doesn't work out, maybe Borden (6-foot-3, 246 pounds) can join his dad for a father-son tag team. Former Virginia Tech linebacker Chase Williams is the son of St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

 

5. The Jets won't go near the Brady scandal: Unlike former Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, who had plenty to say about DeflateGate, Bowles wouldn't say much of anything about Tom Brady and his footballs. "It has nothing to do with our team," Bowles said. True, but it will affect the Jets if Brady gets slapped with a six-game suspension. The Patriots host the Jets in their sixth game. You can bet the Jets are keeping a close eye on the situation.

 

6. Tops among the UDFAs: Remember this name -- Taiwan Jones, a former Michigan State linebacker. Bowles called him "a thumper," adding that he's surprised Jones didn't get drafted. The Jets pounced on him after the draft, making him one of their undrafted free agents.

 

7. Last chance for a former No. 1 pick: Three years ago, wide receiver A.J. Jenkins was a first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers. Things change quickly in the NFL. After three disappointing seasons, he has reached the bottom -- he's a non-roster player in a rookie minicamp. This could be the last chance. Asked what he'd like to see from Jenkins, Bowles said, "You want to see the hunger." If a coach has to ask, it's probably not there.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/51227/what-we-learned-on-day-1-of-new-york-jets-rookie-camp

[kelly]

1. The Leonard Show: Leonard Williams, the freshly-minted millionaire, was the best player on the field -- hardly a surprise. He was the sixth pick in the draft and he was facing offensive linemen that may not make it to training camp, let alone the regular season. Also remember: These are padless practices, a disadvantage for offensive linemen because there's nothing to grab. That said, Williams displayed an excellent first step, stuffing a run and recording two quarterback pressures in one series. Clearly, he reported to camp in shape. "Right now, for two-hand touch, he's playing pretty good," said Todd Bowles, keeping it in perspective. Bowles said it's too early to say how he will deploy his three top defensive ends, Williams, Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson. You can bet he's starting to brainstorm ideas.

 

2. Williams has a heart: The former USC star said he reached out to Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Dante Fowler Jr., who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Friday's drills. Williams said he wanted to express his "sorrow" to Fowler, whom he considers a friend. They're both from Florida, and they became acquainted before college. Williams said Fowler's injury had no impact on his decision to sign his contract Friday night -- a four-year, $18.6 million deal, fully guaranteed. Fowler hasn't signed his contract yet, but he'll receive the full amount because of an injury waiver.

 

3. Back to reality: After a promising debut Friday, quarterback Bryce Petty struggled a bit, throwing one interception and a couple of near-picks. He wasn't alone. The entire practice was sloppy, as Bowles noted afterward. This was typical of a rookie camp. Here's what usually happens: On Day 1, the coaches give the players the most basic stuff to run and the result is a crisp practice. On Day 2, they hit them with a lot of new material, and things go sideways. There were "a lot of mental errors," Bowles said. The trick is maintaining a proper balance. You don't want to slow down the players to the point where they're thinking too much and not playing fast. That prevents a true evaluation of their skills.

 

3. Day 2 standouts: It wasn't all bad. A few players jumped out, including a couple of undrafted free agents -- linebacker Deion Barnes (Penn State) and cornerback Greg Henderson (Colorado). Barnes recorded a "sack" and Henderson made an interception on a long pass by Petty. It wasn't a great day for the receivers, but a familiar name made a few plays -- Quincy Enunwa. He was a sixth-round pick last year (a member of the Idzik 12) and spent 15 games on the practice squad. With the additions at receiver, Enunwa faces an uphill battle to make the team. He'll need many more good days to climb the depth chart.

 

4. An eye on the O: It's unusual to see a Jets head coach on the offensive side of the practice field, but Bowles spent a lot of time there. He's a defensive-minded coach, but he feels an obligation to know what's happening on both sides of the ball. As Bowles said, he's "looking, learning, watching and correcting when need be." Bowles said he can teach the defense "with my eyes closed," so he's using this time to familiarize himself with Chan Gailey's system and the offensive personnel. This, of course, is a departure from the Rex Ryan way. Ryan was all about the defense, leaving the offense to his assistants. It'll be interesting to see if Bowles sticks with his hands-off philosophy in training camp and during the season.

 

5. Clues about the offense: Bowles hasn't provided too many details about Gailey's scheme, but one theme has emerged in his comments: Balance. Bowles used the word several times while discussing the reasons why he hired Gailey as his coordinator. He said he was attracted to Gailey because of the effectiveness of the Pittsburgh Steelers' running game during his tenure as the coordinator. That was 1996-1997, practically ancient history in NFL terms.

 

6. Mr. Coffee: General manager Mike Maccagnan always seems to be holding a cup of coffee, even when he's standing on the sideline at practice. He needs to work on finding an endorsement deal.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/51261/what-we-learned-on-day-2-of-new-york-jets-rookie-camp