Jets Rebuilding Thus Far & Remaining Priorities 2015

[Warfish]

Signed 5 conrnerbacks (one a likely safety).

 

Signed 5 offensive linemen,

 

Traded for one QB and one WR.

 

You can really see the team trying to address what many consider it's two biggest weaknesses that is CAN address, the cornerback position, and the depth/overall talent of the O-line.

 

WR is no longer a weakness, with Marshall/Decker/Kerley being a pretty reasonable, in short term, 1/2/3 combo.  Expect to see another added in the draft.

 

The QB is a JAG, of course, but a JAG is a huge upgrade from what WE'VE fielded in recent years, and at least he is a JAG who knows the new O-Co's system rather well.  Expecting moderate-to-average performance with fewer turnovers is not unrealistic, and along would greatly improve the team.

 

Remaining serious needs, well Linebacker seems obvious!  Franchise QB would be nice, too bad there are none available.  Another WR (Cooper, can we dream?) would be great and really give whomever plays QB no excuses for sh*te performance.

 

Really, other than improving overall team depth/talent and bolstering long-term prospects at LB and WR, I'm not seeing any glaring must-get-now needs, other than (sadly) a real franchise QB.

 

Overall, seems like a very well thought out, reasonable way or rebuilding the team thus far.  Major weaknesses addressed on paper, cash and cap used to best available at those spots, team depth better, still have enough top-end draft picks to aquire a starter-quality guy or three in the draft.

 

Have to give the a solid B+ to this point, seems the new management understoof quite well what worked and what didn't, and have done yeomans work to get things righted as much as possible, outside the long-term QB spot....for now.

 

Looking forward to the draft quite a bit now.

[RutgersJetFan]

I don't know. According to what I have read on this board, the Jets have simultaneously had the greatest and worst offseasons of all time.

[slats]

More and more, the edge rusher looks like the pick at #6 overall, it's the position where need meets value the best. The Jets have a real need at RB in a RB deep draft, and I don't think that's a coincidence. It's also a deep WR draft, and the Jets could use some talent on a rookie contract there, too.

If those positions don't go 1, 2, 3, it'll be because they like a QB better somewhere along the line.

[#27TheDominator]

It certainly seems that OLB is the one need area that they have not addressed.  That may mean that they plan to address it in the draft, or it may mean that Bowles does not emphasize OLB.  He played a S there last season and Babin may be counted on to play the Abraham role this season and with Coples, Pace, Reilly and Enemkpali, they may feel there is enough or that they are not going to run enough 3-4 for it to matter. 

[Long Island Leprechaun]

More and more, the edge rusher looks like the pick at #6 overall, it's the position where need meets value the best. The Jets have a real need at RB in a RB deep draft, and I don't think that's a coincidence. It's also a deep WR draft, and the Jets could use some talent on a rookie contract there, too.

If those positions don't go 1, 2, 3, it'll be because they like a QB better somewhere along the line.

Yup. I think that's pretty accurate. Jets clearly looked to the draft for Chris Johnson's replacement -- lots of talent out there this year well into the 3rd round. Pass Rusher dries up after the early second. WR could easily carry into the early 4th. Good news there is that a lot of teams stocked up last year on first and second round picks so it may be a little more open for the Jets. So most likely would be Pass Rush, RB, then WR. Unless they bite on Mariota if he's there. I'd be surprised if they did.

[Powpow]

You know something just doesn't sit well with ALL these moves and going into the season with Fitz who's a journeyman QB and scrub azz Smith. Big Mac just spent a fortune, albeit he 1-  had the money 2- is making up for Idziot's GM fiasco 3- was required by the NFL to spend a certain %.  I am really really hoping Big Mac has something up his sleeve and gets us a Drew Brees or Rivers.  It just doesn't make sense to spend all these millions on aging superstars (who still have a few years left in them) and go to war with sub standard QB's like Fitz and (cough) Smith.  this team, with all its additions, is built to win NOW.  Even if we draft a high prospect like Mariota or Petty, it will take a few years to develop them. By then, Revis, Cro and Marshall will have seen their better days pass them by.  My hope: We land Rivers. He is younger than Brees but I would be thrilled by either.  Now, what would it take to get either? Any suggestions?            

[faba]

The players signed certainly sets up to look like OLB is going to be our pick at 6 if we stay there.

[Sperm Edwards]

You know something just doesn't sit well with ALL these moves and going into the season with Fitz who's a journeyman QB and scrub azz Smith. Big Mac just spent a fortune, albeit he 1-  had the money 2- is making up for Idziot's GM fiasco 3- was required by the NFL to spend a certain %.  I am really really hoping Big Mac has something up his sleeve and gets us a Drew Brees or Rivers.  It just doesn't make sense to spend all these millions on aging superstars (who still have a few years left in them) and go to war with sub standard QB's like Fitz and (cough) Smith.  this team, with all its additions, is built to win NOW.  Even if we draft a high prospect like Mariota or Petty, it will take a few years to develop them. By then, Revis, Cro and Marshall will have seen their better days pass them by.  My hope: We land Rivers. He is younger than Brees but I would be thrilled by either.  Now, what would it take to get either? Any suggestions?            

 

I think they're targeting a QB in the draft, but just not at #6. There will be an actual NFL starter in place to beat out (even if it's a bottom-half one) in FItzpatrick, so winning that competition is actually at least something of an accomplishment for a rookie, as opposed to merely beating out the Geno Smith we've all grown to adore. And if we have to go with said veteran in Fitz, however less than ideal, it isn't quite as tragic. I think he was a great pickup for our situation.

 

Should we draft a decent one, this year or next, that prospect will walk right into a favorable mix of receivers when he steps onto the field. We can (and should) still draft a younger WR, but a rookie QB shouldn't also have to account for and deal with a rookie WRs growing pains of his own. It's hard enough without that nonsense, where the team may be force-feeding a bust like Hill (or a nearly-crappy, practice squad level journeyman).

 

Would love acquiring Rivers or Brees, but I think it's a pipe dream. For Rivers they'd have to get our #6 pick no question, plus more. Maybe a player rather than another pick. Someone more that has lower value but higher potential (like Milliner), or someone with very good value but who our FO/HC doesn't seem to value that highly (Snacks). And even still I think it's not going to happen. I don't think they're looking to move him. For Brees it's hard to say because he's a few years older and is SO popular down there. Even if rebuilding, that doesn't mean one wants to tank the QB position when they could have had Brees tie them over to their next QB.

[Ken Schroy]

You know something just doesn't sit well with ALL these moves and going into the season with Fitz who's a journeyman QB and scrub azz Smith. Big Mac just spent a fortune, albeit he 1-  had the money 2- is making up for Idziot's GM fiasco 3- was required by the NFL to spend a certain %.  I am really really hoping Big Mac has something up his sleeve and gets us a Drew Brees or Rivers.  It just doesn't make sense to spend all these millions on aging superstars (who still have a few years left in them) and go to war with sub standard QB's like Fitz and (cough) Smith.  this team, with all its additions, is built to win NOW.  Even if we draft a high prospect like Mariota or Petty, it will take a few years to develop them. By then, Revis, Cro and Marshall will have seen their better days pass them by.  My hope: We land Rivers. He is younger than Brees but I would be thrilled by either.  Now, what would it take to get either? Any suggestions?            

Prayer perhaps?

[FidelioJet]

You know something just doesn't sit well with ALL these moves and going into the season with Fitz who's a journeyman QB and scrub azz Smith. Big Mac just spent a fortune, albeit he 1-  had the money 2- is making up for Idziot's GM fiasco 3- was required by the NFL to spend a certain %.  I am really really hoping Big Mac has something up his sleeve and gets us a Drew Brees or Rivers.  It just doesn't make sense to spend all these millions on aging superstars (who still have a few years left in them) and go to war with sub standard QB's like Fitz and (cough) Smith.  this team, with all its additions, is built to win NOW.  Even if we draft a high prospect like Mariota or Petty, it will take a few years to develop them. By then, Revis, Cro and Marshall will have seen their better days pass them by.  My hope: We land Rivers. He is younger than Brees but I would be thrilled by either.  Now, what would it take to get either? Any suggestions?            

The big money being spent on older guys aren't long term contracts...You're not spending money that will harm any future QB.  Right now they're putting the best team they can on the field....and will continue to upgrade the roster.  No rookie QB should start this year and if we don't draft one this year we will next year.

Spending money now will not, does not affect future spending when and if we find a franchise QB...

 

 NOTE - Brees or Rivers are NOT being tradedd

[Powpow]

I think they're targeting a QB in the draft, but just not at #6. There will be an actual NFL starter in place to beat out (even if it's a bottom-half one) in FItzpatrick, so winning that competition is actually at least something of an accomplishment for a rookie, as opposed to merely beating out the Geno Smith we've all grown to adore. And if we have to go with said veteran in Fitz, however less than ideal, it isn't quite as tragic. I think he was a great pickup for our situation.

 

Should we draft a decent one, this year or next, that prospect will walk right into a favorable mix of receivers when he steps onto the field. We can (and should) still draft a younger WR, but a rookie QB shouldn't also have to account for and deal with a rookie WRs growing pains of his own. It's hard enough without that nonsense, where the team may be force-feeding a bust like Hill (or a nearly-crappy, practice squad level journeyman).

 

Would love acquiring Rivers or Brees, but I think it's a pipe dream. For Rivers they'd have to get our #6 pick no question, plus more. Maybe a player rather than another pick. Someone more that has lower value but higher potential (like Milliner), or someone with very good value but who our FO/HC doesn't seem to value that highly (Snacks). And even still I think it's not going to happen. I don't think they're looking to move him. For Brees it's hard to say because he's a few years older and is SO popular down there. Even if rebuilding, that doesn't mean one wants to tank the QB position when they could have had Brees tie them over to their next QB.

Why would we have to give up more to get Rivers? His contract is a pain to the Chargers. They could very well be looking to rebuild and given the chance to grab and groom Mariota, I think would give us a leg up on this trade.  I did highly approve of getting Fitz.  He is the perfect back up QB. And if need be, would run a decent offense and keep the TO's at a minimum.  Also your idea of drafting a QB later sounds good too.

[CrazyCarl40]

It seems the front office has targeted OLB, WR, and RB in free agency because those are the deepest positions in the draft. I'm of the belief they'll address those three spots along with either a QB or OT in the first four rounds. Probably OLB, RB, WR, and then OT/QB. That just seems to make sense to me.

[jetsjets]

This D is a pass rusher away from being great. As much as I want to grab White (if he is there) you put a pass rusher on the same side as big Mo which is the same side Revis plays on, let's just say that right side is completely shut down.

[Warfish]

I think they're targeting a QB in the draft, but just not at #6. There will be an actual NFL starter in place to beat out (even if it's a bottom-half one) in FItzpatrick, so winning that competition is actually at least something of an accomplishment for a rookie, as opposed to merely beating out the Geno Smith we've all grown to adore. And if we have to go with said veteran in Fitz, however less than ideal, it isn't quite as tragic. I think he was a great pickup for our situation.

 

I agree with this 100%.

[BroadwayRay]

I agree that all signs are pointing to an edge rusher at #6 (although I'd have a hard time passing on White. He looks like a special player). The Jets need someone and the top of the draft board is stacked with them. I think it's going to come down to Gregory or Beasley. I can't decide between the two of them, so I guess that means I'd be happy with either one.  

[JohnnyLV]

More and more, the edge rusher looks like the pick at #6 overall, it's the position where need meets value the best. The Jets have a real need at RB in a RB deep draft, and I don't think that's a coincidence. It's also a deep WR draft, and the Jets could use some talent on a rookie contract there, too.

If those positions don't go 1, 2, 3, it'll be because they like a QB better somewhere along the line.

Not sure OLB fr a pass rush standpoint is as important in Bowles defense. While superficially similar to Rex's defense (3-4, blitzing, man outside) his defense is quite different in coverage and scheme using big nickel and dime more than base, and using cloud coverages underneath. Rush comes from blitzing the hybrid secondary/linebackers In this scheme a 3rd down rush specialist OLB is useful buy not critical, so not sure they will view it as the top need. OT, RB and young fast receiver are bigger needs IMO.

[Sperm Edwards]

Why would we have to give up more to get Rivers? His contract is a pain to the Chargers. They could very well be looking to rebuild and given the chance to grab and groom Mariota, I think would give us a leg up on this trade.  I did highly approve of getting Fitz.  He is the perfect back up QB. And if need be, would run a decent offense and keep the TO's at a minimum.  Also your idea of drafting a QB later sounds good too.

Because he's a pro bowl QB still very much in his prime and there aren't a whole lot of them. Even what I outlined might not be enough to get him.

[Powpow]

Because he's a pro bowl QB still very much in his prime and there aren't a whole lot of them. Even what I outlined might not be enough to get him.

Maybe if we throw in our Pro Bowl QB it would tip the scales to pull off the trade. I mean he says he's had flashes of being a Pro Bowl QB and his last game was a perfect qb rating. What more do they want.

[JetFanatic]

As far as the draft goes, I trust MacCagnan and Bowles 150% with whoever they decide to pick at 6.  I think the most likely situation is they're staring at Amari Cooper at 6 and they go BPA and grab him without thinking twice.  An edge rusher can be had at the top of Round 2.

[Sperm Edwards]

Maybe if we throw in our Pro Bowl QB it would tip the scales to pull off the trade. I mean he says he's had flashes of being a Pro Bowl QB and his last game was a perfect qb rating. What more do they want.

When you put it that way, they should be giving us a 1st round pick rather than the other way around.

[Jetster]

If the edge rusher is there at #6 they like you have to pull the trigger.

How many pro bowl OLBs come at pick 37?

I don't know the history but I'd bet most are 1st rounders the last 10 years.

I've said this before, top 10 WRs become available for a variety of reasons. We acquired Marshall for a 5th round pick.

There ain't no way in hell a team is giving up a Justin Houston, Von Miller, type in a trade.

When you find a pass rushing demon that can bend the edge & put fear into OTs you don't pass on them.

Especially when you put them into this Dline group the Jets have.

Now I have no idea who the Jets covet out of the group of Fowler, Ray, Beasley, but no way in hell they take a WR at 6 if they love the OLB sitting there.

Right now we have Harris, Davis, Reilly, IK and Reilly & Ik are complete question marks.

[Sperm Edwards]

If the edge rusher is there at #6 they like you have to pull the trigger.

How many pro bowl OLBs come at pick 37?

I don't know the history but I'd bet most are 1st rounders the last 10 years.

I've said this before, top 10 WRs become available for a variety of reasons. We acquired Marshall for a 5th round pick.

There ain't no way in hell a team is giving up a Justin Houston, Von Miller, type in a trade.

When you find a pass rushing demon that can bend the edge & put fear into OTs you don't pass on them.

Especially when you put them into this Dline group the Jets have.

Now I have no idea who the Jets covet out of the group of Fowler, Ray, Beasley, but no way in hell they take a WR at 6 if they love the OLB sitting there.

Right now we have Harris, Davis, Reilly, IK and Reilly & Ik are complete question marks.

Justin Houston was drafted in round 3, Elvis Dumervil in round 4 (and then via trade after that). Connor Barwin in mid-round 2, Cameron Wake undrafted, DeMarcus Ware free agency, Greg Hardy round 6...

There is no more of a rule for this position than any other that I can detect. All over the field, the higher the draft pick the higher chance of success (and even greatness). Taking any position later typically comes with a higher likelihood of not working out as hoped. But it's not like there aren't Aaron Maybin types taken in & around the top 10.

I'm 100% behind taking a pass rusher at #6 (ideally one who doesn't need to come off the field and can do more than just rush the passer), but it's not as though it's do or die for us there when it comes to rushing the QB. At #37 there could be someone very good fall to us as well, particularly if there's a run on other positions like WR, OT, and CB.

I just don't think it'd be myopic or a swing and a miss if we took a WR.

[#27TheDominator]

Not sure OLB fr a pass rush standpoint is as important in Bowles defense. While superficially similar to Rex's defense (3-4, blitzing, man outside) his defense is quite different in coverage and scheme using big nickel and dime more than base, and using cloud coverages underneath. Rush comes from blitzing the hybrid secondary/linebackers In this scheme a 3rd down rush specialist OLB is useful buy not critical, so not sure they will view it as the top need. OT, RB and young fast receiver are bigger needs IMO.

 

Sounds like Paysinger

[GREENBEAN]

I think they're targeting a QB in the draft, but just not at #6. There will be an actual NFL starter in place to beat out (even if it's a bottom-half one) in FItzpatrick, so winning that competition is actually at least something of an accomplishment for a rookie, as opposed to merely beating out the Geno Smith we've all grown to adore. And if we have to go with said veteran in Fitz, however less than ideal, it isn't quite as tragic. I think he was a great pickup for our situation.

 

Should we draft a decent one, this year or next, that prospect will walk right into a favorable mix of receivers when he steps onto the field. We can (and should) still draft a younger WR, but a rookie QB shouldn't also have to account for and deal with a rookie WRs growing pains of his own. It's hard enough without that nonsense, where the team may be force-feeding a bust like Hill (or a nearly-crappy, practice squad level journeyman).

 

Would love acquiring Rivers or Brees, but I think it's a pipe dream. For Rivers they'd have to get our #6 pick no question, plus more. Maybe a player rather than another pick. Someone more that has lower value but higher potential (like Milliner), or someone with very good value but who our FO/HC doesn't seem to value that highly (Snacks). And even still I think it's not going to happen. I don't think they're looking to move him. For Brees it's hard to say because he's a few years older and is SO popular down there. Even if rebuilding, that doesn't mean one wants to tank the QB position when they could have had Brees tie them over to their next QB.

 

Good points. I think it's more likely that they feel a game mgr like Fitz is more than acceptable for year one of their tenure and his ability to be an example to a new kid is of value as well. 

 

That being said, I would be delighted to trade our #6, Snacks, our second next year and Geno for Rivers.  Hell... throw in a 5-6 next year as well. He would be exactly what this team needs and no one in this draft would be able to have the impact he could this season. If there is a possibility of getting him you do it. 

 

If Mac pulled off a trade for Rivers it would be the off season of all off seasons. Draft a WR in RD 2 and a RB in rd 3 and we're set up for a legitimate run with Rivers at the helm.

 

 

picking a WR at 6 is the most likely scenario to me as I settle back to reality though.  

[CanadaSteve]

I also think that they have left alone OLB and RB in free agency because they are seeing great value at those positions in the draft.  While there is some good OG in this draft, with them stocking up in free agency at the position, they may wait until next year to grab some younger talent.

 

And since we are picking near the top each round, I also can see them trading down one of those picks so they can pick up at least a 5th rounder again for the Marshall trade, and possibly a sixth.

 

I do not think Brees or Rivers will be available, but who knows?  We really will not know anything until after Tennessee picks.  The Mariota discussion is a moot point until he gets past pick number 2.

[slats]

Not sure OLB fr a pass rush standpoint is as important in Bowles defense. While superficially similar to Rex's defense (3-4, blitzing, man outside) his defense is quite different in coverage and scheme using big nickel and dime more than base, and using cloud coverages underneath. Rush comes from blitzing the hybrid secondary/linebackers In this scheme a 3rd down rush specialist OLB is useful buy not critical, so not sure they will view it as the top need. OT, RB and young fast receiver are bigger needs IMO.

I don't think there's a defense in the league that doesn't place a great deal of importance on edge rushers - either DEs or OLBs, depending upon their lineup. The way you describe Bowles here could easily be the way someone would describe Rex's defenses as schemed around the lack of a true edge rusher for his entire tenure here. They held onto Babin and Pace because of that importance, but the need to upgrade from those guys is a significantly greater need than upgrading from Decker, Marshall, or Brick - and no one in their right mind is talking RB at #6 (which I agree is a need, and could easily see as their second rounder).

Elite pass rushers are game changing players, positionally ranked probably right after elite QBs. They certainly cost nearly as much when their contracts come up, and they reach free agency about as often. It's a position you take a swing on early, knowing that greatness (if you find it) in an edge rusher on a rookie contract is a huge advantage when putting together a team.

[chirorob]

As far as the draft goes, I trust MacCagnan and Bowles 150% with whoever they decide to pick at 6.  I think the most likely situation is they're staring at Amari Cooper at 6 and they go BPA and grab him without thinking twice.  An edge rusher can be had at the top of Round 2.

Anything CAN be found in any round.  Just like players can be a bust at any round.

 

I hope they go for BPA in first 4 rounds.   These days, you can never have enough WR, you can never have enough pass rushers, and the only 2 good O Linemen we have were drafted with Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler.  So if they went O Line in the second or third or both, that's fine too.  Look what a great line did for the Cowboys.

[TuscanyTile2]

I still think it would be worth it to check w/ the 49ers about Kaepernick.  I think I'd trade #6 overall for him.  If we keep the pick, I hope the OLB is a high certainty type player because I would hate to pass up on Amari Cooper (as Brandon Marshall feels like a 1 season on the Jets type guy).

[#27TheDominator]

I don't know what exactly Bowles plans to do.  I think that his D was better in 2013 with Abraham getting 11.5 sacks from OLB, Calais Campbell getting 9 from DE and Dansby 6.5 from ILB. Last year they got 8 from Okafor at OLB, 7 from Campbell and 5 from Frostee Rucker(?!).