Brian Billick on Joe Douglas

[Joejet]

Interesting read.

Brian Billick: Joe Douglas Following Ozzie Newsome's Championship Strategy 

 

Olivia Landis

TEAM REPORTER

 

 

 

In his 20 years in the NFL, Jets general manager Joe Douglas has been part of three Super Bowl victories with two different organizations. And in 2000 — his first year in the league — he served as a scout for the Baltimore Ravens under Hall of Famer and former general manager Ozzie Newsome. As a newcomer in the league, Douglas was exposed to a great football operation and then Ravens head coach Brian Billick saw some impressive qualities in the rookie scout.

"Joe from the get-go, you knew he was a hustler," said Billick. "He worked hard and he was a grinder, which you have to be able to do. It was like, 'Whatever task you need for me to do, I'll do it.' When I knew Joe he was just beginning, so it's fascinating to see him as a general manager because you kind of think of people as you originally interacted with them… Joe was great, he was hard-working and you knew he was going to work his way up and be in a position like he is now."

Douglas' Year 1 was a successful time for both the Ravens organization and the young scout learning on the ropes. Douglas remained on with the Ravens until 2014 before stints with the Bears and the Eagles ultimately led him to New York. Billick, who had an 85–67 record as head coach of Baltimore from 1999–2007 (5–3 in the playoffs), saw the Newsome influence in Douglas' first free agency with the Green & White.

"Like you see from Ozzie Newsome, he always tries to address things in free agency," said Billick of Douglas' approach. "It didn't have to be a huge splash but address the needs so that it left you to take the best player available in the draft. 'Need' is a terrible evaluator, and so is to go into the draft with such an overpowering need that it warps your analysis of a player. So, you can see what they're doing with some of the offseason acquisitions, filling in these needs that should leave them some latitude."

He added: "You look at tackle with Georg Fant and then what they've done at the receiving core, two areas that needed to be addressed, and these two areas can obviously still be addressed early in the draft because offensive tackle and wide receiver both seem to have some options for them at number eleven. But they don't have to do that, given some of the things they've done in free agency."

Douglas — the former offensive lineman — has repeatedly praised Newsome and now you see him applying the tactics he learned from the HOF tight end. The Green & White have signed five offensive linemen in the first three weeks of free agency and Billick believes the building around Sam Darnold will continue for the first-year GM come April 23.

"The next move is obviously in the draft," said Billick. "You certainly need to wrap as much around Sam Darnold as you can. He's going to be the franchise and you put that kind of value on him when you drafted him. You have to give him every opportunity to be successful and that means protecting him."

[jetstream23]

[GreenReaper]

A good read.  

JD had a long apprenticeship under Newsome and graduated with two Supe rings.  Got another one with his Eagles tenure.  Was shrewd  enough to sign a 6 year long term contract as GM NYJ.  He hasn't shackled Jets with bad long term contracts to try and remedy past FO mistakes.  Seems to be a tough negotiator.  Who's willing to walk away from deals/trades if it's doesn't meet his terms.  

IMO he's now poised and ready to address the team's crucial needs to be filled in this upcoming draft.  

I dunno...can't say with complete clarity...but my instincts tell me...JD's a football guy through and through.  Maybe that's why I just have that gut feeling he's the right one to turn things around here.  

GO Joe...get it done in this draft...and it will cinch it for me.

 

[jetstream23]

A 6-year deal for Joe D puts more pressure on him to do it right....than to do it fast.  I like that.

 

[Paradis]

I'm patient.. I'm not going to rake him over the coals for anything yet. Let's see what he's learned from hanging around competent people.

The only problem i have with this notion of JD being an Ozzie acolyte - is that Ozzie always had a robust roster. He rarely ever had to deal with the volume of issues we have... so there's to be some kind of effort field a reasonable team that isn't just rookies and JAGs.

We'll see. 

[jetsons]

I TRULY WISH Joe Douglas ALL THE VERY BEST as GM of the Jets... but I will withhold my fawning until I see RESULTS.

[Gastineau Lives]

I think Ozzie Newsome has so much to be proud of. Hall of fame tight end, general manager. He's a guy that has helped open up doors for African Americans across all sports, not only football. And to me, that's more important than any Super Bowl victory. 

 

 

[FidelioJet]

This article is inherently flawed.  His basic premise that Douglas has options is wrong. Particularly on the two positions he mentions. 
 

The WR position was clearly downgraded, which currently the worst WR core in the league.  How does that give him more options?

As for OL - going into the season with Fant and Edoga as your starters would be utter negligence  He has to take a T early  

there were opportunities to actually upgrade those positions and Douglas chose not to pay what it would take to get it done  

agsin, I’m NOT saying what JD is doing is wrong just that Billick doesn’t know what he’s talking about and this article is literally the opposite of the reality.  JD’s hands are completely tied  

 

 

[ZachEY]

1 hour ago, Gastineau Lives said:

I think Ozzie Newsome has so much to be proud of. Hall of fame tight end, general manager. He's a guy that has helped open up doors for African Americans across all sports, not only football. And to me, that's more important than any Super Bowl victory. 

Imagine what type of vile human being would neg rep this post.

[NYJ1]

The players that Douglas took in FA does not leave Douglas with latitude. It only leaves him latitude in round 1. OT is still a dire need. Also, Douglas still needs to add a player that's a truly great talent that the OL can be built around. You very rarely get that player in round 3 or later. So the need for a Tackle is still huge in round 1 or 2.

[ZachEY]

Anyway - No one knows how Joe Douglas is going to work out.  He's started with an incredibly weak roster, a big question mark at QB, and an unenviable decision about how to handle a strong safety.  At least though, the Jets found a guy who's well regarded in league circles, was a rising star, and was their first choice.  Thus far, he's had only one real misstep, and that was an effort to fix a hole at center with a hope and a prayer that didn't work out, but that caused no lasting damage.  He's avoided signing any bad contracts this free agent period and made no commitments to a player you wouldn't want here for more than a couple seasons.  He's going to have to stack together a couple of good drafts to get out of this mess, and more if Darnold can't improve, but the guy clearly has the potential to do this, and appears to be going about it the right way.  That's about as good as you can hope for at this point.

[bla bla bla]

12 minutes ago, FidelioJet said:

This article is inherently flawed.  His basic premise that Douglas has options is wrong. Particularly on the two positions he mentions. 
 

The WR position was clearly downgraded (how does that give him more options?)

As for OL - going into the season with Fant and Edoga as your starters would be utter negligence  He has to take a T early  

there were opportunities to actually upgrade those positions and Douglas chose not to get it done  

agsin, I’m NOT saying what JD is doing is wrong just that Billick doesn’t know what he’s talking about and this article is literally the opposite of the reality.  JD’s hands are completely tied 

I disagree, I think WR and OT are both equally possible at #11 at this point. 

1) #11 OT + #48 WR in a deep draft

2) #11 WR + Jason Peters/Kelvin Beachum/Trent Williams 

Sure we are kinda locked into OT and WR so maybe that is what you are referring to but I think the article is moreso saying they won't reach for a LT because it's a bigger need. Douglas will take whoever he believes is the best player.

 

[Jetster]

I think JD knows he doesn't need an ALLPRO offensive line across the board but he needs it to be just good enough to mesh with Sam Darnolds upward trend & continued development. 

The more experienced a QB gets with the addition of more weapons around him, the Oline doesn't have to hold their blocks as long, the defense has to defend much more of the field & those factors themselves open up the running game too. What JD is trying to do is finally bring some consistency to this freaking team! Under Bowles we changed OCs every damn year! 

We're definitely coming out of this draft with another 1 or 2 Olineman, another 1 or 2 WRs, we're getting Herndon back, we still have Le'veon Bell & he'll draft another young RB. If Sam Darnold is true franchise QB he's the tide that will raise the boats JD brings in here. Exciting prospects in a division without Brady.

[FidelioJet]

1 minute ago, bla bla bla said:

I disagree, I think WR and OT are both equally possible at #11 at this point. 

1) #11 OT + #48 WR in a deep draft

2) #11 WR + Jason Peters/Kelvin Beachum/Trent Williams 

Sure we are kinda locked into OT and WR so maybe that is what you are referring to but I think the article is moreso saying they won't reach for a LT because it's a bigger need. Douglas will take whoever he believes is the best player.

 

Yea, if he was referring to options at WR or T then yes. But that wasn’t the vibe I was getting  

he referenced best player available. Not best WR or T.  

He might have to reach for the best T or WR - I can’t envision a scenario where go doesn’t take one of those two. 

[GreenFish]

The key takeaway for me is that Douglas isn’t going to draft for need. So when 11 comes around and a WR has the highest grade, well WR it is. Let’s just hope he doesn’t mess around and draft a defensive player.

[Adoni Beast]

I really like that Joe Douglas didn’t feel pressures to save Gase’s job by overpaying veterans in free agency, while mortgaging the future.

I also like that he’s not trying to tank Gase’s job by signing players that wouldn’t otherwise be in the league, ala Idzik.

[JetsFanatic]

1 hour ago, FidelioJet said:

This article is inherently flawed.  His basic premise that Douglas has options is wrong. Particularly on the two positions he mentions. 
 

The WR position was clearly downgraded, which currently the worst WR core in the league.  How does that give him more options?

As for OL - going into the season with Fant and Edoga as your starters would be utter negligence  He has to take a T early  

there were opportunities to actually upgrade those positions and Douglas chose not to pay what it would take to get it done  

agsin, I’m NOT saying what JD is doing is wrong just that Billick doesn’t know what he’s talking about and this article is literally the opposite of the reality.  JD’s hands are completely tied  

 

 

You're right.  In your world nothing positive can ever be said about the Jets or anything Jets related.

 

[IndianaJet]

11 hours ago, Joejet said:

"Like you see from Ozzie Newsome, he always tries to address things in free agency," said Billick of Douglas' approach. "It didn't have to be a huge splash but address the needs so that it left you to take the best player available in the draft. 'Need' is a terrible evaluator, and so is to go into the draft with such an overpowering need that it warps your analysis of a player. So, you can see what they're doing with some of the offseason acquisitions, filling in these needs that should leave them some latitude."

Dem dere be fighting words in deeze here parts.....

[derp]

1 hour ago, FidelioJet said:

This article is inherently flawed.  His basic premise that Douglas has options is wrong. Particularly on the two positions he mentions. 
 

The WR position was clearly downgraded, which currently the worst WR core in the league.  How does that give him more options?

As for OL - going into the season with Fant and Edoga as your starters would be utter negligence  He has to take a T early  

there were opportunities to actually upgrade those positions and Douglas chose not to pay what it would take to get it done  

agsin, I’m NOT saying what JD is doing is wrong just that Billick doesn’t know what he’s talking about and this article is literally the opposite of the reality.  JD’s hands are completely tied  

 

 

The article was fine.

As someone who feels the Jets messed up FA, you realize that you have a biased perspective on this, right?

This FA period didn’t have a Mike Maccagnan oops I didn’t go high enough to get my guy so uh oh I’ll have to overpay this other guy feel to it at all. Seemed pretty calculated and intentional the whole time. Not saying that was right, we’ll see, but it seems pretty evident they view that as a good building block where you feel what they did was inadequate.

So we’ve already established that what you feel is the necessary course of action is not what Douglas will do. Why do you expect the draft will be any different? Your perception that his hands are tied stems from your perspective that FA left gaping holes. Kind of doubt the FO agrees. Very possible you’re disappointed after the draft too.

[slats]

1 hour ago, FidelioJet said:

Yea, if he was referring to options at WR or T then yes. But that wasn’t the vibe I was getting  

he referenced best player available. Not best WR or T.  

He might have to reach for the best T or WR - I can’t envision a scenario where go doesn’t take one of those two. 

Reach over what? A defensive tackle? Because otherwise, I can't envision a scenario where OT or WR isn't the BAP at #11. 

[jgb]

3 hours ago, jetsons said:

I TRULY WISH Joe Douglas ALL THE VERY BEST as GM of the Jets... but I will withhold my fawning until I see RESULTS.

Agree GM is a hard job

 

20 minutes ago, GreenFish said:

The key takeaway for me is that Douglas isn’t going to draft for need. So when 11 comes around and a WR has the highest grade, well WR it is. Let’s just hope he doesn’t mess around and draft a defensive player.

What if highest rated player is DL? He will take the best rated player at a position of need—which is the definition of drafting for need.

[bla bla bla]

1 hour ago, FidelioJet said:

Yea, if he was referring to options at WR or T then yes. But that wasn’t the vibe I was getting  

he referenced best player available. Not best WR or T.  

He might have to reach for the best T or WR - I can’t envision a scenario where go doesn’t take one of those two. 

Ah I see. Yea I read it in the context of taking the top WR rather than reaching on an OT that may not be your top choice. 

[jetsons]

1 hour ago, TeddEY said:

Imagine what type of vile human being would neg rep this post.

that wasn't the original post... he changed it.

[FidelioJet]

Just now, slats said:

Reach over what? A defensive tackle? Because otherwise, I can't envision a scenario where OT or WR isn't the BAP at #11. 

I don’t disagree - but that’s not really the point.  The only point I was trying to make was the article was simple BS.  It’s clear Biliick started with a premise that JD was going to be like Ozzie - then created a narrative to fit that.

JD has not, in fact, solidified the positions he reference and in one case it’s actually worse.  

I’m not questioning JD just the article.

[jetsons]

3 minutes ago, jgb said:

Agree GM is a hard job

 

What if highest rated player is DL? He will take the best rated player at a position of need—which is the definition of drafting for need.

Correct... but the "need" is not DL... it's OL/WR... if none are there of value I can see a trade down.

[jgb]

3 minutes ago, jetsons said:

that wasn't the original post... he changed it.

What did it say?

[jetsons]

Just now, jgb said:

What did it say?

I should have quoted it... but something to the effect that Joe D should have only been given a 1 year prove it contract.

[slats]

2 minutes ago, jgb said:

What if highest rated player is DL? He will take the best rated player at a position of need—which is the definition of drafting for need.

I think the definition of drafting for need would be targeting a single position in the first round. Like the good portion of folks here who will lose their collective poop if he drafts anything other than an OT at #11. 

He worked free agency knowing that OT and WR were well represented in the draft. Nothing wrong with that approach, and it's one that's followed pretty much around the league. That's why guys like Jack Conklin and Robby Anderson didn't get paid close to the numbers rumored over the winter. 

I used the DL example above, too, but I really don't even see either of those guys really getting a better draft grade than the top WRs or OTs this year. 

[The Crusher]

13 hours ago, TeddEY said:

Anyway - No one knows how Joe Douglas is going to work out.  He's started with an incredibly weak roster, a big question mark at QB, and an unenviable decision about how to handle a strong safety.  At least though, the Jets found a guy who's well regarded in league circles, was a rising star, and was their first choice.  Thus far, he's had only one real misstep, and that was an effort to fix a hole at center with a hope and a prayer that didn't work out, but that caused no lasting damage.  He's avoided signing any bad contracts this free agent period and made no commitments to a player you wouldn't want here for more than a couple seasons.  He's going to have to stack together a couple of good drafts to get out of this mess, and more if Darnold can't improve, but the guy clearly has the potential to do this, and appears to be going about it the right way.  That's about as good as you can hope for at this point.

This is why he will trade Adams for picks. Has nothing to do with Adams as a player, but the overwhelming need for help on offense to properly evaluate the red headed kid. 

[section314]

"Need is a terrible evaluator."   That says it all.

[slats]

10 minutes ago, FidelioJet said:

I don’t disagree - but that’s not really the point.  The only point I was trying to make was the article was simple BS.  It’s clear Biliick started with a premise that JD was going to be like Ozzie - then created a narrative to fit that.

JD has not, in fact, solidified the positions he reference and in one case it’s actually worse.  

I’m not questioning JD just the article.

How much worse is the WR position, really? And is it really worse? I mean, you pound this point like they lost Megatron and signed Stephen Hill. How much better would the WR corps be with Robby? Or did you want Amari Cooper for $20M+/year? They added a couple former first-rounders to compete for jobs. 

The best players available to help the position are in the draft. Can we take a breath and wait and see what they do then? 

[Ohhthepain]

He added: "You look at tackle with Georg Fant and then what they've done at the receiving core, two areas that needed to be addressed, and these two areas can obviously still be addressed early in the draft because offensive tackle and wide receiver both seem to have some options for them at number eleven. But they don't have to do that, given some of the things they've done in free agency."

 

[GreenFish]

25 minutes ago, slats said:

I think the definition of drafting for need would be targeting a single position in the first round. Like the good portion of folks here who will lose their collective poop if he drafts anything other than an OT at #11. 

He worked free agency knowing that OT and WR were well represented in the draft. Nothing wrong with that approach, and it's one that's followed pretty much around the league. That's why guys like Jack Conklin and Robby Anderson didn't get paid close to the numbers rumored over the winter. 

I used the DL example above, too, but I really don't even see either of those guys really getting a better draft grade than the top WRs or OTs this year. 

That’s how I view drafting for need as well. It’s the OT or bust mentality. Or over drafting a player. Thinking back to the Jags drafting that DT (can’t remember his name) or the Jets drafting a Nugent.

[GreenFish]

43 minutes ago, jgb said:

Agree GM is a hard job

 

What if highest rated player is DL? He will take the best rated player at a position of need—which is the definition of drafting for need.

On second thought, I think a better way to say what I’m expecting is I don’t expect Douglas to overdraft a player.

We also learned from that Manish article that scheme factors into his evaluations. 

[sec101row23]

5 hours ago, Paradis said:

I'm patient.. I'm not going to rake him over the coals for anything yet. Let's see what he's learned from hanging around competent people.

The only problem i have with this notion of JD being an Ozzie acolyte - is that Ozzie always had a robust roster. He rarely ever had to deal with the volume of issues we have... so there's to be some kind of effort field a reasonable team that isn't just rookies and JAGs.

We'll see. 

We’ll know more about JD in a couple weeks.   I’m totally fine with how he has handled free agency thus far.   Now we have 7 rounds of the draft, UDFA’s and then the inevitable roster cuts from other teams to come.  He’s set up some roster flexibility for next year as well.  
 

If JD is our answer to the GM role then I’m sure he recognizes the fact that there needs to be an infusion of talent on this roster.   You and I speak EVERY year about guys who will move the needle for this franchise, and every year we’ve been disappointed.   It’s a major issue that there is so little talent on the offensive side of the ball.  When your best player and your “marquee” player is a strong safety, there is an issue IMO.