Three offensive lineups the Jets could build around three potiential QB

[TheNuuFaaolaExperience]

3 minutes ago, Butterfield said:

Yeah, but both players are around 28 years old. These are their prime years.  Do they really want to go to a rebuild?  

[jeremy2020]

4 minutes ago, Butterfield said:

Yeah, but both players are around 28 years old. These are their prime years.  Do they really want to go to a rebuild?  

OF COURSE THEY DO! IT'S THE JETS! SALEH IS THE MOST POPULAR COACH IN THE LEAGUE! THERE'S A REASON HE'S IN THE HOF!

[Alka]

4 hours ago, T0mShane said:

If they run it back with Darnold, it’s hard to see why Robinson or Thuney would sign here. 

Perhaps I am not seeing it correctly, but if I'm Thuney, and I have Becton on one side of me, and Sewell on the other side of me, I might want to be a part of that offensive line, and pave the way for the running back.  Thuney must also know that with the cap money we have, we can bring on a #1 wide receiver as well.  So, upgrade the offensive line, upgrade the wide receivers, bring on a stud running back with perhaps our #23 pick.  

Maybe not, but I guess we'll see.

[slats]

16 minutes ago, Alka said:

Perhaps I am not seeing it correctly, but if I'm Thuney, and I have Becton on one side of me, and Sewell on the other side of me, I might want to be a part of that offensive line, and pave the way for the running back.  Thuney must also know that with the cap money we have, we can bring on a #1 wide receiver as well.  So, upgrade the offensive line, upgrade the wide receivers, bring on a stud running back with perhaps our #23 pick.  

Maybe not, but I guess we'll see.

The Jets won’t be drafting Sewell. 

[joebabyny]

7 hours ago, LAD_Brooklyn said:

The Jets officially announced the hiring of Robert Saleh on Tuesday. On Thursday, they’ll hold his introductory press conference. Among the first questions to be asked: What the heck do you plan on doing at quarterback?

As it currently stands, the Jets seem to have two obvious options with a third wild card. They can bring Sam Darnold back for Year 4. They can start the rookie clock again with Justin Fields or Zach Wilson. Or they can make a blockbuster trade for Deshaun Watson.

Each move has its pros along with cons. There’s no clear-cut right answer, nor a sign of where the Jets are leaning. That’s why Saleh’s comments on Thursday will be so important. Sure, he could pull a Kliff Kingsbury, but that doesn’t really seem to be his style.

So, with nothing but informed speculation until then, we figured to take a look at what the Jets could look like depending on what Saleh and Joe Douglas choose to do.

Here’s the breakdown.

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Option 1: Run it back
Quarterback: Sam Darnold
Running back: Marlon Mack (free-agent signing), LaMical Perine, Ty Johnson
Receivers: Allen Robinson (free-agent signing), Denzel Mims, Jamison Crowder
Tight end: Chris Herndon, Trey Burton (free agent signing)
Offensive line: LT Mekhi Becton, LG Joe Thuney (free-agent signing), C Connor McGovern, RG Wyatt Davis (NFL Draft, second round), RT Penei Sewell (NFL Draft, No. 2)

Break it down: Douglas promised Darnold’s parents he’d do everything to protect their son. That hasn’t happened through two years, but if the Jets decide to keep Darnold, you can expect a major change this offseason after the GM admitted he didn’t do enough in 2020. With nearly $90 million in cap space and a truckload of draft picks, Douglas can build an environment conducive to Darnold’s success.

If the Jets keep Darnold, they can go with the best player available at No. 2. Receivers Ja’Marr Chase (LSU) and Devonta Smith (Alabama) might be the play if Robinson signs elsewhere in free agency. Linebacker Micah Parsons (Penn State), along with corners Caleb Farley (Virginia Tech) and Patrick Surtain (Alabama), could fill needs, too. It’s just too hard to see Douglas, assuming he does not trade back, passing on Sewell.

Sewell and Becton could develop into the NFL’s best tackle duo. Because the Jets desperately need help on defense, it’s hard to see them using the No. 23 pick on an offensive player, but their first second-rounder can address the interior offensive line. Davis, out of Ohio State, could fall.

Side note: Drafting Sewell and Davis can allow the Jets to cut George Fant and Greg Van Roten, which would free another $10.8 million.

Robinson and Thuney are two top-ticket free agents and will certainly be on Douglas’ wish list. Obviously, the Jets won’t be alone, but their odds of signing both are a bit higher considering the number of teams in salary cap turmoil. Just 17 teams have more than $5 million in cap space. Just 11 have more than $20 million. The Colts, Jets, and Jaguars are the only teams with $60-million plus.

Robinson’s pristine route running, next-level hands and otherworldly catch radius make him a quarterback’s best friend. Thuney is versatile, reliable and productive — tailor-made for Douglas. Both are under 28.

The Jets seem to like ex-Colts, and Mack would be a nice, reasonably-priced addition to the backfield. He suffered a season-ending Achilles injury this year, which might scare some teams off. He’s been productive when healthy, rushing for 1,999 yards (4.5 average) and 17 touchdowns from 2018-2019.

The Jets aren’t willing to give up on Herndon yet, but Burton would be a solid and inexpensive insurance policy. He’s a good receiving option, has Colts ties, and Douglas worked with him during his time in Philadelphia (the Philly Special thrower).

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Option 2: Make the trade
Quarterback: Deshaun Watson (trade with Texans)
Running back: LaMical Perine, Jerick McKinnon (free agent signing), Ty Johnson
Receivers: Allen Robinson (free agent signing), Denzel Mims, Jamison Crowder
Tight end: Chris Herndon, Trey Burton (free agent signing)
Offensive line: LT Mekhi Becton, LG Joe Thuney (free agent signing), C Connor McGovern, RG Greg Van Roten, RT George Fant

Break it down: While Watson would count just under $11 million on the 2021 cap, adding him would likely result in a slightly more conservative approach because of the upcoming $30 million hits. Robinson and Thuney are still options. Adding Watson puts the Jets in win-now mode and they need to expedite their rebuild. They might have to look toward someone like McKinnon at running back, though.

The Jets weren’t happy with Van Roten this past season, but trading for Watson means giving up quite a few first-round picks. If Douglas parts with both No. 2 and 23, they need to go defense with their first second-rounder. That likely means waiting until the third to address the interior offensive line. LSU’s Ed Ingram should be there. He’ll start if ready Week 1. If not, Van Roten gets the nod. Cameron Clark could be in the mix, too.

Obviously, this would mean another year with George Fant at right tackle. Not the worst thing. He wasn’t great, but solid in 2020.

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Option 3: Start from scratch
Quarterback: Justin Fields/Zach Wilson (NFL Draft, No. 2)
Running back: Marlon Mack (free agent signing), LaMical Perine, Ty Johnson
Receivers: Corey Davis (free agent signing), Denzel Mims, Jamison Crowder, Curtis Samuel (free agent signing)
Tight end: Jonnu Smith (free agent signing), Chris Herndon
Offensive line: LT Mekhi Becton, LG Joe Thuney (free agent signing), C Connor McGovern, RG Wyatt Davis (NFL Draft, second round), RT George Fant

Break it down: There’s a legitimate drop between Trevor Lawrence and Fields or Wilson. If Douglas views the two equally, he might be able to trade back to No. 4 (Falcons pick), get whoever doesn’t go No. 2, and recoup another first-round pick and then some. For this example, though, we’ll assume he drafts one of the two at No. 2.

Douglas will not make the same mistake he did with Darnold. He’ll use his draft picks and cap space to help make the quarterback’s life easy. By drafting Wilson or Fields, it allows the Jets to trade Darnold for potentially another second- or third-round pick.

Robinson, Thuney, Mack and Burton are all still priority free-agent signings. For this example, we’ll say Robinson prefers to sign with a more established quarterback. If that happens, Douglas can pivot toward Davis. He caught 65 passes for a career-high 985 yards and five touchdowns in 14 games with the Titans in 2020. The money not spent on Robinson and the luxury of a rookie quarterback on a rookie contract can be used to make runs at other free agents like Samuel (Panthers) and Smith (Titans).

Davis is still the pick with the Jets’ first second-rounder. If they get a second for Darnold, they could look at Notre Dame tackle Liam Eichenberg. If they get a third, Stanford’s Walker Little is a possibility. Either of the two could compete for the starting job in training camp with Fant.

I dont see them getting those offensive FAs if they stick with Sam.

surprised you didn’t mention picking up the Packers center Lindsay in FA  

I also don’t see drafting Sewell at 2 because 

1)Benton looks to be a beast at LT, so whether he stays at LT or moves to RT, this pick amounts to drafting a RT at 2 since that’s the position that will be filled by drafting Sewell. You don’t draft a RT at #2

2) it would suck having those monster deals for their next contract coming 1-2 back to back 

3) too much value in that pick to not trade down if not taking a qb. 

[Philc1]

5 hours ago, T0mShane said:

If they run it back with Darnold, it’s hard to see why Robinson or Thuney would sign here. 

Robinson is going where the money is.  Offer him a Julio Jones type of deal 

[Philc1]

4 hours ago, New York Mick said:

Money

I think the twitterization of the NBA has made people believe pro athletes no longer care about money

 

Robinson probably has one shot at a real payday before he gets old.  This money has to last him and his family the rest of his life.  Offer him the biggest Wr contract in the league he’s a Jet

[LAD_Brooklyn]

1 hour ago, joebabyny said:

I dont see them getting those offensive FAs if they stick with Sam.

surprised you didn’t mention picking up the Packers center Lindsay in FA  

I also don’t see drafting Sewell at 2 because 

1)Benton looks to be a beast at LT, so whether he stays at LT or moves to RT, this pick amounts to drafting a RT at 2 since that’s the position that will be filled by drafting Sewell. You don’t draft a RT at #2

2) it would suck having those monster deals for their next contract coming 1-2 back to back 

3) too much value in that pick to not trade down if not taking a qb. 

Thuney has made $19 mil in his football career. In March he'll have a chance to get that and more upon signing his new deal in roster or signing bonuses unless he'll take less to go home (Ohio). Security is important.

[JetBlue]

How about get a haul of picks by trading down to say the Lions at 7, taking Trey Lance, then trading Darnold for even more draft capital for this and or next year.  Going from 2 to 7 would allow us to bolster the line, add more weapons (wr, rb and or te) as well as find an edge and cb not necessarily in that order.   Bring in a low priced FA like Beathard to compete for the starting QB job (along with Morgan) until Lance is ready and now you have a Mahomes level talent (hopefully) ready to take the reigns in 2022.   Between this years picks, FA and next year, there is no reason this team couldn't be bonafide perennial playoff contender by 2023.  If it were up to me, that is the route I would consider taking.  

[football guy]

I kind of hope I'm wrong, but I don't see us signing Thuney this offseason. He's going to have other offers (Cincinnati) and may elect to go elsewhere

[Adoni Beast]

Just now, football guy said:

I kind of hope I'm wrong, but I don't see us signing Thuney this offseason. He's going to have other offers (Cincinnati) and may elect to go elsewhere

I think Scherff would probably be our backup option. I’d be pretty happy with that

[Sperm Edwards]

18 hours ago, Augustiniak said:

Receivers see what their stats will be, whether they will hit contract triggers and how relevant their teams will be if they care about playoffs. 

Not just the stats for stats’ sake, but for $. If the perception is Darnold will kill their #s, they’ll figure to get cut 1 minute after the guaranteed $ is paid. Yeah they can sign elsewhere, but they won’t be hot stuff anymore + 2 years older is 2 fewer years in their playing prime. 

Not compare that to the other extreme (Watson). A WR like Robinson will figure his #s will thrive and he’ll be worth keeping for as long as he’s putting up those #s. 3 years, 4 years, whatever it is until he starts to slow down & is no longer worth $20MM/year. I think they have little difficulty drawing him here with Watson, but it’s not so easy when the QB is “Oh, that guy?” for 2021, followed by a big question mark.

Yeah he’d have someone else there as a just-in-case. If the goal is specifically to lure Robinson, the best bet on that insurance policy may be Trubisky. But if it’s Brissett? Good choice in terms of do-no-harm, but he’s not raising anyone’s pulse to lure a premiere WR. 

[Sperm Edwards]

11 hours ago, JetBlue said:

How about get a haul of picks by trading down to say the Lions at 7, taking Trey Lance, then trading Darnold for even more draft capital for this and or next year.  Going from 2 to 7 would allow us to bolster the line, add more weapons (wr, rb and or te) as well as find an edge and cb not necessarily in that order.   Bring in a low priced FA like Beathard to compete for the starting QB job (along with Morgan) until Lance is ready and now you have a Mahomes level talent (hopefully) ready to take the reigns in 2022.   Between this years picks, FA and next year, there is no reason this team couldn't be bonafide perennial playoff contender by 2023.  If it were up to me, that is the route I would consider taking.  

That seems too long of a plan (to specifically plan on not making the playoffs for 2 more seasons).

Part of the problem with such a long-term view is it’s not really as long a resulting window reward as you’d think. By 2024 or 2025 you’re already looking at extensions from the 2021 & maybe even 2022 draft classes, and that list of players - if we’ve drafted well - only gets longer in 2025-2026. 

It’s still a 3-year window (not nothing) before you have to start deciding which starters you’re losing, but my guess is this idea is to create some 5-8 year window that’s not happening just because of a lot of draft picks in 2021-2022. And even that 3-year window presumes the QB you waited on does develop as hoped. 

Anyway, I’m not on board with writing off 2 more seasons as in-effect 32 more games of training camp & practices, to bet everything on waiting until his 3rd season for Trey Lance to figure out how to be an asset. Not when they’re sitting on all these high draft picks before any trade-downs and a mountain of cap room to bring in a number of ready-now veterans: $80MM+ in cap room buys more than just a WR and an interior OLman. 

They should be competitive this year and (barring significant injuries) at least a WC team in 2022 or I’m not seeing how Douglas+Saleh are such assets. They don’t need 20+ premiere starters and an all-pro QB to merely make the playoffs, and aren’t going to sit on their hands in FA for both of the 2 upcoming offseasons.

If they can win 7 games in 2019 with terrible coaching, 3 games of having no QB, and the other 13 games with mostly suspect QB play, then they can win at least 8 games this year. 

[Wonderboy]

19 hours ago, T0mShane said:

If they run it back with Darnold, it’s hard to see why Robinson or Thuney would sign here.