Jets 2021 Offseason: "Protection & Playmakers" (Pre-Free Agency Mock)

[football guy]

Firstly, I want to apologize for some of my long-winded and in some cases aggressive posts over the past month. Unfortunately I let some of the members of this site get under my skin too often. Part of it is because I think some of the attacks and skepticism has been unwarranted, part of it is an old-school “say it to my face” (lol sigh) mentality, but mostly it’s because I hate the social media culture being established and accepted - not just here, but everywhere. I can be a defensive person. Always has been the case. My girlfriend used to say that I was “addicted to conflict.” Can’t say I totally disagree lol. The truth is that my defensiveness has nothing to do with having disagreements; I encourage debate---iron sharpens iron. The defensiveness has everything to do with attacks on reputation and intolerance to freedom of thought, not the topics themselves. With that said, I hope to let bygones be bygones.

I create my mock drafts based on what I think, not necessarily what I want. I cross reference things with my own sources as well as media sources. Been compiling this for a while, so in order to minimize the clutter I won't include blurbs why I performed a certain transaction. Happy to answer any questions though. 

 

2021 New York Jets Offseason

Roster Size: 90

 

Key Takeaways: 

• Media will continue speculating a Sam Darnold trade, but I'm convinced the Jets don't want to trade him. Unless a QB like Zach Wilson blows them out of the water, or Deshaun Watson is made available, I still believe what I was told at the onset of the offseason: 60-40 Jets keep Darnold. Why? Well for one he can do things that many QBs are not capable of doing, evidenced by the clip below. Secondly, the team feels he has so much untapped potential and are bullish on his ability to make a Josh Allen-like turnaround in the new offense. Thirdly, value. They can get so much in a trade for #2 that it's hard for them to pass up. Days of the traditional "draft a QB, he's your guy for 15 years" are over. You can acquire a QB in free agency or trade and they can get you to the promised land. Guys who used to be discarded as busts are going to have awakenings. All of those reasons are just a few why I believe Sam will be returning. 

• Sources indicate to me that the expectation is that JuJu Smith-Schuster will ultimately wind up with the Jets. If not him, they may not have a flattering of a FA WR addition as once speculated, with a combo of Kendrick Bourne and Marquise Goodwin as an alternate outcome. Apparently teams are hot for Curtis Samuel, and while the Jets would really like him, it sounds like there will be a lot of competition for him. 
• I have the Jets signing Derek Barnett to a Leonard Floyd-like contract, but I can see them trading for him as well. 
• I think the Jets will sign Corey Linsley and move Connor McGovern to G. 
• I think Joe Douglas will finally make due on his promise to surround Sam with "protection and playmakers" this offseason, while acquiring future draft capital to either address QB or continue building up the OL/defense. 
• I expect the Jets to have an open competition at LG between Greg Van Roten, Pat Elflein, Alex Lewis, Cameron Clark, and Jack Anderson. Spencer Brown will likely take over at RT in 2022 if the Jets come away impressed with his development, otherwise they could look into drafting another guy in 2022. 
• If this is in fact the outcome, I have a hard time believing any Jets fan would come away being "disappointed"... understandably people have personal preferences, but easy to see how this unit would be among the most vastly improved skill position groups in the NFL:  

 

[Mogglez]

Phenomenal post.  Thanks man.  Linsley is my number one target for FA, so I hope they can get him.  This team has been searching way too long for a Mangold replacement.

[T0mShane]

I will skip the praise and quibble that I wouldn’t be excited to see money spent on Milano and Barnett. I get that both are solid players, but I think that Neville Hewitt is also solid, and with Mosley coming back, tying up money in another ILB is eh. Barnett isn’t athletic enough for me, but I’d defer to Saleh if thAt’s a guy he wants in the fold.

[DoubleDecker]

Waddle, Pitts, JuJu, and Mims has a chance to be dynamite!  The only downside is inexperience and of course the injury bug.  If we roll with that, I really want them to fortify the depth a WR by getting either someone better than Goodwin or better than Berrios to pair with Goodwin on the back end.  Great post and thanks for all the insider info you've provided over time.  I'm really excited to see what JD and Saleh have envisioned for this new Jets regime!!!

[Maxman]

16 minutes ago, football guy said:

• Media will continue speculating a Sam Darnold trade, but I'm convinced the Jets don't want to trade him. Unless a QB like Zach Wilson blows them out of the water, or Deshaun Watson is made available, I still believe what I was told at the onset of the offseason: 60-40 Jets keep Darnold. Why? Well for one he can do things that many QBs are not capable of doing, evidenced by the clip below. Secondly, the team feels he has so much untapped potential and are bullish on his ability to make a Josh Allen-like turnaround in the new offense. Thirdly, value. They can get so much in a trade for #2 that it's hard for them to pass up. Days of the traditional "draft a QB, he's your guy for 15 years" are over. You can acquire a QB in free agency or trade and they can get you to the promised land. Guys who used to be discarded as busts are going to have awakenings. All of those reasons are just a few why I believe Sam will be returning. 
• I think the Jets will sign Corey Linsley and move Connor McGovern to G. 
• I think Joe Douglas will finally make due on his promise to surround Sam with "protection and playmakers" this offseason, while acquiring future draft capital to either address QB or continue building up the OL/defense. 
• I expect the Jets to have an open competition at LG between Greg Van Roten, Pat Elflein, Alex Lewis, Cameron Clark, and Jack Anderson. Spencer Brown will likely take over at RT in 2022 if the Jets come away impressed with his development, otherwise they could look into drafting another guy in 2022. 

Good post. I am still hoping that Watson can be acquired for 3 first rounders, in which case I would do it. But if not, I am okay bringing Sam back, not sure I would pick up the 5th year option. Probably would just gamble on it as to not be tied to him.

I like Linsley with McGovern at Guard a lot. If they do that I still feel that they need to make a splash at Guard. Thuney? Or a 1st and 2nd round pick. Especially if you are bringing back Sam.

Juju I kind of hope doesn't happen but it would be fun. Hopefully the price is right if it does happen.

[football guy]

7 minutes ago, Mogglez said:

Phenomenal post.  Thanks man.  Linsley is my number one target for FA, so I hope they can get him.  This team has been searching way too long for a Mangold replacement.

I would really like him as well. I get the feeling that his availability is directly tied to what the Packers decide to do with Aaron Jones. Could see them tag him and let Linsley walk given the interior OL talent they've accumulated. 

5 minutes ago, T0mShane said:

I will skip the praise and quibble that I wouldn’t be excited to see money spent on Milano and Barnett. I get that both are solid players, but I think that Neville Hewitt is also solid, and with Mosley coming back, tying up money in another ILB is eh. Barnett isn’t athletic enough for me, but I’d defer to Saleh if thAt’s a guy he wants in the fold.

I don't really get signing Milano, but I've heard he's going to be a target. I think you can get by with much cheaper guys at LB. Will be interested to see if Derek Barnett is released or traded. For now I have it as released, but he may ultimately get traded. 

[Chrebetfan80]

interestingly aggressive draft.  Moving down and up several times to target guys instead of a volume of picks.  Also nicely stacking the next few years with extra selections. 

I do agree the idea of moving down from 2 seems like the smartest move.  If you are adding pitts and waddle to your offense thats two potential premiere playmakers at positions of need.  Then factor in if herndon can figure it out and mims takes the next step.  There will be no shortage of playmaking options for the team and you can easily continue to build around.  

Surprised no additional consideration was given to adding another LB during the middle rounds though, there are some good options there and I think you can get value. 

[football guy]

Just now, DoubleDecker said:

Waddle, Pitts, JuJu, and Mims has a chance to be dynamite!  The only downside is inexperience and of course the injury bug.  If we roll with that, I really want them to fortify the depth a WR by getting either someone better than Goodwin or better than Berrios to pair with Goodwin on the back end.  Great post and thanks for all the insider info you've provided over time.  I'm really excited to see what JD and Saleh have envisioned for this new Jets regime!!!

I know the team is high on Pitts and Waddle. I don't know how realistic it is for them to land both, but just looking at last year's class it's certainly possible that he falls to 17 (hell CeeDee did why can't Waddle?) 

Waddle, JuJu, and Pitts would all figure to be moveable chess pieces in this offense. It will be interesting to see how they use Mims; he kind of profiles similar to Miles Austin/Josh Gordon/Julio Jones, all of which had roles created for them as X receivers. I kind of foresee similar usage for Mims with a lot of designed plays over the middle with the occasional contested throw downfield 

[football guy]

7 minutes ago, Chrebetfan80 said:

interestingly aggressive draft.  Moving down and up several times to target guys instead of a volume of picks.  Also nicely stacking the next few years with extra selections. 

I do agree the idea of moving down from 2 seems like the smartest move.  If you are adding pitts and waddle to your offense thats two potential premiere playmakers at positions of need.  Then factor in if herndon can figure it out and mims takes the next step.  There will be no shortage of playmaking options for the team and you can easily continue to build around.  

Surprised no additional consideration was given to adding another LB during the middle rounds though, there are some good options there and I think you can get value. 

I toyed with Chazz Surratt on Day 2 - who I've heard the Jets took interest to at the Senior Bowl. Ultimately it came down to a numbers game. They grab 2 guys on Day 3 who can very well develop into starters/key contributors. 

[JetsFan459]

Awesome post with great information! I agree with you in thinking that the Jets FO will keep Sam. I'm curious if you heard how the Jets rank the Quarterbacks in the draft? I assume Lawrence would be #1, followed by Wilson, Fields, Lance?? I honestly think the Jets should keep Sam and give him one last chance to succeed with talent and a competent coaching staff around him.  What would be worse for Douglas... draft Wilson and trade Sam - Wilson struggles, and Sam looks like a pro-bowler. OR, keep Sam - he stinks, and Wilson looks great. I would think the first scenario would be worse for Douglas. Thanks for the informative posts and don't let "keyboard warriors" bring you down. They just get upset when they hear news that they don't want to hear, and take it out on the messenger. I would say most of the users on here appreciate your insights. 

[football guy]

8 minutes ago, Maxman said:

Good post. I am still hoping that Watson can be acquired for 3 first rounders, in which case I would do it. But if not, I am okay bringing Sam back, not sure I would pick up the 5th year option. Probably would just gamble on it as to not be tied to him.

I like Linsley with McGovern at Guard a lot. If they do that I still feel that they need to make a splash at Guard. Thuney? Or a 1st and 2nd round pick. Especially if you are bringing back Sam.

Juju I kind of hope doesn't happen but it would be fun. Hopefully the price is right if it does happen.

I think Thuney is headed to Cincinnati and I expect Scherff to re-sign. I think OL is a possibility on Day 1, but more likely Douglas will look to build quality depth. 

I hear the pleas to get Watson, but I just don't see it happening. 

10 minutes ago, Chrebetfan80 said:

interestingly aggressive draft.  Moving down and up several times to target guys instead of a volume of picks.  Also nicely stacking the next few years with extra selections. 

I do agree the idea of moving down from 2 seems like the smartest move.  If you are adding pitts and waddle to your offense thats two potential premiere playmakers at positions of need.  Then factor in if herndon can figure it out and mims takes the next step.  There will be no shortage of playmaking options for the team and you can easily continue to build around.  

Surprised no additional consideration was given to adding another LB during the middle rounds though, there are some good options there and I think you can get value. 

I fully anticipate an ultra-aggressive Joe Douglas on draft day. He loves trading, and I think we didn't get to see as much of it last year because he was hellbent on taking one of those top Ts (he did call around to try and move up) and I think there was some adjustment to the pandemic style war room. I also think Douglas will embrace the new 5th year option rules more so than other owners. It used to be guaranteed for injury only, now it's fully guaranteed. The Jets have a flexible payroll and need as much building blocks under contract as possible. 

[T0mShane]

14 minutes ago, Maxman said:

Juju I kind of hope doesn't happen but it would be fun. Hopefully the price is right if it does happen.

Three years at $16 per is a good bet on a player with his talent level, imo 

[football guy]

4 minutes ago, JetsFan459 said:

Awesome post with great information! I agree with you in thinking that the Jets FO will keep Sam. I'm curious if you heard how the Jets rank the Quarterbacks in the draft? I assume Lawrence would be #1, followed by Wilson, Fields, Lance?? I honestly think the Jets should keep Sam and give him one last chance to succeed with talent and a competent coaching staff around him.  What would be worse for Douglas... draft Wilson and trade Sam - Wilson struggles, and Sam looks like a pro-bowler. OR, keep Sam - he stinks, and Wilson looks great. I would think the first scenario would be worse for Douglas. Thanks for the informative posts and don't let "keyboard warriors" bring you down. They just get upset when they hear news that they don't want to hear, and take it out on the messenger. I would say most of the users on here appreciate your insights. 

I haven't heard anything about how they rank the QBs, but I would think Wilson ahead of Fields/Lance/Jones

[Adobolo]

Great post as usual and could not imagine a better off season but as for Waddle been available at #17 I cant see it. It will be a choice between waddel and Pitts at #8 and Pitts would still be the choice for me with perhaps a Toney or Moore at the back end of the 1st round. 

[football guy]

Just now, Adobolo said:

Great post as usual and could not imagine a better off season but as for Waddle been available at #17 I cant see it. It will be a choice between waddel and Pitts at #8 and Pitts would still be the choice for me with perhaps a Toney or Moore at the back end of the 1st round. 

I can't fully see it either, but crazier things have happened. No one would've thought Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb would've fell to 15 and 17 respectfully. If he makes it past the Giants (I think they take Gregory Rousseau), he can very well fall a bit. I don't see SF, LAC, MIN, NE taking a WR. I think Arizona may consider it, but they need to invest in that defense. 

[SomebodytoAnybody47]

Walking away with Waddle and Pitts on this offense is a huge win. Don't see it happening mostly because I'm a Jets fan and that amount of offensive talent in one draft, early on, doesn't compute. 

That said....if you're going that route, you NEED to get Juju. Or some other reliable veteran, especially if you're trading Crowder. You can't go into the season with a bunch of rookie/young WRs. You need guys with experience out there to help things along. 

[football guy]

2 minutes ago, Samtorobby47 said:

Walking away with Waddle and Pitts on this offense is a huge win. Don't see it happening mostly because I'm a Jets fan and that amount of offensive talent in one draft, early on, doesn't compute. 

That said....if you're going that route, you NEED to get Juju. Or some other reliable veteran, especially if you're trading Crowder. You can't go into the season with a bunch of rookie/young WRs. You need guys with experience out there to help things along. 

I would prefer the Jets don't trade Crowder, but I'm puzzling it all together. We're seeing the reports that he may be a cap casualty, I'm being told to expect JuJu or Kendrick Bourne (both who play a lot from within the slot), I know the team likes Berrios, and I know they're looking at guys in the draft who were featured in the slot often. I just don't see how you can add JuJu, Pitts, and Waddle then justify playing Crowder over them because he's a slot specialist. If the Jets move him, I'm pretty certain Washington will have interest in bringing him back and possibly signing him to an extension as well

[Adoni Beast]

52 minutes ago, football guy said:

 

• I think the Jets will sign Corey Linsley and move Connor McGovern to G. 
• I think Joe Douglas will finally make due on his promise to surround Sam with "protection and playmakers" this offseason, while acquiring future draft capital to either address QB or continue building up the OL/defense. 

As much as I want Thuney...Linsley is the smart and more prudent signing. 2 birds one stone, by moving McGovern to guard, and you’re still adding an ALL-Pro caliber player to a more important position of the OL. This would be a huge signing.

If we are able to trade down to 6, 7, 8 for Pitts + sign someone like Juju....our offense immediately looks completely revamped.

[football guy]

Here's how I see Waddle falling to 17

[T0mShane]

4 minutes ago, football guy said:

Here's how I see Waddle falling to 17

Surtain would be a juicy consideration at 17, too

[T0mShane]

Also, Mulugheta is also Pitts’ agent!

[JohnnyLV]

Lot of effort but I do not think they roll with Sam and I will be shocked if we do not take QB at 2, so not sure any of it is actually valid. They will still put it out there as much as they can that they are sticking with Sam but in 6 weeks or so we will start hearing about them being in love with Wilson or Fields.

[RedBeardedSavage]

@football guy

Love the work here. Excellent.

I prefer Carl Lawson from the Bengals over Barnett + Milano. I'd prefer to draft a LB in this class over an edge rusher. 

Love Linsley and would be absolutely elated if we came away with Pitts and Waddle.

Low-key like the Beathard pickup and the St Juste pick. St Juste had a great senior bowl practice week and looks very much in the Sherman mold of a CB. 

Any thoughts on Carl Lawson? Been learning a lot about the dude - would love to see him and Quinnen on the same d-line during passing situations...

[football guy]

7 minutes ago, RedBeardedSavage said:

@football guy

Love the work here. Excellent.

I prefer Carl Lawson from the Bengals over Barnett + Milano. I'd prefer to draft a LB in this class over an edge rusher. 

Love Linsley and would be absolutely elated if we came away with Pitts and Waddle.

Low-key like the Beathard pickup and the St Juste pick. St Juste had a great senior bowl practice week and looks very much in the Sherman mold of a CB. 

Any thoughts on Carl Lawson? Been learning a lot about the dude - would love to see him and Quinnen on the same d-line during passing situations...

I think someone else is going to outbid the Jets for him. Not sure what our interest level is

[football guy]

21 minutes ago, T0mShane said:

Also, Mulugheta is also Pitts’ agent!

Sure would be. I have a feeling that he's going to fall further than being projected. Also sense that the Jets may not prioritize CB as much as people think. Scheme is designed to alleviate pressure on CBs, and I think they'll have an open competition between Bryce Hall, Bless Austin, Rasul Douglas, and Benjamin St-Juste on the outside, with K'Wuan Willliams and Javelin Guidry manning the slot

[rangerous]

Good points.. didn’t see thuney’s name at guard so I guess they’d move McGovern to guard and go with van roten.  I also don’t see a QBs who can push darnold.  I don’t think it can hurt to have someone pushing darnold hard.

[Jetlife33]

@football guygreat work! This would be really interesting. I really want to see Sam succeed and I think he can do it if things played out this way. At the same time if Wilson does blow the jets away I’m for taking a QB as well. Quick question though, if the Jets roll with Sam and don’t draft or trade for a QB do they pick up his 5th year option? The deadline is sometime in May of this year I believe. 

[football guy]

1 minute ago, Jetlife33 said:

@football guygreat work! This would be really interesting. I really want to see Sam succeed and I think he can do it if things played out this way. At the same time if Wilson does blow the jets away I’m for taking a QB as well. Quick question though, if the Jets roll with Sam and don’t draft or trade for a QB do they pick up his 5th year option? The deadline is sometime in May of this year I believe. 

I think they're going to re-sign him to a "3-year" contract of similar structure to Teddy Bridgewater's deal. They'll basically trade off the guaranteed money his option would grant him (around $18 million) for a guaranteed signing/roster bonus, allowing for Darnold to get paid and the Jets to spread out his money

[football guy]

8 minutes ago, rangerous said:

Good points.. didn’t see thuney’s name at guard so I guess they’d move McGovern to guard and go with van roten.  I also don’t see a QBs who can push darnold.  I don’t think it can hurt to have someone pushing darnold hard.

Comes down to availability. I think the Jets are prepared to give the offense to Sam for 2021 and see how he plays. If he swims, great. If he sinks, they have the resources to find a new guy in 2022

[jbt]

good read.  Love the offensive weapons and am fine keeping Sam 1 more year.  But if that happens and he plays the same what are the options next year (draft, FA) to upgrade the QB?  Better than this year, same, worse?

 

[SomebodytoAnybody47]

1 minute ago, football guy said:

Comes down to availability. I think the Jets are prepared to give the offense to Sam for 2021 and see how he plays. If he swims, great. If he sinks, they have the resources to find a new guy in 2022

I mean by 2022, Kirk Cousins should be available....right?! 

[King P]

1 hour ago, football guy said:

Here's how I see Waddle falling to 17

If Chase is still available, I prefer him over Pitts every time.

But I get it, Pitts + Waddle is hard to pass up on

[FlightBoyz]

Well Done Offseason Mock. I'm down with it.

[Jethead]

Nice job. 

Way prefer a scenario like this to a crapshoot for a QB at #2.

Will be fun to see how close you come, lol.

[Jetlife33]

44 minutes ago, football guy said:

I think they're going to re-sign him to a "3-year" contract of similar structure to Teddy Bridgewater's deal. They'll basically trade off the guaranteed money his option would grant him (around $18 million) for a guaranteed signing/roster bonus, allowing for Darnold to get paid and the Jets to spread out his money

Just curious how you think that plays out exactly. Do they decline his option, have him play this year and then re-sign him? Or decline the option and extend him before the 2021 season? I think this board would flip if they give him 50+ million contract before the season. Thanks for the input and your opinions as always.