Sporting News Jets Update 3/19

[The Fat Man]

http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams/jets/index.html

EAM ANALYSIS: It might be tempting to select one of the top three quarterbacks with the fourth overall pick, but with Chad Pennington, Patrick Ramsey and Brooks Bollinger on the roster, the Jets may stand pat at the position. That would be a mistake. They need to think long term, and the best way would be to pick Matt Leinart, Jay Cutler or Vince Young. Don't bet on that happening. The Jets may try to build around the quarterback, meaning that LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson is a definite possibility.

PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: The addition of Ramsey, acquired for a sixth-round pick, provides insurance and competition for Pennington, still a question mark as he recovers from his second shoulder surgery. Ramsey is a strong-armed passer, capable of making all the throws. Unlike Pennington, Ramsey has good velocity. He has the ability to zip the ball between two defenders. His intangibles are top-notch, especially his leadership and toughness. His problem is that he holds the ball too long and takes too many sacks. He doesn't do a good job of judging the pass rush. That, combined with an average release and poor mobility, often makes him a sitting duck in the pocket. That's not a good situation, considering the holes in the offensive line. Nevertheless, it was a good pick-up. The price was right, his salary ($1.7 million) isn't a cap-buster and he has some upside. Ramsey might not be the long-term answer, but he's an adequate stop-gap as the team goes through a rebuilding phase on offense. . . .

The signing of former Steelers DE Kimo von Oelhoffen is a sure sign that coach Eric Mangini is planning to use a 3-4 scheme. von Oelhoffen is a veteran of the 3-4, a powerful end who can anchor at the point of attack. Not much of a pass-rushing threat, he probably will be only a first- and second-down player. Presumably, he and Shaun Ellis will be the starting ends in the 3-4. The Jets still need a nose tackle.

OFFENSIVE ADJUSTMENTS: Brian Schottenheimer, the Jets' third offensive coordinator in three years, probably will try to incorporate some elements of the San Diego offense (his previous team) into the scheme. Look for a balanced attack, heavy on play-action passing. One problem: The Jets don't have a receiving threat at tight end in the mold of Antonio Gates. Schottenheimer also may have to adjust the running scheme. San Diego uses a massive offensive line; the Jets' linemen are undersized, but athletic. Unless they change the personnel (always a possibility), he may have to use more zone-blocking than man-to-man.