Jets team needs & position by position anlysis ~ ~ ~

[kelly]

New York Jets Team Needs

March 14, 2007

By Jason Krzywicki / Edited by Nicholas Minnix

2006 Finish: 10-6 (2nd Place), Playoff Team

2007 Draft Pick: 25th Overall

Key Positional Needs: TE, OG, OT, DT, DE, LB, CB

Head Coach: Eric Mangini

Offensive Coordinator: Brian Schottenheimer

Defensive Coordinator: Bob Sutton

Free Agent(s): QB Patrick Ramsey (Released - signed by Broncos), RB Kevan Barlow (Released), RB Derrick Blaylock (Released), FB B.J. Askew (UFA - signed by Buccaneers), FB James Hodgins (UFA), TE Sean P. Ryan (RFA), OT Anthony Clement (UFA), OT Mike King (Released), OT Wade Smith (UFA - Re-signed), DL Dave Ball (RFA), DL Bobby Hamilton (UFA - Re-signed), DL Rashad Moore (RFA), LB Cody Spencer (RFA)

NFL Europa Allocations: WR Phil Silva (Amsterdam Admirals), DT Matt McChesney (Frankfurt Galaxy), DT Zarnell Fitch (Frankfurt Galaxy), LB Blake Costanzo (Rhein Fire)

POSITION ANALYSIS - OFFENSE/QUARTERBACKS

Quarterback Chad Pennington, who will be 31 years old at the beginning of the 2007 NFL season, had his first complete season in his career. Many had doubts about Pennington as he was returning from his second shoulder surgery in as many seasons. Pennington answered those critics by leading the Jets to a 10-6 record, the playoffs and by winning the 2006 NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award.During the 2006 season, Pennington finished with 3,352 yards passing, 17 touchdowns and 16 interceptions while completing 64.5 percent of his passes. He lost four fumbles in 16 games and was sacked a total of 30 times.Since the Jets released quarterback Patrick Ramsey, who has since signed with the Denver Broncos, Pennington's only backup is currently second-year quarterback Kellen Clemens. Clemens showed some promise in training camp in 2006, but his only regular season action was for one incompletion and two runs for a total of 10 yards.The Jets have spoken of wanting to bring in a veteran quarterback to compete with Clemens for the No. 2 quarterback position. They have also said that Pennington will start training camp as their starting quarterback, and it is doubtful that anything but an injury would remove him from that role.

RUNNING BACKS

Head coach Eric Mangini has stated that he is determined to make his running back-by-committee scheme work. In the interest of making this a possibility the Jets released running back Kevan Barlow and running back Derrick Blaylock. They traded for running back Thomas Jones from the Chicago Bears. Future Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin is expected to retire soon as well.Jones is a proven back that should be able to make up for the loss of Martin. He is also a very good complement to running back Leon Washington. Washington proved to be a fast and shifty runner but many feel that, at 5-foot-8 and 202 pounds, he is too small to carry the load full-time for the team. That is where Jones comes in, bringing his experience and short-yardage skills to the team.Jones has had a journeyman's career playing for the Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Bears in his seven-year career. Though he is 28 years old he hasn't put on a lot of mileage over the years, as he has usually been in a platoon role. Jones has also seen his best production in his past three seasons with the Bears, culminating in a trip to Super Bowl XLI. In 2007 Jones ran for 1,210 yards, producing six rushing touchdowns and averaging 4.1 yards per carry. He added an additional 154 yards receiving, 4.3 yards per catch, with no touchdowns.As a rookie Washington showed flashes of brilliance but often faded into obscurity as much due to game plan as to sharing carries with the other players in his running back committee. He tallied 650 yards, 4.3 yards per carry, and four touchdowns with an additional 270 yards and no touchdowns receiving for an impressive 10.8 yards per catch.Finally running back Cedric Houston remains on the Jets roster, possessing a combination of the styles of both Jones and Washington. Houston spent several games on the inactive list due to injury in 2006 but still gained 374 yards for a paltry 3.3 yards per carry but an impressive five touchdowns considering his scant 113 attempts. Houston will probably find himself on the inactive list again for much of 2007 unless he can find ways to contribute on special teams.

Both fullback B.J. Askew, who was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (where many Jets have gone to die recently) and fullback James Hodgins are unrestricted free agents and were not made offers by the Jets.The Jets did sign fullback Darian Barnes (Miami Dolphins), who started six of the 16 games he played last year for Miami. He never received a carry but caught three passes for 22 yards. Barnes is a pretty decent blocker, but the team will likely need to add depth at this position.The bottom line here is while it is possible for the Jets to look for a franchise-type back in the draft, the acquisition of Jones delays that need for at least another season. The current lack of depth at fullback means that the Jets will have to address that position either through free agency or the draft.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

With the resurgence of Pennington, wide receiver Laveranues Coles also had a great season. Coles showed that he is still fearless going over the middle to help move the chains, but he took some major hits in the process. He logged 1,098 yards for 12.1 yards per reception and six touchdowns. Coles was heard grumbling a bit about the Jets' tough training camp and practices, but one would have to think that the ends might justify the means in this case. Coles did struggle at times with a calf injury, amongst other minor ailments.Third-year wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery worked hard in the 2006 offseason and impressed the coaching staff enough to steal the other starting position away from underachieving wide receiver Justin McCareins. Cotchery also approached the 1,000-yard mark in 2006, missing by just 39 yards, with 961 yards and six touchdowns. Cotchery also showed incredible toughness and the willingness to sacrifice his body going the extra mile for the tough catches. This attitude and ability convinced the Jets to tie up Cotchery with a nice long-term contract early in the offseason.The battle for the Jets' No. 3 wide receiver slot would seem to be between second-year wide receiver Brad Smith and McCareins. Smith struggled in his rookie year but in his defense he wasn't thrown to very often. Smith had just nine receptions for 61 yards receiving but he also gained 103 yards rushing in his "Slash" role. McCareins on the other hand has been in Mangini's doghouse since training camp. McCareins took on more of a role in the offense after showing a willingness to play on special teams as the season progressed. McCareins gained 347 yards and one touchdown, producing an impressive 15.1 yards per reception. The Jets are rumored to be shopping McCareins, which would make Smith the clear-cut No. 3 unless someone is brought in via free agency to compete with him.Behind Smith and McCareins is veteran wide receiver Tim Dwight, whose 2006 season was shortened by injury. Even before the injury, however, Dwight was not too involved in the Jets' game plan. He produced just 112 yards and no touchdowns. Dwight's punt return abilities might justify the Jets keeping him on the roster for another season; he's signed through 2009.The Jets' wide receiver corps is rounded out by wide receiver Wallace Wright. Wright, 6-foot, 191 pounds, was an undrafted free agent picked up by the Jets. Dwight's injury allowed the Jets to elevate Wright from the practice squad in Week 13 though he saw little playing time and no receptions. Wright will have to show improvement in camp to be more than a practice squad player again. That's if the Jets keep Dwight and McCareins as well as don't pick up a free agent or draft a wide receiver.

Veteran tight end Chris Baker showed flashes of brilliance as the starting tight end for the first time in his career but he often slipped into anonymity for games at a time. Baker gained 300 yards on 31 receptions and scored four touchdowns in 2006. Baker also proved to be a capable blocker and was held back to block, which helps explain why his receiving statistics were a bit low.Baker is backed up by tight end Sean P. Ryan (RFA) and tight end James Dearth. Ryan was not tendered by the Jets but he could be re-signed if the Jets do not get another tight end from free agency or the draft. Ryan produced just 44 yards and no touchdowns as the No. 2 tight end in 2006. Dearth, though listed as a tight end is used primarily as a long snapper as well as blocker in the goal line formation and in short-yardage situations. Look for the Jets to pick up a free-agent tight end to compete with Baker for the starting position or draft one early.

OFFENSIVE LINE/Offensive Tackles

Starting right tackle Anthony Clement is an unrestricted free agent but could be re-signed. If he is not, the team will have to look elsewhere.

Centers

Center Wade Smith is an unrestricted free agent and should be retained since he is a good backup and can play any position along the line. If he is not, the team will have to look at free agents or the draft.

Offensive Guards

The team has made no moves at offensive guard, but it may address this position in the draft due to offensive guard Pete Kendall's age.

The offensive line for the team looks to be in solid shape but is a bit thin. The Jets greatly improved the line by drafting left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold in the first round in 2006. Look for the Jets to reinforce the depth of the offensive line through the draft or free agency. They may also look to improve the line by replacing right guard Brandon Moore or Clement with players who are better run blockers to enhance the Jets' anemic running attack.The Jets offense is fairly set for the 2007 season with the trade for Jones. They need some depth at quarterback, fullback, tight end, offensive line and possibly a lower-tier wide receiver.

POSITION ANALYSIS - DEFENSE/DEFENSIVE LINE

The Jets' defensive line is anchored by defensive end Shaun Ellis. Ellis had just five sacks in 2006 but played well in stopping opposing running backs. Opposite Ellis is graybeard defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen, who produced just one sack and disappeared often on the line. They also signed Dallas Cowboys free-agent defensive end Kenyon Coleman to compete with Oelhoffen for the starting position. Coleman had 36 tackles and four sacks in limited time with the Cowboys in 2006. Defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson showed steady improvement throughout the 2006 season. Though Robertson is not a prototypical 3-4 nose tackle, his run defense improved and he showed the potential to take the next step at the position.The Jets' backups along the defensive line are all free agents at this point. Defensive end Dave Ball (RFA) and defensive tackle Rashad Moore (RFA) have not been tendered as restricted free agents; they could be replaced. The Jets also do not seem satisfied with Olehoffen, who could be released or replaced as a starter if the Jets find a better option in free agency. Defensive tackle Bobby Hamilton was re-signed as an unrestricted free agent to provide depth.

LINEBACKERS

Inside linebacker Jonathan Vilma had a quiet year in his first season as a 3-4 linebacker. Vilma recorded 113 tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery in 2006. Vilma shares the middle with inside linebacker Eric Barton. Barton produced 101 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Both players had growing pains moving to the 3-4 but improvement on the defensive line would help them more than replacing them.Outside the Jets have linebacker Bryan Thomas, who converted from defensive end once the Jets made the move to the 3-4, resurrecting his career. Thomas had an excellent year and was signed to an extension by the Jets before he reached free agency. He posted 77 tackles, 8.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. Linebacker Victor Hobson plays on the right side and played very well also. Hobson's statistics were very good making 100 tackles, six sacks, one interception and two fumble recoveries. His lack of speed might be better suited to the inside in the 3-4 but he seems to have made the transition to the 3-4.The Jets are a bit thin at linebacker with Matt Chatham and Brad Kassell leading the backups. They were both good situational and special teams players in 2006. Linebacker Anthony Schlegel didn't do anything to squash the doubts as to why the Jets selected him on the first day of the 2006 draft. He needs to step up and at least produce on special teams because he doesn't look like he will get many chances at linebacker this season.

SECONDARY

The secondary is an area that will definitely need to be addressed in the offseason. The Jets are particularly weak at cornerback. Cornerback Andre Dyson is probably the best of the bunch, logging 62 tackles and four interceptions. Opposite Dyson, the Jets fielded a few different players, but had cornerback David Barrett not been injured, he would have probably been the other starter all season. Barrett had just 33 tackles three interceptions.

Third-year cornerback Justin Miller had 52 tackles and one fumble recovery in 2006 but proved to be a better kick returner than a corner. The Jets re-signed cornerback Hank Poteat, who filled in often for Barrett, recording 35 tackles and a fumble recovery. Rookie Drew Coleman also saw some playing time and played well for a rookie, with 26 tackles and a sack.The best player of the Jets' secondary was safety Kerry Rhodes, who seemed to be all over the field. Rhodes logged 98 tackles, five sacks, four interceptions and a fumble recovery. Safety Erik Coleman played alongside Rhodes registering 101 tackles and an interception.Rhodes and Coleman are backed up by safety Rashad Washington and safety Eric Smith, respectively. Smith played well in spot duty, making two interceptions and 27 tackles. Both should remain on the team for 2007.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Place kicker Mike Nugent had a much better season in his second year than he had in his rookie year. Nugent made 24 of his 27 field goal attempts and made all 34 of his extra point attempts. Of note is his 54-yard long kick, showing off his leg strength that just doesn't seem to translate to kickoffs. Nugent should be a mainstay for the Jets for many years.The Australian import Ben Graham, the team's 33-year old punter, had an excellent second season as well. He posted a gross average of 44.2 yards per punt, placing him just outside the top third of the league. Look for Graham to continue as the team's punter in '07 and continue to improve his skills.Cornerback Justin Miller had an excellent year as the Jets' primary kick returner, reaching his first Pro Bowl as the AFC's return man. Miller returned 46 kickoffs for 1,304 yards and two touchdowns. Miller was accompanied on kickoffs by rookie Leon Washington, who had six returns for 79 yards.Washington also took over the Jets' punt return duties once wideout Tim Dwight was lost for the season. Washington returned 13 punts for 97 yards while Dwight returned 14 for 146 yards before his injury.It is expected that Miller will retain his return role in 2007. Washington could as well, if Dwight, who was placed on Injured Reserve with a thigh injury, isn't healthy or with the team.As previously mentioned, tight end/long snapper James Dearth performed the team's long-snapping duties. Dearth is considered one of the league's most reliable long snappers, so unless the Jets are desperate for a roster spot, Dearth should retain this position.

Jason Krzywicki has been a KFFL contributor since 2005.

~ ~ ~ Clement has been re-signed & i think Nugent missed one extra point. He was 34-35. he missed on opening week against Tenn.

kelly ~ ~ ~

[Pragmatic Bus]

all i know is that we need to draft greg olsen with are first pick

[kelly]

all i know is that we need to draft greg olsen with are first pick

i believe that greg olsen is going to be a very good NFL player.

however , i think that we should use our 1st pick on the " best player " still available.

hopefully , that player will be a CB or a DT/NT .

[CoachTsurfing]

bpa other then te is all I know.

[madmike1]

all i know is that we need to draft greg olsen with are first pick

Yeah thats exactly what this team needs... A career underachiever at a position we already have a good player at when 3/5 of our o line is CRAP, we're a 3-4 team with NO legit NT and a career backup as a starting DE not to mention the fact that after Rhodes and the injury prone Dyson our secondary is a mess. For a team with the holes that the jets have to draft a TE would be criminal.