Jump to content

Jets Draft Preview, Sporting News - 3/17


MagicBizkit87

Recommended Posts

2008 Draft preview: Jets' game plan

March 17, 2008

J.P. Pelzman

For Sporting News

An in-depth analysis of the New York Jets' plan for the 2008 NFL Draft:

NEEDS

1. Wide receiver. The Jets have lacked a speedster who can stretch defenses ever since they traded Santana Moss to Washington three years ago, and haven't had a tall, imposing target on fade routes since trading Keyshawn Johnson to Tampa Bay in 2000. Indiana's James Hardy (6-7) might be available in the second round and could solve both problems. Other tall receivers with speed who could be on the board are Arkansas' Marcus Monk and Texas' Limas Sweed.

2. Cornerback. Darrelle Revis should man the left side for a long time, but the right side is a different story. Veteran Hank Poteat finished 2007 as the starter and, while he is one of coach Eric Mangini's favorite players, the Jets need an upgrade at this position. Possibilities include Colorado's Terrence Wheatley, Nebraska's Zackary Bowman and Oklahoma's Marcus Walker.

3. Outside linebacker. Bryan Thomas slumped after a breakout 2006 season and finished with only 2 1/2 sacks last year. The team signed free agent Calvin Pace to energize the pass rush, but he'll need help. Ohio State's Vernon Gholston could solve that problem, as could Auburn's Quentin Groves.

4. Right tackle. The team signed free agent Damien Woody and cut Anthony Clement. Woody, a guard for most of his career, hasn't played outside much, so if Michigan standout Jake Long falls in the draft, New York should take him. Second- or third-round possibilities include Texas' Tony Hills and Auburn's King Dunlap.

5. Quarterback. Kellen Clemens didn't impress anybody in his eight-start tryout last season. While the Jets haven't lost confidence in him, the strong-armed passer has yet to prove he's the quarterback of the future. Chad Pennington will be 32 on opening day, and his arm hasn't gotten any stronger after two shoulder surgeries. The Jets could look at Michigan's Chad Henne, Delaware's Joe Flacco or USC's John David Booty in the later rounds.

6. Defensive end. Shaun Ellis will be 31 when the 2008 season starts and was a better player in the 4-3 system. If Virginia's Chris Long (who played in a similar 3-4 set in college) falls to No. 6, the Jets would probably take him. His character and work ethic would be very appealing. But if Long isn't there, there are many other positional needs to be addressed first.

OUTLOOK

The Jets were aggressive on draft day last season, trading later picks in order to move up and select Revis in the first round and linebacker David Harris in the second. The team's strategy has to be different in 2008 because there are so many immediate needs at positions on both sides of the ball. If anything, New York might look to trade down to perhaps net an extra pick or two, especially if the player the team is eyeing at No. 6 is off the board.

The primary goal of general manager Mike Tannenbaum and Mangini should be to increase the number of playmakers on both sides of the ball. The duo also might have to be a bit more flexible about the type of player they select. Overvaluing character, sometimes at the expense of physical talent, has led to reaches like linebacker Anthony Schlegel, a 2006 third-round selection who played in just four games before being released.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

First time seeing it, and I have no life. Only read the first few so far but actually a pretty good assessment. Compared to most of the **** this guys write.

Edit: just stoped at the point where they said we could look at John David Booty. He's a Chad cloan

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The primary goal of general manager Mike Tannenbaum and Mangini should be to increase the number of playmakers on both sides of the ball. The duo also might have to be a bit more flexible about the type of player they select. Overvaluing character, sometimes at the expense of physical talent, has led to reaches like linebacker Anthony Schlegel, a 2006 third-round selection who played in just four games before being released.

you don't think he's hinting to Run DMc do you? ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5. Quarterback. Kellen Clemens didn't impress anybody in his eight-start tryout last season. While the Jets haven't lost confidence in him, the strong-armed passer has yet to prove he's the quarterback of the future. Chad Pennington will be 32 on opening day, and his arm hasn't gotten any stronger after two shoulder surgeries. The Jets could look at Michigan's Chad Henne, Delaware's Joe Flacco or USC's John David Booty in the later rounds.

I'm not opposed to this. No way would I even THINK about those three on day 1 though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...