Positional analysis: Offensive line

[SoFlaJets]

Rich Cimini

April 21, 2009

Need factor (based on a scale of 1 to 10): 5.

What they've got: Rex Ryan really loves this offensive line; he thinks it's one of the best in the league. That may be stretching it a bit, but the Jets do have a very good unit, led by Pro Bowl C Nick Mangold (cap number: $1.6 million). LG Alan Faneca ($7.9 million) also made the Pro Bowl in his first season with the Jets, but, frankly, he made it on reputation. He wasn't a dominating player, especially not in pass protection. But this will be his second year in the system, so maybe there will be some improvement in that area. In the running game, he was outstanding. After a slow start, LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson ($6.0 million) has made himself into a solid player. The Jets retained RG Brandon Moore ($2.8 million base pay), re-signing him only one day after cutting him. Moore is the most under-rated player on the line, and he's happy now that he finally has a long-term deal. RT Damien Woody ($6.5 million) surprised many by making a seamless transition to a new position, hardly an easy change at this point in his career. The Jets have a good thing going on the line - five returning starters, a rarity in the NFL.

What they need: Depth. Basically, the Jets have only two viable subs - C/G/TE Rob Turner (yes, they're still using him as an extra TE) and T/G Wayne Hunter, who filled in for Moore (hernia surgery) at last week's minicamp. The Jets lucked out last season, as all five starters started every game. What are the odds of that happening again? If they don't address the depth issue, they could get caught with their pants down.

Who's available: At least four tackles will be drafted in the top half of the first round - Jason Smith (Baylor), Eugene Monroe (Virginia), Michael Oher (Ole Miss) and Andre Smith (Alabama). Even if one slipped to the Jets at 17, they'd have to pass. It simply doesn't make sense for them to draft an offensive lineman in the first round. The Jets brought in at least three OLM for pre-draft visits - Smith, Will Beatty (UConn) and Xavier Fulton (Illinois).

Prediction: It would be a stunner if they picked an OLM on the first day, but it could happen in the third or fourth round. It probably would be a right tackle, a developmental player that could be groomed to replace Woody in a year or two. Oklahoma's Phil Loadholt (6-8, 332) and Penn State's Gerald Cadogan (6-5, 309) are mid-round possibilities. Sorry, but this draft isn't going to be about the big fellas. It's going to be a skill-position draft for the Jets.

[lancemehl]

Rich Cimini

April 21, 2009

Need factor (based on a scale of 1 to 10): 5.

What they've got: Rex Ryan really loves this offensive line; he thinks it's one of the best in the league. That may be stretching it a bit, but the Jets do have a very good unit, led by Pro Bowl C Nick Mangold (cap number: $1.6 million). LG Alan Faneca ($7.9 million) also made the Pro Bowl in his first season with the Jets, but, frankly, he made it on reputation. He wasn't a dominating player, especially not in pass protection. But this will be his second year in the system, so maybe there will be some improvement in that area. In the running game, he was outstanding. After a slow start, LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson ($6.0 million) has made himself into a solid player. The Jets retained RG Brandon Moore ($2.8 million base pay), re-signing him only one day after cutting him. Moore is the most under-rated player on the line, and he's happy now that he finally has a long-term deal. RT Damien Woody ($6.5 million) surprised many by making a seamless transition to a new position, hardly an easy change at this point in his career. The Jets have a good thing going on the line - five returning starters, a rarity in the NFL.

What they need: Depth. Basically, the Jets have only two viable subs - C/G/TE Rob Turner (yes, they're still using him as an extra TE) and T/G Wayne Hunter, who filled in for Moore (hernia surgery) at last week's minicamp. The Jets lucked out last season, as all five starters started every game. What are the odds of that happening again? If they don't address the depth issue, they could get caught with their pants down.

Who's available: At least four tackles will be drafted in the top half of the first round - Jason Smith (Baylor), Eugene Monroe (Virginia), Michael Oher (Ole Miss) and Andre Smith (Alabama). Even if one slipped to the Jets at 17, they'd have to pass. It simply doesn't make sense for them to draft an offensive lineman in the first round. The Jets brought in at least three OLM for pre-draft visits - Smith, Will Beatty (UConn) and Xavier Fulton (Illinois).

Prediction: It would be a stunner if they picked an OLM on the first day, but it could happen in the third or fourth round. It probably would be a right tackle, a developmental player that could be groomed to replace Woody in a year or two. Oklahoma's Phil Loadholt (6-8, 332) and Penn State's Gerald Cadogan (6-5, 309) are mid-round possibilities. Sorry, but this draft isn't going to be about the big fellas. It's going to be a skill-position draft for the Jets.

I believe the Jets draft an OG somewhere 4-7 whenever a very good one(that they like) pops up. Plus, they get a couple UDFA's

Next year, unless they think the caught lightning, I think they go intense after an OG, maybe 2 picks or FA.But I would think Faneca's the guy that needs to be replaced soon.

We need to keep this line together. Any line that can make TJ lead the AFC is special. We should be looking at FB's hard,too. That O-line plus Richardson made magic and don't forget, the QB last year couldn't fall for a yard, much less make a defender miss.

This line is the KEY to this offense. That's why we should stay away from the Sanchez's and Freeman's and start looking at Wells, Moreno,Leon,Caulcrick and POSSESION GUYS.

Just to jump back to my fav scenerio, I hope to G-d anyone who thinks Boldin and Cothery,with anyone in the slot is going to let a team stack the box is an defensive coordinator for whoever we are playing, because the first time they try that, there's gonna be a "possesion" reciever in the endzone.