OSU tight end Brandon Pettigrew could be option for Jets in NFL Draft

[SoFlaJets]

Rich Cimini

They are among the most scorned words in the lexicon of longtime Jets fans: First-round pick...tight end.

The words trigger bad memories of Johnny Mitchell, Kyle Brady and Anthony Becht, first-round disappointments from years past. The Jets tempted fate again last year, selecting Dustin Keller, and now they may do it again. Get the TV cameras ready; there could be some priceless reactions Saturday at Radio City. "I hope they wouldn't give me a bad greeting," Oklahoma State's Brandon Pettigrew said Monday in a phone interview. "If they do, I'll go out and play and prove to them I'm a good player. But I would hope it would be a positive reaction."

Chances are, it would be, "Not another one!" - followed by boos.

The Jets would be criticized for overkill, but Pettigrew is a possibility with the 17thpick. Three reasons: They failed to replace Chris Baker, a salary-cap casualty who bolted for the Patriots; Keller is their only other tight end, and he's a liability as a blocker; and Pettigrew (6-5, 263) is regarded as the most complete tight end in the draft, a devastating blocker who would fit nicely into Rex Ryan's plan to be a smashmouth running team. Pettigrew's speed is a question (4.8 in the 40), but many scouts believe he has underrated receiving skills. "I think he's a fantastic talent," said Joey Clinkscales, the Jets' chief of college scouting. "He's big, he's athletic, he can catch the ball, he can block."

The Jets are hurting for an in-line tight end. They're so desperate that Kareem Brown, a defensive end, worked at tight end in last week's minicamp. Then again, with other needs (namely wide receiver), could they justify another first-round investment in the position? If the coveted receivers are gone, and if the Jets opt to stand pat at quarterback, Pettigrew could be the best value at No. 17.

But he has some off-the-field baggage.

In January of 2008, Pettigrew was arrested and charged with felony assault and battery on a police officer. He also received a misdemeanor public-intoxication charge. There was an early-morning fight involving 10 to 15 people at a house on campus, according to the police report. Pettigrew refused to leave, allegedly cursed police and elbowed one officer in the chest - an accident, he claimed. He spent about eight hours in jail, which he described as a life-changing experience. "That was rough," he said. "That was my first trip to a jail cell, and it'll be my last. I embarrassed my family, my school and my team."

Pettigrew pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault, receiving 30 hours of community service and one year probation. "It made me look bad," Pettigrew said. "It was my fault and I've learned from it, and I'm ready to move on."

ON TO CORTLAND: The first three weeks of training camp will be held at SUNY-Cortland. Camp opens July 31. The Jets made a one-year commitment to Cortland.

Extending an olive branch to their fans from Long Island and New Jersey, they will have one public practice (Aug. 12) at Hofstra, their former year-round facility, followed by three open practices at their new headquarters in Florham Park, N.J. In an unprecedented move, they will open their June minicamp to the public for five practices, starting June 6.

[SoFlaJets]

gBWke-myLQw

[124]

If the Jets waste their 17th overall pick on a Tight End, I just don't know what I would say/do. Probably just sit there stunned. You can get your blocking TE in Round 2 or 3.

[SoFlaJets]

If the Jets waste their 17th overall pick on a Tight End, I just don't know what I would say/do. Probably just sit there stunned. You can get your blocking TE in Round 2 or 3.

I know 124-I might just hit myself over the head with a hammer if we do

[faba]

I still think we have to go WR in the first round-my ideal pick would be Nicks from North Carolina.

[SoFlaJets]

I still think we have to go WR in the first round-my ideal pick would be Nicks from North Carolina.

I agree on WR (since Sanchez will be long gone) the Jets need to get Brian Schott some weapons

[Vudu]

gBWke-myLQw

lol@ his highlight having a clip of him fumbling the ball.

[SoFlaJets]

lol@ his highlight having a clip of him fumbling the ball.

he GOT it back

[neckdemon]

if the jets pick a te in the first round.......i think i'll just find another team to root for. i think i would have had enough.

[Midget Love 20]

Pass. Has JAG written all over it.

[DoubleDown]

I don't know how it happened, but over the last few weeks, blocking TE has become a critical position that needs to be drafted early, and it's an absolute necessity for a Superbowl run.

Last year, we had Robert Turner play this position for us, and by some miracle, things ended up just fine. Scientists are still trying to figure out how it's possible to have a successful running game without a highly drafted blocking TE. The chances of this anomaly occurring two years in a row is basically nil. We must draft Brandon Pettigrew in the first round or this franchise is doomed.

[SoFlaJets]

I don't know how it happened, but over the last few weeks, blocking TE has become a critical position that needs to be drafted early, and it's an absolute necessity for a Superbowl run.

Last year, we had Robert Turner play this position for us, and by some miracle, things ended up just fine. Scientists are still trying to figure out how it's possible to have a successful running game without a highly drafted blocking TE. The chances of this anomaly occurring two years in a row is basically nil. We must draft Brandon Pettigrew in the first round or this franchise is doomed.

some site this morning had a good idea-if the Kareem Brown (is it?) experiment fails then re-sign Bubba

[DMaynard]

Like it or not, a blocking only and receiving only TE combo does not work. It telegraphs to the defense what you are going to do and if you change up (play action pass or draw play), the guy on the field is not equipped for the job. The combo of Petigrew and Keller would give a lot of flexibility to the offense.

[ylekram]

i wouldnt mind pettigrew,but maybe latter on in the first.alot of people want a receiver in the first.it just isnt gonna happen.if they go defense in the first,it will be d-line or linebacker(not saying this is a need,but if the bpa is a linebacker?)if they go offense it will be qb(not saying this is a need either,but if sanchez slides,they will make a move),running back or tight end.the 2 top receivers willbe gone by the time the jts pick and i think the rest are not worth the 17th

[RexRyanRules]

Drafting a TE 2 years in a row in the first round is pure stupidity.

[will]

Drafting a TE 2 years in a row in the first round is pure stupidity.

I disagree. The Jets play alot of double TE sets. It makes as much sense as anything else. At the moment, WR is the greatest position of need but if a guy the Jets like is gone then I can easily see them going TE. Given his present skill set, Keller is a hybrid TE/slot guy. A second TE would get plenty of play, certainly worthy of the #17 slot. Its not ideal but its more than ok.

[slats]

If the Jets waste their 17th overall pick on a Tight End, I just don't know what I would say/do. Probably just sit there stunned. You can get your blocking TE in Round 2 or 3.

It's a smarter pick than taking any RB in the first round. You can get a backup RB as an UFA. You don't need your next starter until the one you have is gone. Next year is when the Jets should start looking at RB's.

Like it or not, a blocking only and receiving only TE combo does not work. It telegraphs to the defense what you are going to do and if you change up (play action pass or draw play), the guy on the field is not equipped for the job. The combo of Petigrew and Keller would give a lot of flexibility to the offense.

Absolutely.

It may lack sexiness, it may piss off people with the whole TE stigma thing, or the fact that we took Keller last year - but it could very well be the smartest play for the Jets. It gives their running game an extra blocker, the inexperienced QB an extra big target. It frees up Keller to line up all over the place, which'll really be critical if they can't find another WR.

[RexRyanRules]

I disagree. The Jets play alot of double TE sets. It makes as much sense as anything else. At the moment, WR is the greatest position of need but if a guy the Jets like is gone then I can easily see them going TE. Given his present skill set, Keller is a hybrid TE/slot guy. A second TE would get plenty of play, certainly worthy of the #17 slot. Its not ideal but its more than ok.

Wasting two first round picks in a row on a secondary skill position like a TE is pissing away the pick. Especially when you have all the holes the jets do.

[Ghost]

NO.

[slats]

Wasting two first round picks in a row on a secondary skill position like a TE is pissing away the pick. Especially when you have all the holes the jets do.

An extra OT on the OL who can give 40-50 catches a year is hardly a secondary skill position, IMHO. True TE's are hard to find. Most of them seem to become DE's or power forwards. That's where the money's at.

On a receiver starved, run-first team like the Jets, a solid all around TE would be a major asset.

[gsnts725]

SHOOT ME IF THEY PICK THIS GUY

[Stonehands]

Adding Pettigrew helps our passing and rushing offense probably as much as any player in the draft. It also allows Keller to line up in an H-Back or slot position rather than up on the line of scrimmage. There are stupider ideas than drafting Pettigrew. At least you get a player with a first round grade that proably won't bust out of the league. His floor is probably as a blocking tight end, while he may develop into a great two way player. You only do it if you think there is a 2nd or 3rd round receiver than can help us.

[DMaynard]

Wasting two first round picks in a row on a secondary skill position like a TE is pissing away the pick. Especially when you have all the holes the jets do.

Keller was a wasted pick?

[DMaynard]

Other than the emotional response to picking a TE in the first round two years in a row and five times in the last 15 years, I'd like to hear substantive concerns why picking Petigrew would be such a bad idea.

[SMC]

Other than the emotional response to picking a TE in the first round two years in a row and five times in the last 15 years, I'd like to hear substantive concerns why picking Petigrew would be such a bad idea.

Because having Pettigrew on the Jets mean that someone has to be benched (either Richardson, Keller, or Pettigrew.

The Jets can't have all 3 in the game at the same time. If the Jets have their 2 1st rounders at the same time, that means Jones' lead blocker is out of the game. If Pettigrew sits, that means the Jets have a 1st round pick on the bench. Same if Keller has to sit.

It's a waste of cap resources. The Jets let go of Baker for salary cap reasons, but will spend a 1st round pick for his replacement, pay this pick more, and he'll provide what Baker does.

The Jets can find a blocking TE later in the draft. Pettigrew is more than a blocking TE (he's not an above average blocker BTW), but he pales in comparison to Keller as a pass catcher. So are you going to have an inferior pass catching talent on the field over Keller just so you can outguess the opponent?

In other words, if the Jets needed a "complete" TE because they lacked a pass catching or blocking TE, then draft Pettigrew. But he will not be utilized as such by the Jets.

Why aren't the Cowboys and Colts using 1st round picks on a TE whose primary role will be blocking?

[Thai Jet]

If the Jets waste their 17th overall pick on a Tight End, I just don't know what I would say/do. Probably just sit there stunned. You can get your blocking TE in Round 2 or 3.

F' the draft choice, we could just bring back Bubba Franks.

[Irish Jet]

I posted this in the draft thread, I'll post it here too:

There are many reasons I don't want Pettigrew:

• I simply don't think he's first round talent regardless, I don't think he'll be much of a recieving threat in the NFL.
  
• Blocking TE is not THAT important a role to justify a first round pick (See Kyle Brady). So not only do I believe we'd be reaching for him, but IMO we'd be reaching for a player that doesn't even fill our main weaknesses (We have bigger areas of need than blocking TE)
  
• I'm really not sure where he'll fit in our offense with Keller already there. Keller is not moving to WR and like I said as much as you can buy into this "H-back" stuff it's still very similar to TE.
  
• Also, with regards to Keller, tough to give up on the guy as a blocker yet. I know he can't block for ****, but he's got a good work ethic and you can't rule out a major improvement that area of his game. Tony Gonzalez was a pretty pitiful blocker when he came into the league, but he got much better throughout his career. Give the kid a chance.
  
• We let Chris Baker go. Why the **** would we do that only to burn a 1st rounder on a very similar player? Makes no sense.
  
• There are still options in FA that I'd be content with filling the blocking TE role - Wilcox, Franks. They'd be cheap short term options that would save a first round pick, which we could use to get a better prospect.
  

Overall, I really wouldn't like the pick.

[DoubleDown]

Other than the emotional response to picking a TE in the first round two years in a row and five times in the last 15 years, I'd like to hear substantive concerns why picking Petigrew would be such a bad idea.

Unless the TE is a franchise type player, the spot can easily be filled later in the draft. On the list of most important positions in football that lead to success in the NFL, TE would be near the bottom.

[The Troll]

Yes!

Our offense is so loaded that we can afford to use our 1st rounder on a blocking tight end!

Forget that we only have one receiver and don't really have a, you know, "quarterback". Who needs that?! RRPP, baby!

[New York Mick]

I know 124-I might just hit myself over the head with a hammer if we do

What bar are you watching the draft at? If we take Pettigrew at 17 I'll do it for you.

[gang_green03]

I still have yet to see a logical reason for taking a 1st round #2 TE who's primary function will be blocking. If someone can argue that he's an elite prospect then fine. If someone can make a strong arguement that there's no other good blocking TE in the draft then fine. If someone can make a good arguement that its our most glaring need then fine. Otherwise it makes no sense unless he's the BPA by a huge margin which he won't be. Its really starting to get annoying.

For instance, why can't we take Anthony Hill from North Carolina in the 3rd or 4th who has great size and supposedly is a very good blocker? Potentially similar production much later in the draft.

[SoFlaJets]

What bar are you watching the draft at? If we take Pettigrew at 17 I'll do it for you.

I'll either be home or watching it from work-no fun hangin' in bars when you don't drink Mick

[Irish Jet]

I'll either be home or watching it from work-no fun hangin' in bars when you don't drink Mick

At least you get to watch it live. I'll probably be resorting to NFL.com and their dodgy ****ing stream which last year was a disgrace.

The first round was live on TV here last year, but not this year. It's a joke!

[SoFlaJets]

At least you get to watch it live. I'll probably be resorting to NFL.com and their dodgy ****ing stream which last year was a disgrace.

The first round was live on TV here last year, but not this year. It's a joke!

just stay here IJ-we'll be keeping it updated with a bunch of videos too-you won't miss a thing... worth seeing

[slats]

I still have yet to see a logical reason for taking a 1st round #2 TE who's primary function will be blocking. If someone can argue that he's an elite prospect then fine. If someone can make a strong arguement that there's no other good blocking TE in the draft then fine. If someone can make a good arguement that its our most glaring need then fine. Otherwise it makes no sense unless he's the BPA by a huge margin which he won't be. Its really starting to get annoying.

For instance, why can't we take Anthony Hill from North Carolina in the 3rd or 4th who has great size and supposedly is a very good blocker? Potentially similar production much later in the draft.

TE is a huge hole on the Jets roster. If Pettigrew is taken, his primary role will be to be a complete TE, one who blocks and catches passes.

At #17, it's gonna come down to value vs. team need. Who else is going to be there? I'd love for them to get a WR, but at a certain point the #1 TE prospect is a better choice than the 3rd or 4th best WR prospect. The DL could use some help, but is anyone going to be there. Is Josh Freeman a better choice?

A lot of guys want a RB, but I hope like hell the Jets don't. That would be a waste with TJ and Leon on the roster. RB is the last position on the team that you need to draft a year ahead of time.

It's not the pick of my dreams, but I could definitely understand it.