June 1st: Big deal?
The Jets site has an article from Real Football that takes a look at players that might be let go by teams between now and camp and picks some players that might be free and that might fit the Jets' needs. Also, Len Pasquarelli writes that the big deal over June cuts really doesn't have any teeth and has even gotten less important over the years.
Of all the Jets needs, i think the one that is most glaring and will absolutely need to be addressed from outside the organization (either trade or FA) is OLB, or the so-called pass rushing LB. I will be shocked and awed if Brian Thomas can be retrofitted into this role. On the other hand, I have much more confidence that Robertson, Barton and Vilma can adapt to new roles in a predominantly 3-4 scheme. And the defense has a smattering of young, athletic, talented players, in addition to the above-mentioned guys, to be a pretty good unit right away – except for the one LB.
Offensively, I think the Jets might be willing to go with what they have unless someone young and otherwise adaptable to the Mangini mindset comes available. Each unit is adequate (barely) and has one or two young guys who have potential to emerge and who otherwise deserve a chance to prove themselves:
RB: Martin, Houston, Blaylock, Washinton, Askew
TE: Jolley, Baker, Dreesen, Pociask
WR: Coles, McCairens, Cotchery, BSmith, Dwight.
OL: discussed here ad nauseum and addressed in the draft and with Teague.
QB: same. Either CPenn or Ramsay will hold the fort for Clemens.
Just some thoughts – be nice :).