Free Agency: The Next Round
Here’s the skinny on some more players that the Jets could be looking at over the coming week.
Calvin Pace – DE/OLB Cardinals
The Skinny: Us bloggers should teach these “responsible” journalists about responsible journalism. Bucky Brooks from SI.com’s report on Calvin Pace signing on with Miami is false. They might have made him a generous offer, and he is visiting South Florida today, but he it still sounds like he is planning on heading to New York, likely later today or tomorrow.
Thoughts: As noted before in depth here, Pace is a guy who could be an upgrade over Victor Hobson when it comes to rushing the passer, but it’s hard to swallow the idea of throwing tons of money at a guy who basically has a similar career track to date as Bryan Thomas. Having said that, if Parcells and Ireland think well of the guy, that’s a good sign. The difference is, that they are trying to institute their brand of the 3-4 in Miami, and in the 3-4, the Nose and the DE/OLB are two of the most critical roles. The Jets are well positioned in the first and second rounds to pick up an OLB type, but you can’t bank on that happening, which is why Pace will be visiting the Jets.
Shane Olivea – G/T Chargers
The Skinny: The Jets have made requests to talk to Shane Olivea. Olivea lost his job last season in San Diego to Jeromy Clary. During his ten starts, Olivea only allowed 3 sacks, which over the course of 16 games pro-rates to around 5 sacks … not too shabby when you consider Anthony Clement had nine himself.
Thoughts: Olivea would be coming home to Long Island, if he played for the Jets. He can probably be had for a decent price, and he’s just 26 years old. Olivea can be asked to play Tackle or Guard in a pinch, which would make him a versatile addition to the team, but you could potentially pencil him in at RT.
Damien Woody – G Lions
The Skinny: Other than some early overtures before free agency began, word around the former Lion and Patriot has been quiet. Woody chased the big money in Detroit, and could be itching to get back East with a team that has a chance to play in the postseason.
Thoughts: He’s a former Boston College lineman … a school known for their ability to put forth pro talent. Woody lost his job due to health issues last season (or at least that’s what seems to be the story). So at 30, he could well be a short-term solution for the Jets while they groom a successor.
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I really hope we get Shane Olivea – he would definitely improve the O-line, which looks really strong if Faneca is part of it as well.
Olivea to the Jets would also mean a reunion between him and Mangold who both played on the 2002 and 2003 Buckeyes. It might not have much of an effect on the field, but it’s always something.
Hey Axel- Well done, I had picked up on that after I posted … cheers!!
Keep in mind that Adrien Clarke played there too :D
Awaiting the Faneca anouncement with baited breath! I haven’t been this excited for football in months! The off season is almost as good as the regular season.
The interesting thing is how the next round of moves will impact their draft selection. Adding a right tackle and a pass rusher makes Jake Long/Ryan Clady/Vernon Gholston picks pretty unlikely. I have a suspicion that the team would prefer to avoid those players anyway, so making a free agent move provides them with the necessary cover.
Looking at the early free agent approach, my guess is that the front office is looking at three possibilities at six: 1) finding a trade partner and moving down 2) drafting McFadden if he falls, or maybe even Mendenhall or Stewart or 3) taking a corner, with McKelvin one possibility and Rodgers-Cromartie being the darkhorse candidate. It’s a deep draft on the O-line, so they can still add a player in the second or third round and not pay him #6 money. It’s also a draft with a number of promising OLB rushers who will be available later. Drafting a corner is sensible from a cap standpoint- corners are hugely expensive, so you’re paying market rate or less for a hard to fill position, and a running back will be able to come in and produce immediately, which makes the price of paying him more palatable. I guess Ellis is the other possibility should the team move D-Rob, but at this point I wouldn’t expect it.
I’m also in favor of a CB at the six spot where I believe we get the top draft pick at that position. Depending on whom you believe it would be Mike Jenkins, Aqib Talib, Leodis McKelvin, or Rogers-Cromartie. At this time I don’t have a favorite. Perhaps we should start digesting the data on these guys.
if we wanna get a Cb at 6 we should trade down w/ dallas b/c they will be available in the late first round so y waste the 6th pick on wat we could get at the 37th
Hopefully Faneca signs and more guys get added on the offensive line but there is no way you draft an offensive lineman so early in a draft. There are so many guys who can be had in the later rounds.
McFadden is a must draft whether they move up or he magically falls to them. Who cares about Thomas Jones they can dump him for all I care afterwards. McFadden and Leon split carries.
Forget Randy Moss, Indiana WR James Hardy is 6′7 with very good speed, can run routes and has great hands. I saw him play many times at IU and the kid is gonna be a star. Hopefully he falls to the 2nd round.
The Jets have alot of cap room and with an improvement on both sides of the line this team will be much improved.
wait looks like we just got Faneca
Getting rid of Thomas Jones would be a huge cap hit, and RB is not a need. Agree with seanmac and peter K about trading out of the 6 pick. Your going to have to pay that 6th pick big money for a player thats unproven at the pro level, by no means are the players in the the top 10 in this years draft any guarantees, with maybe Chris Long but he is suited best for the 4-3.
the jets can absolutely not draft a corner at 6. there just not that good of talent maybe talib around 10. but thats not the case. if mcfadden is there we take him hands down best player in draft we need someone like him . if not we trade down take a corner or wideout im thinking aqib talib or early doucet. maybe even doucet 2nd rd pick that would be excellent
I would much rather trade out of 6 and get the cowboys pics, pick up Albert and maybe hardy and we have improved almost every aspect of this team.
Lots of options open now with Faneca (hopefully Monday comes quickly and he signs…just wish he’d sign it today) and Jenkins, two of the four biggest needs are addressed. DE and OT remain. I think we trade down. There are other backs beside McFadden who would help, besides, with the Pats in our Division, we need to win up front. They ‘ve whipped us there consistently.
So, I’m all for trading down to the best suitor, taking a DE (Merling from Clemson, Harvey from Fla. for the DE spot, and taking an OT or an LB in the 2nd spot…looks like there are a couple of good ones there.
Anyone see the Michigan QB sneaking in round 2? I don’t think he makes it to us in 3rd.
Its not a given that Dallas would be willing to trade with us… or anyone would be willing to trade with us due to the top-10 money to be paid…… But the best thing is that we have 6-7 player to choose from in the draft…. Whoever falls is ours….
we dont have 3rd or 5th round. have 1 first rounder.1 second rounder. 2 fourths. no 5th and a sixth and seven we also have
that mich qb ur talking about is henne and we dont have a 3rd anyway and we dont need to draft a qb. chad will be fine if he gets the job with our new stregthened line. especially if we trade for olivea from san diego like we want to.
mcafadden is an absolute must no questions about it if hes there