2009 Jets UDFA Update
Here’s my list of all the undrafted players that the Jets have signed for their rookie mini-camp. Keep in mind that until the Jets make any formal announcements, on who they’ve signed, basically we’re at the mercy of the agents, who are the ones who release this information. Sometimes these guys say they are signed, but they’re not. Others don’t get the information to the press. So until there’s a bunch of bodies standing in Florham Park holding pads and helmets, it’s hard to say just how accurate this list is.
QB Chris Pizzoti, Harvard (6-5 225) — From good pedigree. Hard worker & quick study. Slow timed 40 (5.00), not a great arm and has trouble with accuracy which all combine to trouble in facing a good pass rush. Has been compared to former Harvard QB Ryan Fitzpatrick in terms of confidence and brains.
FB Brannan Southerland (pictured), Georgia (6-0 242) — Considered the second best FB in this year’s draft class according to WalterFootball.com. Pedestrian 40-time (4.70) but strong upper and lower body with good burst. Southerland was regarded as the Draft’s best pure blocking fullback. He touched the ball only four times in 2008, which lowered his profile for many NFL teams. Has struggled with a injuries in the past which. Has proven earlier in college that he can carry for short-yardage and catch the ball when required. Could be a real threat to fellow FB Jehuu Caulcrick’s roster spot.
H-Back Robert Myers, Utah State (6-3, 243) — A toe injury preventeed him from playing as a senior and participating in the Combine, but ran a 4.58 at his Pro Day, tweaking his hamstring in the process (injury concerns). At his height and weight he seems more likely to play H-Back / Fullback for the Jets than Tight End. Gil Brandt has made Chris Cooley comparisons to Myers, so he might be a player to watch.
OT Ryan McKee, Southern Mississippi — Long, almost lanky build with plenty of room to add bulk to his frame. Has a deep kick-step to protect edge. Considering his size he has good balance. Pops well off snap. A shoulder injury set him back but prior to it, McKee showed good upper-body strength to latch on to the defender and ride him wide. Positions himself and blocks well in space for screens / second level plays. Although he played Tackle, he often made the calls for his line at Southern Miss. Played through a torn labrum for much of his senior season. Classic OL “tweener.” Not enough bulk to play RT in pros and too tall for many teams at Guard. Unspectacular lateral quickness & flexibility.
OT Kyle Link, McNeese State (6-5, 305) — Short arms & small hands would limit him to Guard in the pros, but is a very raw player who needs to become better at lowering his center of gravity and to be more aggressive. Plays angles well, is smart and alert abd has good agility. Started collegiate career as a TE.
OT Tavita Thompson, Oregon State (6-6, 309) — He has the frame to play in the pros, but more conditioning to add bulk and strength would be smart. Suspended for using a banned dietary supplement, Thompson’s suspension as a senior caused his draft stock to plummet. If the Jets can find a place to store him for one season, the might be pleased with his progress in a year’s time.
C Michael Parenton, Tulane (6-2 294) — Four year collegiate starter, Parenton was named to the Lombardi Award Watchlist as a junior. Struggled with injuries some as a senior, is versatile to play multiple interior line positions.
TE Andrew Davie, Arkansas (6-5, 265) — 29 years old and having played four years of minor league baseball for the Cardinals makes him an interesting story.
TE J’Nathan Bullock, Cleveland State (6-5, 240) — Collegiate power forward who averaged 15.2 points and 7.1 rebounds, leading the Vikings to the NCAA Tournament. Football standout at Flint Northern High. Jessie Pellot-Rosa called, he wants his claim to Jets fame back.
WR Britt Davis Northern Illinois (6-2, 196) — Davis only had 14 catches for 113 yards last season. Davis had a breakout sophomore season in 2006, catching 57 passes for 731 yards, but was hurt his junior season and couldn’t get back to those sophomore year numbers.
DE Jamaal Westerman, Rutgers (6-2, 257) — three-year starter at Rutgers University. The Jets brought in Westerman for a pre-draft visit, so that they signed him is no surprise. Played last four games of 2008 with a left bicep tear. Even so, he finished the season with 33 tackles and six sacks.
DE Zach Potter, Nebraska — (6-6 279) — Potential to be the best pickup of this free-agent class for the Jets. Excellent size with the frame to get bigger, powerful tackler, stout at the point of attack, plays well against the run and can pursue well. Good awareness, a non-stop motor. Not known for his quickness or explosion, with short arms and not known for his pass rush skills, which can cause inconsistent leverage and trouble shedding blocks. One site called him “a poor-man’s Adam Carriker.”
The early report I saw was false, Steinkuhler has signed with the Bengals
DE Ty Steinkuhler, Nebraska (6-4, 283) — Teammate of Potter, The Big Stein is a son of former Nebraska and Houston Oilers tackle Dean Steinkuhler. Projected as an end in a 3-4 defense. Had 42 tackles, including six for loss, and 1 sack last season. Packers were interested in drafting him (another 3-4 team) like Potter, he has ties to Coach Callahan.
DL Matt Kroul, Iowa (6-4, 280) — Overshadowed by teammate Mitch King, Kroul flashes on occasion. Solid frame, with potential to add bulk and strength, many think he would be best served as a three-technique.
SS Emanuel Cook, South Carolina (5-10, 197) — Hard-hitting safety who led the team in tackles the past two seasons with 87 and 92, respectively. But the junior has been plagued by off-the-field problems, including being ruled academically ineligible for the Outback Bowl this past season.
SS Keith Fitzhugh, Mississippi State (5-11, 205) — At 5-10 210, Fitzhugh is a little on the small side to play safety in the pros. Fitz was an East-West Shrine Game standout. Coaches and scouts noted his “all over the field” play during the East team’s practices. Likely an in the box type / zone type of player who could play well with the game in front of him, Fitzhugh is likely a special teamer and will have to prove his worth there.
P TJ Conley, Idaho (6-2, 210) — Led the nation in punting last season, former quarterback, with decent athleticism. Conley averaged 50+ yards per punt in five games and had a long of 74 at Utah State. Walter Camp Awardee, he set single-season records for punting average (47.43) and yards (2,751) at Idaho.
90 Responses to 2009 Jets UDFA Update
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J-E-T-S says:
We should keep southerland, we need a FB. Plus he is good.
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Factor says:
awesome, thorough stuff.
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Shawn says:
Is Ainge that bad that we need to go for the Harvard QB? And I still do not understand the thinking behind taking the Harvard guy over Graham Harrell. Can someone explain?
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Adam says:
Kind of sad to see that the complimentary walk-on from Hofstra is gone. A fine tradition that netted one of the greatest Jets WR of all time.
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Hootie says:
Richardson….? we dont need him now and he is nothing special.
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will says:
Some of these guys are gonna stick. the Jets are thin throughout the roster and had only the three draft picks.
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david i says:
Still want to see Caulcrick (sp?) as developental FB to replace Richardson someday.
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jvsvn says:
Seems like a pretty good group. It’s about what you would expect from a rookie free agent class. A bunch of guys that have enough question marks that led to them not being drafted. What you hope for is that a couple of them are good enough to make the roster and compensate for trading 5th and 7th round picks. It seems that the FB Southerland and the DE Potter have the most potential to be those guys. Time will tell.
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Chris says:
I think 3 guys make the team from this group…
Tavita (Great size, comes from a strong run program and the OL is thin enough that he gets a spot)
Bulluck (Tremendous athleticism, a la Antonio Gates out of the MAC, good size, if he’s willing to learn- he is the TE w highest ceiling right now after Keller)
Potter (I think he’d be the pick of everyone. Ideal size, comes from a nice program- Pellini’s defense is sophiscated and this kid will run his ass off all day for the spot) -
Great job Bassett. Some other notes on the guys that seem most interesting at first blush:
- Southerland: Scored 21 TD’s for Georgia his first three yrs as a short-yardage specialist. Excellent run blocker. Really high-character kid – team captain, graduated in 3 yrs. Didn’t get drafted b/c he’s had a series of shoulder and foot injuries over the past 2 yrs. If he’s healthy, sounds like a great pickup.
- Link: Spent 2 yrs at TE before switching to OT, but still managed to be all-conference his last two years. Prototypical height and weight. Could become an excellent backup.
- Davie: good blocker, great size (6′5″, 265 lbs). Zero downfield ability, but did score 6 TD’s his last two seasons because of his height and range.
- Westerman: 265 lb pass rusher with great speed. 22 career sacks, and has some experience dropping into coverage too. He’s pretty short – not sure how much that matters…
- Potter: NU listed him as 6′7″, good size for a 3-4 DE with room to add some weight. Special teams standout – five career blocked kicks. Probably my favorite guy on this list.
- Cook: Big-time run support guy, not so good in coverage. As Bent said earlier, looks like another Elam. -
Bent says: “Jessie Pellot-Rosa called, he wants his claim to Jets fame back.”
At that exact moment, Corey Lamkin sat alone in his room, weeping.
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Жизнь пронесётся, как одно мгновенье,
Её цени, в ней черпай наслажденье.
Как проведёшь её, так и пройдёт.
Не забывай: она твоё творенье. -
AL says:
I have a feeling southerland makes the team.
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BubbyBrister/shovelpass says:
I totally agree with what hybeapanna said…but only in a ‘dog -tilting -his- head- listening -kinda-way’…
:-) -
Bob says:
This punter sounds good. We need one bad!!
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Testaverde says:
Jets released Hodges and Mason
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There are a few guys I i see making an impact besides the punter TJ Conley… the major one being Zach Potter. Still suprised he didnt get drafted.
Z Potter will make this team….. no doubt
I do like the FB from Georgia…. Alot of 1st downs and short yrd TDS from him before Moreno gobbled them up……. T Rich is still a major weapon on this team in the running game so not sure what they will do there if this kid impresses. They will not carry 2 FB’s
M Kroul has got a shot… I liked him and his teamate M King. They just bust their asses on every play. Just a hard nose player that shows up.
E Cook reminds me of Victor Greene….
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What I dont understand is how does a team that clearly has an issue at WR not have a ton on UDFA WR’s in camp??
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David says:
Hopefully this punter is the real deal. You have to assume that Westhoff had a part in signing this guy up and that gives me confidence that we might have a punter for the future.
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Bent says:
Drew – I guess they have enough project WRs (don’t forget they already added Whitaker and Raymond this offseason), but their need is a #1, so unless they can add someone to step into that role, they’ll stick with what they have.
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Liam says:
AKA…Drew, I think the easiest explanation is the UFAs you bring in aren’t guys you are necessarily looking to start next year, but they are depth/project guys. We have plenty of those at WR–Clowney, Stuckey, Smith, Raymond, Wright etc–its the impact starters that we are missing and frankly we’re not going to get those for 2009 by picking up UFAs.
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Or in other words, exactly what Bent said.
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Although I believed they fumbled the draft- the FO made the appropriate moves bringing in players and positions where UDFA can make an impact and sit/learn in a depth to productivity setup. DL, OL, TE and ST were those key needs.
Grabbing a WR in early June is still a must and at this point, if he remains out there and Tanny can work a good deal (the one area I trust him with), Lelie would have to be the favorite. His athleticism makes him a threat across Cotch and although he’s a pain, he may save Sanchez on a few throws throughout the year.
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MJ says:
Todd McShay picked Emanuel Cook as his best undrafted Free Agent.
Other notes: Rich Cimini is officially the most negative sportswriter covering the Jets – here is a clip in which he says the Jets will probably get nothing out of this draft in 2009 – that’s an amazing take with everyone else in the world clamoring for Sanchez and Greene right away, even if it’s true, this guy loves to rain on our parade.
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Dokes says:
With the moves from the draft, I think all these signings make sense. Especially with the DL and secondary.
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Seems like they addressed the depth needs with maybe one or two having actual potential.
I just look at the Eagles first three picks and think that they could have been ours. Maclin, Mocoy and Ingrham. I would have been extremely happy with those three, but I’m on the Sanchez band wagon now.
All in all in am not incredibly excited by this draft class. It all rests with Sanchez. I am optomistic and I say throw him in from day 1. We aren’t going to be all that dynamic on offense next year anyway. I hope we take advantage of our stengths next year, run the ball & work the play action game. Lets get Sanchez some on the field experience as soon as possible. Get his coinfidence up at the start and see where he can take this team 3 years down the road.
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You watch, Potter will play in our defensive line rotation this year, he is really a nice player at de in the 3-4.
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Does anyone else think that Link may be our blocking TE. He played his first 2 years in college at the position and the last two at Tackle. If he dropped 20 or thirty pounds, it might be an idea to look at.
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igs says:
Thoroughly unimpressive outside of Cook and Southerland. Couldn’t the Jets have signed someone that actually fell? I mean Graham Herell or Chris Pizotti? Britt Davis or Aaron kelly or Jaison Williams or Quan Cosby?I’m very dissapointed in round 8. And was there a linebacker that we could’ve looked at? I’m very disapointed in round 8.
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Matt says:
Disappointed?
Where do we need depth? DL, OL, and TE.
Where did we pick up UDFAs… DL, OL, and TE!We’re not going to find a stud WR, and as we said, we have plenty of projects.
Sanchez is our project now, no need for Harrell, who looked like garbage at the Senior Bowl anyways.
We have plenty of depth at LB and Secondary. They added some to the backfield. Hell, they even found a potential punter.
I’m not sure why anyone is disappointed with this.
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NUJet says:
According to all reports here in Nebraska, Ty Steinkuhler signed as a free agent with the Bengals. The Potter signing was great. He’ll give you everything he has, that’s for sure. Tremendous motor who just reeks athlete. All-state in basketball in high school as well. Blocked a ton of kicks at NU with his size and vertical. I really like this one…
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Matt,
No need for Harell? The why sign Pizotta?
My point exactly.
I’m disapointed specifically because we could have gotten better rookie FAs at the spots we need. I like the first OL, we could’ve went after a Isdaner or Boone. very rookie FA that we signed, there were better players available, except Cook and Southerland who I love both.
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dave b says:
I like chris’ assessment re Potter, Thompson and Bullock.
Potter’s stats are intriguing.
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SackDance99 says:
igs,
Harrell would have been signed with too much press fanfare. Too many questions would arise as to why the Jets traded up to draft Sanchez and, then, signed a well-known collegiate player like Harrell. It would’ve sounded like the Jets were hedging their bets. Sanchez would’ve been asked about it, as would Tanny and the Jets coaching staff. IMO, Pizzotti was supposed to be an “under the radar” signing for a guy to possibly be groomed for the QB3 spot. But for the Boston Herald and Pro FootballTalk, the Pizzotti signing would’ve gone unnoticed, except by obsessed fans like us and Harvard alums.
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Not for nothing but G Harrell was an awful QB…. He got exposed at the Senoir Bowl for what he was …. a system QB who’s game cannot translate to the NFL
Think K Dorsey
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I just heard a great interview on Sirius with our new DC Mike Petite….a couple of things:
- Schien said he talked to Lofa Tatupu and Tatupu said he think D Harris can be the best MLB in the game!! Wow thats a huge statment coming from a great LB plaing in Seattle.
- You can hear in Petite’s voice that there is a little concern about Gholsten. He states how fast and strong he is but they need to get him to translate that to the field. He also noted that VG will have his hand on the dirt coming off the edge “alot” more than last year…..which was suprising.
- He also explained that the whole staff especially Rex and B-Scott were blown away by Sanchez’s skills and brain. He says the defense will throw the kitchen sink at him coming training camp…..NICE!!!!
- Says that M Douglas is so much better than people think. I guess we know why Coleman was expendable….lol
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Sack, I hear ya, but what does that have to do with football? All signing Harrell would’ve meant to me was bringing in another guy to push Sanchez and KC and having a much better developmental prospect than the Pizza boy.
Drew, he had a good season. Bad senior bowl. Descent combine. Good arm. Average accuracy. Good pocket presence. All we’re only talking about a developmental pick here.
What ever happened to best [layer available?
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Thanks for the post Drew. They should just trade VG. I hate converting players. Send him somewhere where he can rush the passer in the 43 and get a 1st round pick. Or maybe Ryan and Petite can get something out of him. I don’t know. Let’s hope.
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ian says:
bringing in fullbacks shows exactly why they should have drafted owen schmidt last year to replace richardson. i guarantee he will be one of best blocking backs in the league within three or four years. it seems like blocking fb’s take time to develop–either that or they don’t get publicity until later in their careers.
other than that, i’m happy with how things look.
oh, and thanks bassett, for this thorough coverage without any bias one way or the other.
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The Harvard kid was brought in to throw passes to people who might matter. They have no intention of keeping him around.
So why him over Harrell. Two reasons!
1) The Harvard guy went to freakin Harvard. He’ll require less coach attention and learn more of the playbook to push the receivers harder in preseason.
2) Harrell was a spread guy. We would have to teach him how to play, then how to help out at practice. Too much time/work for a guy who’s just there to do a job.
Harvard guy> Harrell at Practice/Preaseason QB
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If its ….Graham Harrel, Chris Pizzoti or E Ainge…..if the 3rd QB is making a difference this year we are in big trouble….
I hated Harrell coming out and knew he wouldnt get drafted.
Plus I think people forget that its not up to the Jets if UDFA’s sign with us…..the player and their agents control where they go. That was why I was alittle suprised no WR’s begged to sign with us… not becasue I thought there was a ton of talent out there anyway
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AKA….Drew…
great interview with mike petite….great interview. i almost crashed when i heard what lofa had to say about harris.
gholston does still make me feel uneasy.. it would be such a bonus if we could get him to make an impact. what a defense we would have. i also think dwight lowrey is gonna be key. i think he is going to play safety. your thoughts?
also, don’t worry about the wr position. why would we have udfa’s at wr come in? we have enough on the roster. are they top notch receivers? no. we both know that. and i agree with you. but we can’t have it all in one year. eli didn’t have plax until year 2. the jets are building. keller, cothery, and leon will be big on third down, and i feel stuckey will be an ample replacement for coles. coles was nonexistent last year. take out the arizona game and his numbers were pedestrian. out of stuckey, smith, and clowney, i truly believe someone will step up big. we need another play maker, but that will have to wait until next year.
your thoughts?
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Matt, you think people from Harvard are really smarter than the rest of us? Give me a break.
Drew, ultimately you’re right. But the more time you have to develop your udfa QB, the more likely he can actually contribute. SO why not the best guy seriously. But i want us to place a higher premium on the late rounds and udfa’s.
Alex, i don’t disagree, but, like I’ve been saying all along, that downfeild receiver is the diff between us being playoff contenders and superbowl contenders. We don’t get him, kiss the super bowl goodbye. Which may be the case anyway since the San man is in teh building and will need some time to develop. But think about this Alex:
We don’t need another MLB, let’s wait till next year.
We don’t need another CB, wait till next year.
We don’t need to sign a DT, wait till next year.Yeah. People get very patient when it comes to the offense.
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MikeTaliaferro says:
Would anyone have the time / expertise to analyze this?
Was thinking — few of these guys have a shot at starting. Most are looking at depth or special teams roles on a limited roster.
So, we get into the numbers game versus players already in those roles. Obviously, many of our current bench / sp. team players were stretches, reaches and projects from past years — just like these guys are this year. Anyone have an idea of how any of these new guys stack up against the progress (or lack of same) of the current guys?
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MJ, just think of Cimini as adding balance. :-)
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Igs,,,
what can you do????
we cant trade all of next years draft either. what do you want to do?? trade next year’s number one for bolden? he’s gonna be 29, is never really healthy, and is not worth giving up a first round pick for. in my opinion. of coarse we need a deep threat to spread the field. we tried to trade up for percy harvin, but that didn’t work. but we can’t make players just appear. this is not the only year, meaning 2009, that football will exist. we have to be patient. that is the problem with jet fans. we want everything now. think about this for a minute. bill cowher, was the coach for the steelers for how long? he went to the super bowl in 1995, and didn’t return until 2006. he lost how many home afc championship games. it’s so hard to win in this league. we have to give it time.the number one goal, should be to develop an IDENTITY. this is the first year that i actually know what we are going to be like on offense and defense. let this play out.
what are your thoughts
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Big W says:
The Jets will have 5 of the FAs that make the roster. They need a backup OL and DL.
They also need TEs. They only have one, so I think that they will try to develop two of these guys…
Then you have the punter who obviously will have to fall on his face not to make the team, because he is the only one in camp and he is better than anyone else the Jets could probably pick up.
If Cook is as good as Todd McShay thinks he will also make the squad.
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Also, one of he QBs has a legit chance because where the hell is Ainge????
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It was a great interview Alex…..
i just see hesitation in everything VG does. I saw it in college also… he runs to the ball carrier not thru them. I think he will play much better this year but I envisioned a S Merriman type of player. i just dont know if he has that animal in him …..yet
I love Lowery and hope he can get into the mix but with Lito CB and Leonhard SS starting he will struggle to find reps especially at safety. He was a bad fit at the nickle.
I was just surprised WR’s didnt “want” to sign here. There is a roster full of maybe at that position. I was not looking for a #1 or #2 from UDFA I was just surprised their agent didnt stir them to us.
I am a little more concerned about our WR’s than most fans. I love Cotch and think Stuckey could be a really good slot WR. But the wild card is Clowney…. if he cant translate his game to the field we are in trouble if he can then will be “okay” there. Plus….I dont trust B Smith to actaully make a play at WR.
i know we are going to run the ball alot and I love the Greene pickup but i just remember when we “needed” a RB when C-Mart went down in 2006 and everybody assumed we would draft one or sign one and we did nothing….We picked up TJ Barlow and struggled running the ball all year. I just hate that we didnt address WR at all. Can Rex and the staff be convinced that these WR’s (other than Cothc) can make plays?? They never have
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I meant to say at least 5 FA will make the roster because the Jets lack depth with all of the trading that Mike T has done recently….
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AKA…Drew: That shouldn’t be all that surprising. VG was totally and thoroughly lost when having to drop into coverage after Manchild moved him out of position in rookie camp. His mother made VG an end; Manchild was the only one who saw an OLB, because he WANTED to see an OLB. So WE all saw OLB, and jumped on the poor kid’s case when he sucked at OLB. Putting his hand back in the dirt means he can go back to the one thing he does well — rushing the passer or dropping a RB deep. I blame Manchild for most of VG’s flop last year. They decided he was Calvin Pace, when they should have been trying to mold him into John Abraham.
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Whoops… that last should have led with an AKA…Drew quote:
“He also noted that VG will have his hand on the dirt coming off the edge “alot” more than last year…..which was suprising”
Sorry.
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EastSide says:
Definitely, Drew, remember that players decide where they go when teams reach out for them. For all we know, Harrell was dying to go to the Browns and nothing could convince him otherwise. Anyway, Harrell is like a slightly worse version of Colt Brennan- played in a non-pro system, has inflated stats and will be 24 by training camp.
I also agree with Igs, pretty disappointed with this year’s UDFA pick ups. Most got on the list because of injuries or criminal records. I understand that UDFAs will always have question marks which is the reason they go undrafted but serious senior year injuries are probably the worst question mark that a player can have.
The best UDFAs seem to be either the guys that dominated lower level conferences/divisions but didn’t get the recognition (players like Bart Scott) or had the physical set/ability but lacked the elite polish of drafted players (players like Antonio Gates or Willie Parker).
Hopefully some of these guys will show enough to make the team. -
Alex, actually, the problem with Jets fans is that we’re patient but we’ve been waiting for 40 years. So we’re not so patient anymore.
Personally I don’t want Boldin. He wouldn’t fit a need. And you’re not wrong that here’s not much we can do right now. The best move would be to try to swing a trade for Edwards. Another good move would be to sign Jones who is a high upside player. Most of the other FAs look very second rate, either 2 old or too unproductive. I just want the right move now. Like I said, The San Man needs a year so we’re not going SB anyway.
I don’t like the idea of having an identity other than an all around team. Those are the guys that make SB winners. A defense needs a real offense. A running game needs a good passing game. Etc, etc.
A good example of this is the 2000 Ravens. A great defense and an offense full of stars won the SB together.
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Mike, great point about VG. Hopefully Ryan can do something with that.
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Igs, I’m simply making a fair assumption that the QB from Harvard is probably smarter.
QB Chris Pizzoti, Harvard (6-5 225) — From good pedigree. Hard worker & quick study. Slow timed 40 (5.00), not a great arm and has trouble with accuracy which all combine to trouble in facing a good pass rush. Has been compared to former Harvard QB Ryan Fitzpatrick in terms of confidence and brains.
Hard worker, quick study, confidence, brains and pedigree. Simply put, a student of the game who will be more effective at practice than a project who can’t operate outside the spread and make pro-style passes.
You’re absolutely right about taking the best player possible. Harrell would be the best possible starting QB, but Pizzoti is the best practice QB to have on staff.
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albewolf says:
Mr. Taliaferro, finally someone who gets it right. (BTW, are you THE Mike Taliaferro?) VG has another season to get it right, hopefully RR will play him at his ‘natural’ position…as far as WR goes, we will have more than plenty come training camp and beyond…I am more concerned with the depth at OL and feel we need to look at a replacement for Faneca soon…I would also like to focus on a real kicking game…I know this view isn’t even considered a ‘view’, but so much is won and lost on field position, I’d hope the new punter (#1 in the NCAA, huh?) brings this ‘third’ of the game up a notch for Gang Green.
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East, that’s a great point. The guys that come out of nowhere don’t really come out of nowhere. SOmebody catches something that’s viable. Like Scott. I will say that I hope Ryan sees something special in some of these DLs.
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Matt, remember Ray Lucas? Forget practice. These guys might actually start one day. I think in general we could just place a better premium on late rounders and udfa’s. That’s all I’m saying. Everyone should be a possible starter.
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Anyone else getting the feeling that Eric Ainge’s date doesn’t necessarily want to hold his hand on the dance floor anymore?
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I was suprised because Rex plays a 3-4 and his DE are alot bigger than Gholsten. At 260 VG could get demolished rushing off the edge in that system…. same as J-Abe did when he played the 3-4 for us….They compare him to Suggs and Suggs only puts his hand in the dirt when they have 4 down lineman…..something the Ravens rarley did under Rex. Maybe they are going to run alittle of both defenses this year
As to your Pace comment…..Pace was a mess in coverage also. I thought Pace was going to choke Mangini in the Monday New England game. He was chasing Watson around all game. He looked disgusted…lol
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igs,
Harvard runs a pretty complex pro-style offense, with lots of shifts, formations, etc. It’s not surprising to me that Schotty thought he’d be a good QB3. My only issue is that, as opposed to Ryan Fitzpatrick who was extremely mobile, Pizzotti is a straight, drop back QB. Also, you can’t divorce football issues from the business/team chemistry issues. Harrell would have been a distraction, especially after Leach publicly dissed Mangini. How much do you want to bet that Leach would have said something like “don’t be surprised if Harrell ends up out-playing Sanchez.” The Jets just didn’t need or want that, especially for, IMO, a marginal NFL QB prospect.
Otherwise, I understand your criticism of round 8, but I’m not sure I agree because so many of these guys are just practice fodder. The real test is how well the Jets do when training camp cuts cause DL, OL, WR and others to hit the open market, especially the final round of cuts. Every year there’s a few productive guys that hit the scrap heap.
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Fair points, Drew.
But, although it’s Manchild’s fault, Ryan has VG. And as a 1st rounder, he is not going anywhere yet. So Ryan’s staff will be tasked with trying to figure out how best to utilize him somehow. He IS a weapon; we just can’t tell yet, what KIND of weapon. Most likely, due to his weight, they’ll put him in speed situations in place of Douglas, teach him how to get around mammoth OLs and say, “Go get ‘em, sparky!”
Loved the Pace graph. I rest my case: if Pace was the prototype, what chance in hell did the kid really have? :)
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By the way, VG has no natural pass-rushing ability. So, whether he puts his hand on the ground or plays up, IMO, forget him as a pass rusher. I just don’t know what he can play in the NFL, I’d say maybe the SAM, but how is he in pass coverage? Can he take on the TE? And, if he becomes the LDE, he needs to gain, at least, 25 lbs.
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When SackDance99 cuts VG for being useless, I’m sure he’ll be there to contribute to Tanny’s plight of paying off all those guaranteed dollars a #6 pick gets.
Cut the kid some slack.
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Sack, I can cede to the idea of the Pizza Boy being, more because of Drew’s point that udfas go where they want, but also because I know little about Harvard’s offense. The other business I’m not interested in. Harrell was still in bigger coference, and from reports has a better arm, more mobility, probably better pocket presence. If he pushes or chides the San Man, all the better for the team. Sanchez wanted the spotlight and the pressure. Granted.
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Frank says:
Sackdance, how can you say Gholston has no natural pass-rushing ability? The man has the record for most sacks in Ohio State history! He had 3 sacks in one game against Michigan and Jake Long. I think he just fell way behind in the learning curve last year and hopefully Ryan will figure out a way to use his talents effectively. But to write him off after 1 year during which he hardly played at all… not fair.
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EQ1217 says:
Everyone has to show some patience with Gholston, some players take longer to develop. Look at Bryan Thomas who at the beginning was a complete bust.
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I think the jury is still out on VG. This year will be telling. I remain hopeful. He really just need to cowboy up and be a man out there rather then the scared little boy he was last year.
Bryan Thomas is still a bust
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rich says:
thomas came out strong last year,, needs to play the way he did early consistently.. wats the deal with WR edwards/boldin on the radar?? any offers (TJ, brad smith, picks, etc.)… gholston wont play end,, if we get progress at OLB from him thomas becomes expendable,, we have a legit chance at landing boldin..
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Hey guys, give it up, BT is officially a bust. VG still has 2 season to be called a bust. But BT, forget it. The guys was what, like the 6th pick in the draft and he has how many sacks, tfls, blocked passes? He’s a top ten pick that produces like a reach 5th rounder. This guy is one of the Jet’s biggest wastes of cap room. I wish he would go. I wish they would’ve traded him over Kenyon Coleman.
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James in TN says:
My neighbor’s golden retriever is a better QB than Ainge. Glad we got Pizotti. Heck, hope Ainge goes to the Browns.
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I didn’t write VG off and it would be cap suicide to cut him. He’s on the team like it or not until the dead money caused by cutting him isn’t prohibitive, as it is now. So, Mike, I realize that and I didn’t say he should be cut.
Look, he’s not a natural pass rusher. He’s fast and strong, which is all you have to be in college. Look at Dwight Freeney on tape and then tell me what pass rushing moves VG has, besides an edge rush, which is the pass rush that every LT in the NFL has to be able to block or he can’t play the position. VG has no spin moves, no swim moves, no club moves, he doesn’t bull rush and he doesn’t rip. Plus, I’m not sure a lot of these moves can be taught because, instinctively, a pass rusher has to know how to use them.
So, just don’t expect him to be a guy that gets a lot of sacks until he learns how to pass rush at the NFL level. That’s why he may have to play the SAM. Heck, he may even be better suited for ILB. But, I just don’t see him as a pass rusher. And, I hope that I’m wrong, but I was consistently against drafting VG and I really think most fans have to severely diminish their expectations of him.
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Harvlis says:
Lot’s of great players started out as Undrafted Free Agents. The fact that these players get a chance to make a pro team, is one of the cooler things in sports.
James,
Did Ainge do something to your sister or something? Any blog regular knows, by now, that you think he is pond scum. With the addition of Franchez, I don’t think you have to worry about him any more.
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Moyvore says:
J’Nathan could be an emergency punter! Did that in high school…and most everything else, including quarterback.
Maybe he could kick extra points too.
6′ 3 & change power forward at Cleveland State. Browns worked him out.
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=97815&draftyear=2009&genpos=TE
You gotta ask the question…how did we grab the punter with the best average in the country…as a free agent…unless there’s just maybe some kind of itsy bitsy issue.
Like poor hang time. (It’s been said.)
We’ll see.
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Good points, all, Sack. Thanks for the clarification.
But the point remains that Ryan has to find something that VG’s good at to justify Tanny & Woody’s making him #6. And we can cross OLB off the list.
Mostly, they need to find something the kid can do, if only to make him viable trade bait for a team that plays a style that can use him. They simply have to make him valuable or viable.
A tall order for Ryan & Co.
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Pingback: NY Jets UDFA Update : JetNation.com
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TannyVision says:
I Bleed Green,
The moment I saw the bio of Link, he seemed a possible unpolished gem. I got your back brother. A Blocking TE is what he screamed to me too. a 6’5″ 300+ lb lineman (with post season honors) who played TE for 2 years. I like a lineman playing blocking TE over a non-catching, blocking TE. If he catches a few passes every so often, That will keep the dc’s honest. Especially if he carries a few bodies with him after the catch.
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igs,
Are you kidding me? Everything you’ve said shows a lack of understandin g of the whole UDFA process.
Harrell vs. Pizzoti: With a rookie coming in and a qb who is possibly starting the season with minimal starting experience, are you really giong to want your qb coach to waste too much time teaching him a sophisticated passing system so that he can work out potencial receivers.
Harrell never played in a pro style set and will be way behind P., who has been doing so for 4 years.
While Harrell was enjoying sunny Texas football, Pizotti was doing his deeds in the same N.E.
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cold whipping winds that either qb will face in NJ. A possible factor, no?
Yes, going to Harvard does not automatically make you more intellegent in and of itself. However, if you get into Harvard there are usually only three reasons: 1) Your ability to absorb info and good academic study habits give you an advantage over the many elite students who apply each year,
2) You are smarter
3) legacyThe first two would be huge assets for a 3rd stringer or any qb. If we assume that legacy is involved, the qb still has to beat out several possible candidates who have attributes in the first two catagories.
Let’s assume that the playbook that Schotty came up with is a piece of cake for this guy to absord compared to the material he needed for his recently completed senior thesis research paper.
With talent to boot, you have your new 3qb!
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As for not being a good signing period because we only got 2 players that were the best at their position. Give me a minute to stop laughing.
There, that’s better.
If you don’t break it down into left cb, right cb, etc you find 11 or 12 positions for 32 (THE JETS +31) who are trying to get #1 in easch position…that’s approx. a 35% chance to just get one. Getting one is cause to celebrate, betting two…
Just wait until your kid comes home and says, dad, this was a lousy christmas. The new car and the plasma tv are cool, but I didn’t get the my Meditaranian vacation, that new suped up computer and a new maid with long, hot legs.
Sure it’s disappointing to not get it all (I could really use a maid), but appreciate what we got.
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UKJetsFan says:
On a slightly different note – isn’t there a limit to the number of UDFAs the Jets can sign?? Only I had a feeling a team could only sign 15 and there are 16 (there were 17) listed??
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I like Potter, both safeties sound like possible demons on our special teams, Link sound interesting, Southerland could learn under T Rich, and Thompson sounds like a good story for a kid who seems to have garnered the respect of team and coach at Oregon State.
Glad we didn’t waste our time with wide receivers. We have depth, and better prospects with better resumes than anyone out there. We need a one and that won’t come in this phase. Hell, Henry has better resume and has been in our system for a year and likely won’t make the team.
Well done round 8 selections and more than a couple will hopefully stick.
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I believe it is 15.
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Maybe punters don’t count… Unless it’s compensation for the loss of Hodges…lol.
These lists are unofficial so don’t fall in love with one fa yet.
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Ah right – thought as much. Yeah, know we have to take all the lists with a pinch of salt – it will be interesting to see who actually turns up at our rookie camp. Will there be plaers who simply have invites to camp or do they have to be signed?
Nonetheless, gotta figure there’s a few of last years fringe players feeling a bit concerned by the possible pickups though….Ainge perhaps? lol! Think the punter and t least one of the TEs will stick, along with a couple of depth players – would imagine that Rex will want a few to mould!
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The Punter, Conley, might not be as good as his stats indicate. He played at least half his games in a dome (not quite meadowlands prep) and his hang time was rather low. That is why he wasn’t gobbled up in the 6th or 7th round.
The other punter was picked up during voluntaries. He was one of 5 tryouts.
More to come maybe but let’s hope one shines
good article