Link: An Interview With Tannenbaum
Rich Cimini of the Daily News had an in-depth interview with Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum. Here’s one question and answer from the piece.
Q: What about Braylon Edwards? Would you do that trade again?
A: What’s been encouraging about Braylon is, I like the run-game production since he’s been here. He’s changed the way some of the defenses have to play us. That doesn’t show up in the stat sheet, but I think he balances our offense really well. Getting Jerricho (Cotchery) back, I’m excited to see what we can do as a balanced offense.
He makes a good point. Beyond Edwards sick touchdowns in both the Dolphins games, Edwards arrival has helped the running game to be sure. Still, playing the Raiders, Bills and Dolphins twice didn’t hurt either. With Edwards and Cotchery back, opponents playing nine-wide isn’t something that teams are all the keen on doing anymore against the Jets, and so far it’s working. Let’s see if the receivers can stay healthy and how that helps the running game, and how the run helps the pass from here on out.
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I love Mangini.
Just imagine if Al Davis had hired Mangini to be his head coach. 2 incompetent people to make trades with. We probably would’ve been able to deal Hank Poteat and a 4th rounder for Asomugha.
I expect big things from this offense this week.
ronnie;
Tannenbaum is not breaking any news here. He is saying what the general opinion has been all along ie. that Eedward would open up the Box and therefore the running game !!
What he is NOT saying is that he is puting all his eggs (giving up 4 for 1) in that the balance of the offense depends on the position of the fulcrum !!!
You really CAN’T move the fulcrum (Franchez) too much either way, or else the offense would not be balanced ,and therefore NOT effective in the final outcome !!!
As far as Mangini and Asomuga goes, Xmas is still 6 weeks away. Too early for Santa’s wish list.
I suggest that you write to VonSteinbrenner, and ask him to BUY you a new team, he has deeeeep pockets!!!
Dag, I remember talking a little bit about this over the past few years since the Jets traded away Keyshawn. Good to see it finally got done. I’d rather they hold on to Edwards than draft someone. He’s got serious upside still. We’ve seen him be good, but he can be dominant. He can take over games when he gets his head together. And Cotch is a beast when he can do his thing.
The Jets have to draft Terrence Cody or Arthur Jones to make this team complete. Jenkins career is over. A safety with range or a CB that allows the Jets to move Lowery back to safety. And a realistic project WR.
Let’s hope Mr T signs him past this year
Not to mention a 3-4 DE in the draft, not in a trade. N more draft day trades, please.
igs,
Why is Jenkins career over? He came back from the same injury to the other knee, and had arguably his best season.
We definitely need to lock up Braylon long term. The combination of him and Cotch should be pretty damn good for another for or 5 years. Clowney has also shown some nice flashes and seems to be developing into a more complete receiver.
Next year we need to get some more bodies on the defensive line. I don’t think we necessarily have to draft any big body so that they can replace Jenkins. Jenkins most likely will be back next year. I do, however love Terrence Cody’s game. He is extremely athletic and should be a force in the middle. Him on the field alongside Jenkins is an absolutely scary thought (in a good way).
Drafting a CB early on in the draft might be another good option. Lito is injury prone, and is an average corner, but nothing special. If there is someone available who has the potential to be a shutdown corner next to Revis, the Jets should definitely pull the trigger. The Jets should also look to draft a blocking TE with some catching ability.
As of now my top choices are:
Terrence Cody- absolute monster on the d-line
Joe Haden- best CB in the draft
Derrick Morgan- great pass rusher
Dez Bryant- if he drops he is too talented to pass on
I also like Eric Decker as a receiver in the mid rounds. He is extremely tough, has good size and should be a steal if he goes in the 3rd or 4th round.
The only positions that I think are off limits in the first round are:
RB
QB
FS
ILB
TE
P, K, G, FB, etc
Brendan,
His back is a mess. He now has 2 knees. And he’s on the wrong side of 30 in a position that demands a hell of a lot from the back and knees. When the Jets traded for Jinx I’m sure they knew it was a short term thing. He may have another year, or half a year, so maybe it’s harsh to say his career is completely over. But in general he’s done.
I disagree completely. He has gone through this surgery/rehab before. He came back even stronger the season after he got hurt and had one of his best seasons. Before the knee injury did you see him on the field? He was a wrecking ball. A one-man bulldozer. He was single-handedly tying up the middle of the O-line. As long as his rehab goes as smoothly as the last one, he’ll be back for next season tossing centers and eating up RB’s.
If you say so Brendan. Apperently you have more faith in the man thatn I do.
I would ask you,
How many games did he miss last season?
How many this season?
Like I said, his career might not be completely over but even if he comes back next season, the Jets still need to invest a round 1 pick in his heir apparent. The NT is the centerpiece of the 3-4 defense. Siouni Pouha is a 4-3 DT.
If we’re talking draft (and I, too, think Big Jenks will be back and as good as ever), the Jets biggest need is a DE/OLB hybrid that can rush the passer. The Jets need that Suggs-type WILL (for the 3-4) or DE (for the 4-3) that can rush the passer. That makes the blitzing more effective and places less stress on the secondary. So, no first-day CB (not needed with a pass rush).
My list:
DE/OLB (pass rusher)
DE/DT (run stopper)
RT (or OL depth, generally)
RB (possible Leon replacement and depth)
FB/TE (run blocker) (T-Rich can’t last forever and Hartsock is hurting as much as helping so far)
P (open call for or even draft a consistent punter).
As targets of opportunity, I’d add in WR or CB, but they’re not absolutely necessary.
igs,
Last year he wore down because Mangini made him play all 3 downs for entire series at a time. This season Rex was taking careful consideration to keep Jinx fresh by rotating backups in there and switching from 3 to 4 man fronts so he wouldn’t have to take on 2-3 guys every play. Ryan clearly understood how to keep Jinx fresh better than Mangini.
And we don’t have to use a first round pick on a replacement. There are always big bodies that slip in the draft, and unless one falls into our lap (Mount Cody?) then it’s probably not the best value in the first round.
igs,
The NT is not necessarily the center piece of Rex’s unique system. The Jets have been even better against the run using multiple DT sets like they did against the Raiders and Miami last week. I do think they need more talent on the D-line, but I don’t think they need to draft someone who can replicate what Jenkins gives them. That said, I really like Cody and I think the Jets would be crazy to pass on him. However, if he is gone, i don’t want the Jets to just pick the next big NT available.
Sack,
If the Jets don’t have that already in Pitouitua, Pace, Ellis, or Gholston I have to call lameness on the personnel choices. But the DE is a big need.
Brendan,
Generally every player you have should have the ability to play all 3 downs. It’s good to rotate but if it’s a necessity than you’re playing with fire.
In addition, Rex kept him fresher this year and his knee still gave out. The guy’s getting old. Let’s not be delusional Jets fans guys.
Being that the NT is the centerpiece of the 3-4, I would say that a 1st rounder hear, Mount Cody or Arthur Jones in the late 1 or early 2 would be an important pick. If the Jets have a 2.
Lol. Sometimes I think you guys just disagree to disagree. Name me one dominant 3-4 defense in the history of 3-4 defenses that hasn’t had a monster NT? name me 1?
We don’t run a conventional 3-4 igs, we run Ryan’s hybrid defense which uses every front and formation possible.
igs,
Name one other defensive scheme like Rex’s lol. I do think a good NT helps, I just don’t think its absolutely necessary. Also I’m pretty sure Denver and Green Bay run successful 3-4 schemes without a monster NT.
I’m pretty sure we both agree that Terrence Cody is the best possible pick, so lets just leave it at that.
Brendan,
It doesn’t matter what kind of variation a teams runs. If your base defense is a 3-4, you want a NT that can spend a lot of time in the backfield and tie up 2-3 blockers every down. To me this has become the most glaring need on the team with X WR being taken care of. I also think that whether you’re right and he comes back and plays the entire season, or I’m right and he doesn’t, his age makes it pretty relevant that you make that pick a high priority.
Dylan, Broncos just switched to 3-4 didn’t they but I beleive that the Packers run a 4-3. As far as Denver, I don’t know they’re numbers but I bet a lot of the success has to do with the offense or that NT is playing really well.
The Packers are running a 3-4 now. No wonder they drafted B.J. Raji.
Rex’s scheme makes it so his 3-4 sets aren’t as reliant on the NT as other schemes. Which is why our defense ripped through the Phins’ rushing attack the last game, after getting torched with Jenks in there. Yes, a massive NT is something they should look into, but it’s not a vital 1st-round type of need. Pouha is 330 pounds. Howard green is 320. Those are big bodies that can split time and replace Jenkins. From what I’ve seen Pouha has really stepped his game up and wants to show Rex that he is a player that Rex can rely on into the future. He’s old, but was a 26 year old rookie so he’s not football-years old. Depth on the lines is surely going to be one of the main focuses next season, but I believe the biggest need is a pass rushing DE/OLB hybrid (the one that Gholston was supposed to be).
I’m not too sure what to expect from Jenkins next year, but i’m definitely nervous about it. Cody would make sense, but who knows where the Jets will be picking or where Cody will be taken. We all know how unreliable mock drafts are, considering last years consistently had us taking Tyson Jackson at 17, and then he wound up being drafted 3rd overall.
The Jets biggest need is a pass rushing DE/OLB hybrid, like Sack said earlier.
Brendan,
I agree with you, but I find it hard to believe that Pouha is 330 pounds. He looks not much bigger than Shaun Ellis.
Igs, the Broncos defense is the reason for their success, being #3 in the league. And for what it’s worth neither of their two NT’s are over 305.
Can’t disagree with any of those statements, accept you never want to be in the position of compromising or working around a lack at any one position. If a NT is available, it is a the Jets biggest need – so take the NT. Forget Pouha. He’s trade bait for a 4-3 team. He doesn’t have the mean streak of JInx or a Jamal Williams.
But if you disagree, than what would you recommend the Jets target with their 1st pick?
JR,
Jets website lists him at 325. He is listed anywhere from 325-335 everywhere I look. Ellis is listed at 285 but I feel like he’s a little bigger than that.
Brendan, I never said anything about weight. The question is play. Not to mention, do you think Denver passes on a NT early if their guys aren’t getting it done? I don’t.
I don’t know a lot about Denver, but it is their 1st year in the 3-4 so they will continue to work on personnel.
igs,
The Broncos are ranked #2 in defense right behind us. They don’t have a talented nose tackle, but they use scheming to make up for it. They also have an extremely talented DE/OLB in Elvis Dumervil who draws a double team and consistently gets to the QB.
A good NT definitely makes it easier to succeed, but like the Broncos and Jets have shown, it definitely isn’t required to run a successful 3-4. The top 3 ranked defensive teams are the Jets, Broncos, and Packers, and currently none of them has a game changing NT.
and they all have 3-4 defenses.
What I was trying to show was you don’t need a 350 pound behemoth at the NT spot to have a good 3-4. Pouha and Devito have been disruptive their past 2 games. Why don’t you wait for the second half of the season before you deem Pouha unsuitable for our defense. Remember, we run 4 down lineman constantly. He is big enough for a 3-4 NT and, as you said, well suited for the 4-3. I’m excited to see what he does with his opportunity.
Dylan, what you’re pointing out to me is that there are teams that don’t have dominant NTs that have successful defenses. And I’m telling you that any team that can do that great, but you will find that these guys will still take a NT if given the opportunity. Both of those teams are in their first year of the 3-4 and still adjusting.
In addition, if the Broncos 3-4 tackle doesn’t have a big name, but he’s dominating on the field, then he’s a dominant NT. So how does that refute my point? I never said the guy had to be famous.
Also, the Packers have Raji and if he ain’t starting, trust me he’s in the plans no matter how well they play without him.
My point ultimately, as I said about WR – and obviously the FO agreed with me – is that scheming is fine when it’s a necessity, but better when it’s an option.
Brendan, I personally never brought up the point of size. For me, if you don’t fit the prototype size, but you play like the prototype London Fletcher, than that works for me.
I think the Jets need to bring in Mt. Cody or Arthur Jones with that 1st round pick. It’a a hard position to fill. So when you have a chance you fill it.
Check the other threads and I have been voicing my wish for Mt. Cody a lot. But he might be the only freak of nature (in terms of size & athletic ability) in the same mold as Jinx. So what happens when he’s taken ahead of us? Arthur Jones is a DE in a 3-4. BUT, Jones could be a vital piece in Rex’s puzzle because, as I have already said, he doesn’t prescribe to typical 3-4 responsibilities/positions. So on one play a guy like Jones could line up at 3-4 DE, then 46 DT, then 4-3 NT. Hence the beauty of Ryan’s system and the lack of a necessity to get a monster for the middle.
On Pouha, he was 325 when drafted and I don’t think the Jets have changed his officially listed weight since then. However, back in the offseason of 2007, it was reported that Pouha had been (surprisingly to many) asked to shed weight along with Zarnell Fitch in order that both were around 310, the same weight as DeWayne Robertson at that time. I guess this is because he wanted them to be interchangeable in the one-gap flexible NT role that Robertson played in Mangini’s 3-4.
When the Jets got Jenkins, I expected Pouha to add back the weight, but I don’t think he ever did. Having seen him with his pads off last weekend, I’d be shocked if he was anywhere near 330 now.
igs,
You said to name a dominant D that didnt have a monster NT so I did. By the logic you are using Pouha should be considered a dominant NT because he is performing well. We know however, that Pouha is an average player (who may or may not someday be good), succeeding because of the scheme which Ryan designed. Denver’s DT is NOT dominant, neither is the Packers, and neither is Pouha. All of them are nice players, but none can be used in the same sentence as Kris Jenkins. Like with any position, its always great to have talented players, but the scheme can often make up for a lack of talent.
Like I said before, Jenkins is an incredible player, and drafting a guy who can give us similar production would be great, but it is not 100% necessary for us to win. I would love to get a talented NT in the draft, but I would also be thrilled with a shutdown corner, or a talented pass rusher.
Bent,
Thats why I made that comment. I met Pouha at Hofstra this summer and he didnt look any bigger than 305.
The Jets should be picking in the late teens so expect to see Cody there. Jones is a DE but projects as either. He’ll remind you of Carriker, who I think would make a better DE. SO maybe you’re right about Jones. But 3-4 DE is also a big need.
Rex had Haloti Ngata in Baltimore. And he stilled schemed a lot of alternate fronts. So the Ravens would be example of scheming as part of your strategy vs scheming to a weakness in the team. I would also point at the Pats, the Steelers, etc, etc. If you have the opportunity, take your NT.
I agree with Brendan (and igs, I think) that ANY defensive lineman in the NT, DT or 3-4 DE mould should be considered and this scheme would find a use for them. However, a pass rusher would be nice too.
Someone mentioned Dumervil above and he was a guy I touted at the time, along with Darrell Tapp, both of whom went a little later because they are short (and would perhaps struggle against the run on a 4-man line). Since the Jets regularly send guys like Coleman and Strickland on blitzes, I don’t think height is a major issue for the pass rushers in this scheme. That undersized pass rush specialist might be the type of guy they could get with a 3rd round pick or something.
Right JR…officially there’s supposedly 60 pounds difference between Gholston and Pouha. It might not even be 30.
Dylan,
I posted this earlier. Please read so that I don’t have to do double work:
“Brendan, I personally never brought up the point of size. For me, if you don’t fit the prototype size, but you play like the prototype London Fletcher, than that works for me.”
So again, if the Packers and Broncos – both in their first year of the 3-4 – have NT that are making it happen then good for them. But like I said, BJ Raji for the packers is no small deal. And if the Broncos guys are getting it done, than they’re getting it done.
igs,
I agree that if there is a talented NT available it would definitely be a smart pick. I just don’t want the Jets to pass on a much greater talent in order to do so. I think DE, DT, CB, and OLB are all possibilities, and they should take the most talented player available at one of those positions. Cody should be the pick if he is available though.
I am very aware of who Jones is, because for whatever reason I still like and root for ‘Cuse. 3-4 depth/youth is absolutely a big need for the Jets next season. Basically, we need to get younger players in the trenches on both sides of the ball. My point is that Rex needs versatility more than size. While Ngata is a gigantic human being, it’s the fact he is so versatile that makes him so valuable. He starts at 3-4 DE, rotates in at 4-3 DT, 3-4 NT, 46 DT (at least he used to I haven’t watched much Ravens this year so I don’t know if they still run it) and he even drops into coverage. He is obviously physically gifted as much as almost any other D-lineman in the league, but the fact he can be used in such a variety of ways is a main piece of why Rex targeted him and urged the Ravens to draft him. Having a boulder in the middle isn’t as big of a need as having a player who can move up and down the line and create matchup problems for the offense.
The Jets should and most likely will address the D-line at some point during the offense. I just think that they need a big body ala Jenkins to do so. With the rotation Rex uses any talented D-linemen should be successful.
Woops I mean I DONT think they need a big body.
Brendan, I don’t necessarily disagree, but I think that player is first and foremost a DT that can dominate and takeover for JInx when he’s down. I mean, how often does Jinx play DE when he’s healthy? Exactly, but he’s always in the backfield or tied up with 3 blockers and that keys everything else into place when the defense is clicking.
As far as Gnata, what he is primarily in the NFL is a DE so that was a bad example on my part.
igs, not a bad example, as he could easily be a NT for any team in this league. The Ravens just have Kelly Gregg who is literally an anchor and does one of the most underrated jobs in the league.
Bent,
I think we mostly agree. For me the NT gets a slight nod in urgency over the DE, especially if Mt. Cody is still available.
Mt. Cody is expected to go all over the map, but I hate to admit that if we get a pick around the 20th or so in the first (where we should be) then we won’t get Cody. I can’t see him lasting that late, he seems like one of those 8-14 picks that is a stud from day 1.
Brendan,
I expect that the Jets will pick around 15,16,17. If Cody is gone by then, than someone is passing up on a prime prospect and something superb is going to fall to the Jets. Either way it works out. Cody should be there though because he has some work ethic issues, something that I think Rex can work with.
A lot of mocks have the Jets taking a WR. I’m glad they got Edwards because Damien Williams is the only guy that can really impose his will on the field. It would be a mistake for them to draft a WR at this point. The irony would be too much to resist also.
just watched rex’s presser – this gholston injury seems really fishy. he “tweaked a hamstring” on monday, which was just a walk through. very strange…
I would LOVE for Cody to fall to us. Since Suh from Nebraska is a top 5 pick, looking at the teams likely to pick from 6-15 or so, there are a few teams that could snatch up Cody.
Tennessee, which sorely missed Haynesworth this year, could look to get some size in the middle of it’s d-line since both of their DT’s are barely 300 pounds.
Seahawks, who don’t really have much talent in the middle, could use Cody to eat up blocks to keep lineman off their good, young LB’s.
San Fran, who have a very good NT right now, but who is primed to be a free agent at season’s end. If they don’t resign him, they’ll be looking for a replacement (and they have 2 first rounders that figure to be high picks).
Miami, Jason Ferguson is not getting any younger.
San Diego, same goes for Jamal Williams.
So those teams are all potential hurdles for Cody getting to the Jets. Then of course there are the draft-day curveballs that no one see’s coming.
Brendan,
Good layout. I would say Tennese is a good contender but if Vince Young doesn’t pan out this season they have to hit reset. Seahawks are dumb is they don’t get a QB and they also need a LT badly. I don’t think San Fran is dumb enough to create a hole, especially when they could put their team over the top with 2 1st round picks.
Do you think Miami will pick before the Jets?
Jamal Williams I expect will stay put. Like San Fran, San Diego is dumb if they create a hole there.
Well I doubt Jamal Williams is going anywhere, but he’ll be 34 next season and is coming off a season-ending triceps injury (after not being all that healthy last year). San Diego (if they end up below the Jets) would probably take a long, hard look at Cody.
I agree with your assessment of SF and Seattle, but they aren’t the best drafting teams ever. I think Seattle goes LT, but if SF let’s their NT walk in favor of using the money elsewhere, they could look to find his immediate replacement to help shield Willis from blockers.
I think Miami will pick before the Jets.
I’ve seen mock drafts with us taking Dez Bryant. Imagine an offense featuring Edwards, Cotchery, Keller, Bryant and Leon. UH OH
Oh come on, Dez Bryant has to be a top 10 pick. He is a TD machine. If NFL scouts let his less-than-stellar 40 time let him slip out of the top 10 then they just show how high they hold measurables. He is going to be very good, but is there room for him on the Jets? Don’t want to pick him at the expense of another position.
Brendan,
I dont think its a possibility, i’m just salivating at the thought of adding him to our young group of talented receivers.
Brendan, I agree with you there.
Revis, I don’t think Miami or San Diego actually pick before the Jets though. And Bryant is only bigger version of Cotchery and just isn’t a need. Bryant actually wont go in the top 20. Any team that has challenged him defensively have been able to make him disappear. Bad sign. When was he dominant this year?
I have faith in Mr T and Rex going into this year’s draft. The only thing Id bet money on is that they are going to draft Rex’s defensive guys early, as they went offense in this year’s draft.
igs,
He hasn’t done anything this year because the NCAA, in their infinite wisdom, suspended him for the season after just 3 games for visiting Deon Sanders. Don’t even get me started on how stupid that suspension was and how the NCAA is so arbitrary in their disciplining of players, because it’s beyond irresponsible. But yeah, that’d be why we haven’t heard of Dez this season at all, but in 3 games he had 323 yards and 4 td’s (19 yards per catch).
I’m all for drafting talent over need in the first round and if Cody is available (which I tend to doubt), then the Jets should pick him. Same with Dez Bryant (which I also doubt). From a need standpoint, the Jets just don’t have a pass rushing OLB/DE on the roster.
Igs,
Ellis is a good pass rusher, but he’s not a hybrid WILL/DE, he’s nearing the end of his career and he’s one of the most under-rated 3-4 LDEs in the NFL (but, he doesn’t play on the right side, the pass rush side). Pace is not a WILL. He can rush the passer, but he came to prominence as a SAM, not a WILL…Dansby was the WILL with the Cards (and a good one). The Jets are forced to play him at WILL, but I’d much prefer for him to stay on the left side. Pitoitua is a DL and not a pass rusher, so far. He might be the long-term answer at RDE, but he’s not a WILL. And, as for Gholston, I think Mangini projected him as the WILL, but right now he doesn’t really fit any front 7 position and he can’t rush the passer.
So, the Jets do not have a WILL/DE pass rusher and it’s the missing piece on the Jets defense. IMO, whether it’s the first round, free agency or later in the draft, a pass rusher from the right side is the biggest need.
For the record, right now Miami is 3-5 and a game behind the Jets, so if the draft were today, the Fins would pick after the Jets. I would say it’s likely that the Chargers will finish with the same or better record. But, the only team the Fins have shown they can beat is the Jets (accounting now for 67% of their wins) and I think they’ll struggle to hit .500. Actually, I’m very interested to see if Josh Freeman and the Bucs can knock them off this weekend.
Sack, you’re right there. Maybe Arthur Jones makes a good pick too if the Jets can get him later. I think brendan’s points about Cody ring true because Parcells wouldn’t pass on the guy and Jamal Williams is up there in age. SO they may target him.
Brendan, I watched Dez Bryant a couple of times this year. He’s not going to be very special in the NFL. He looks slow, sloppy, and underskilled in using his body. Maybe that will develop. Benn is actually a better WR but has similar issues.
Bryant is an incredible talent! We don’t really need a wide receiver right now, but if he drops to us, he might be too hard to pass up on. He put up 1480 yards and 19 TDs in his last full season and was on pace to put up just as impressive stats this year. He has ideal height and speed and will be a #1 receiver in the NFL. Whoever isn’t convinced needs to watch this highlight video. Unbelievable catches! I doubt he will be around when we pick anyway, but if he is, we definitely have to consider picking him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ5uPJGwscU
Dylan,
While I share you sentiment that he’ll be very good in the pro’s, he doesn’t have ideal speed. He runs in the 4.5-4.6 range. He’s big, he can jump, he has excellent hands, and uses his body well to out-muscle receivers. He just doesn’t have that breakaway speed, but he has enough speed to be effective. To me, he is very much in the same mold physically as Michael Crabtree.
I agree he is similar to Crabtree in that he has great hands and is physical. He has a height advantage which is a pretty big deal since it allows him to win jump balls and makes him a viable redzone target. He is slower than Crabtree but is more athletic, and his height allows him to catch balls even when he is covered. i don’t know if he is the right pick for the Jets, but I really like his potential.
He actually reminds me of Braylond Edwards as well, but with slightly less speed and better hands.
With Bryant you can talk all day about stats. But when I see the guy on the field I just don’t see a marquee WR. At best he is a possession receiver. I’m willing to bet anyone money that he falls out of the top 20 when all is said and done. It would be a mistake to take him. he Jets just don’t need another Jericho Cotchery.
More athletic than Crabtree? Have you guys actually watched this guy play this season?
igs,
Bryant is nothing like Cotchery. The only similarity they have is their speed and hands. Cotchery is a possession receiver, and I think Bryant is going to be a playmaker because of his height, his toughness, and his athleticism. Btw Benn has terrible hands and has put up awful numbers this year, which is why he is now considered a 2nd round pick instead of a top 15 pick.
I haven’t watched him this year since he has barely played, but I watched him a few times last year and his highlights display his athleticism pretty well.
Dylan, here we go again. I get the feeling you haven’t watched this guy play. Trust me, he’s a possession reciever. At most he is Anquan Bolden, whch is nice but not a need. Even if you haven’t watched his this year, read the scouting reports – as I kept telling you guys with Sanchez – Bryant translates as a possession reciever in the NFL. He’s pushing around boys in the NCAA. And whenever he’s been challenged by a defense he hasn’t produced.
Ben is more athletic but, like I said, has similar problems. If he has bad hands so be it, I don’t want him either.
Gotta go. My recommendations are Mt. Cody or Arthur Jones. As for Bryant, I’m telling you guys, watch him when he plays against a strong defense. The guy does not have the ability to take over a game. That for me is the mark of a true #1 X receiver.
igs,
When exactly was he challenged and didn’t produce?
In the last 2 years he only has 2 games where he has under 74 receiving yards. One of those games he had 4 catches for 47 yds, and in the other he didn’t have any receptions or yards and it was in a blowout win so he probably got injured or something. In his bowl game last year he had 13 catches for 167 yards and a TD. I think you are right in the fact that he is similar to Boldin, but I think he has more playmaking ability.
I don’t think the Jets need a receiver, and they probably wont pick one, but if he drops a lot and is the best player available, they might have to consider taking him. I highly doubt that will happen though, and if there is similar talent available at DE, DT, or CB then they will go with one of those positions.
Dylan,
I think the game I saw was the Georgia game where he did have – as I’m looking at the stats now – 2 touchdowns and 77 yards. I believe one was on a big gainer play fake. But in that game he dropped a lot of balls and the Georgia DBs were much more physical than Bryant on the field. He actually just wasn’t present for much of the game. I remember watching the guy and thinking, this guy just isn’t a dominant WR. He’s going to get dominated in the NFL. And a lot of scouts’ early assessments have been the same.
Walter is my go to guy for draftniking. Here is his Dez Bryant report:
http://www.walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2010dbryant.php
Here is a quote:
“Bryant is a talented receiver, but he doesn’t seem to project as a No. 1 wideout at the next level. He has the skill set of a dominant No. 2 who can really help a quarterback in the red zone and on third down.”
no room on the team for another receiver. edwards, J-Co, clown, smith and wallace are as solid a group as we will need
my hope is to go OL and DL early and often in the 2010 draft
Brian I agree. I wold add that this is the perfect time for the Jets to grab a project WR in the 3rd/4th/5th and maybe some line depth. When I say project I don’t mean a guy like Marcus Henry, I mean a guy like Mario Ramses Barden or something.
igs,
Walter also had Percy Harvin ranked as below 4th round talent and the guy is probably going to win rookie of the year.
http://walterfootball.com/mattdraft2009bigboard.php
Personally, i think combine speed is an overrated stat when it comes to WRs. Just look at Marshall (4.55), Bowe (4.51), Ochocinco (4.54), and Boldin (4.75) just to name a few.
Obviously we disagree on Bryants potential but its pointless arguing about it since we wont know until about a year from now. Best case scenario a good DE or NT is available anyway.
Pretty refreshing that it’s a little bit hard to think of team needs. Positions I would target, in order:
1- Pass-rushing linebacker to play the will.
2- OL, really any position or a guy who can play several
3- DT or NT. Don’t think it’s a huge diference. Big guy.
4- Secondary. Could go safety or corner depending on who’s available where.
5/6- Punter/kicker. Come on already.
I don’t really consider WR a need position. There are some young guys who could start contributing more if sanchez turns into the real thing. Edwards, Cotchery, Keller, Clowney, and Leon are all legit weapons in the passing game.
IF they retain Edwards it would be ridiculous to draft a WR.
Defensive Line, any position, is the greatest need on this team, immediately followed by Defensive Line, again, not a mistake.
De/NT, NT/DE, one way or the other.
If you get a pass rush you can live with current secondary and LB.
While Jenkins might indeed contribute (hope he is more diligent in his rehab than he was last time, this is what got him in trouble down there) there is no way they will know his status by April so need to pick a NT even if Pouha proves solid.
But of course they will probably trade the entire draft and move up for a blocking TE ;-)
And draft a Punter on the second day, please!!
Wise Old,
“But of course they will probably trade the entire draft and move up for a blocking TE ;-)”
PLEASE NO!!! DONT JINX IT MAN!!!!
HaHa- You have probably have been scarred by the Leon Hess regime and Kyle Brady, Johnny Mitchell, etc
I know you were just kidding- I believe and PRAY the Jets and this regime are WAY PAST those days!
Will drafting a punter solve all their issues? They ended up with TJ Conley this year who had a sixth round grade anyway. Had they drafted him, that would have just been a wasted pick!
First round pick: Punter.
Dylan,
Good call. One thing though, I’m not really so interested in combine speeds. Also dont be so quick to anoint Harvin. One of the reason Walter saw his stock dropping was the injury issues. That can happen within the next 2 years and Harvin would still officially be considered a bust. But still a good point. But still I have used Walter as an example of what quite a few scouts are saying about Bryan, that he will not translate to an X reciever. But we do agree about the defensive line.
Anyway, looking at Walters new mock draft, here is a tidbit about the Broncos NT situation in reference to our earlier conversation:
“Nose tackle Ronald Fields has been having a solid year. However, I wouldn’t consider him an elite nose tackle. With Terrence Cody on the roster, Fields can slide outside to upgrade one of the 3-4 end positions, which is a huge need for the Broncos. That’s two upgrades for the price of one.”
He actually has the Jets passing on Cody for a CB. But I would hope the Jets are smarter than that. It’s easier to get a corner than a NT.