Link: The Song Remains (Kind of) The Same
In yesterday’s NY Times, Greg Bishop wrote a compelling article about how different Florham Park is from a year ago. While players a year ago were rehabbing, and the team moved to bolster their needs, the lockout has created a totally different environment just a year later. Bishop writes about a number of these threads, and looks to the next chance the Jets could get to add talent to their roster, and wonders if a different strategy will be enacted for the 2011 Draft.
In recent seasons, Tannenbaum had earned the nickname Trader Mike, plugging holes by swapping players for draft picks. He added Cromartie and defensive tackle Kris Jenkins in trades, but he also added them early into off-seasons, allowing them time to adjust to new systems, coaches and teammates. The longer the lockout lasts, the less likely it will be that Tannenbaum can consummate similar trades. And any players he may acquire will have less time to learn the Jets’ system.
As a result, Tannenbaum could alter his draft philosophy. Most seasons, he selects the most talented player available, regardless of need or position. In this season of the lockout, with needs on the defensive line and at safety, and with three key receivers potentially free agents, he could elect to draft players for specific positions.
It’s a fair question. With large gaps on the roster (for instance at the DL) would the Jets go for the player still on the board that they think can start out of the gate Week One? I do think it’s possible, but I also think that the Jets will temper it with the knowledge that they will get to add players to their roster via free agency as well at some point later on … of course the concern is how close will that date be to the start of training camp … as Bishop points out, the longer that a veteran can crack the books on the Jets system, the more likely they’re being set up for success.
5 Responses to Link: The Song Remains (Kind of) The Same
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@Neville, That was a horrible trade. Yet, to be fair Jets got a second rounder in return. Jolley was a pass catching tight end, and the Jets needed blocking.
Nugent was a knee jerk reaction to the Jets blowing two field goals to Pittsburgh in the playoffs. Obviously, we’ve had some issues with Ohio State players (though Gholston was Mangini’s pick, not Mr T.).
Actually, there’s Kicker/Punter in the late rounds that would be a good pick up. This way, we can carry another player on the roster. Last year, I had hoped for Zoltan (Punter), but New England nabbed him – damn!
I feel the same way about Oregon Ducks star Defensive Back, Chung. Double-Damn! Hopefully, New England doesn’t get Bailor Tailor!!!
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I found it interesting that Westhoff mentioned today that while he expects the team to draft a defensive player (pass rush or dline), if a “great WR” was available at 30, he would be a “temptation” for the Jets.
A comment like that does sort of make me wonder if the Jets, for as much as it’s been said, really do plan to bring back both top WRs or not.
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As I understand it, one of the problems is that if the players are granted an injunction and the league continues under the rules of 2010, then the Jets are in even tougher spot because of the asinine “Final Four” rules that prohibit them from openly signing free agents.
That might make an already ugly off-season even uglier.
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Bent says: Yes, and the rules are that much more restrictive this time because there will be more UFAs.
However, remember that cut players don’t count as UFAs for matching purposes and at least the Jets will have some outgoing UFAs this time.
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Hopefully we can trade our first round pick for a backup TE and draft a kicker in the 2nd round. Super Bool!