I can't remember any other draft that was this gut-wrenching, particularly the tail end of it today, with the exodus of Faneca and Leon thrown in. But okay, we jettisoned an aging (and let's all face it) diminishing O-linesman and a dearly loved (but injured) running back and (on paper) replaced them with youthful, healthy guys in road-grader Ducasse and McNight. We also dumped the questionable RB Jones, but picked up the heir-apparent to aged FB Richardson in possibly the best FB in the draft, Connor. And let's not leave out our 1st pick, CB Wilson, who is versitile enough to fill in at other DB spots while doing returns. Then there's Edwards, Cromartie and Holmes that came of this draft by virtue of giving up the picks for them. All starters. At the end of the day, maybe it wasn't so bad. We did a lot of spring cleaning and got rid of marginal or non-contributing players who, although one-time greats, are no longer that. And the biggest accomplishment of all is that we acquired youth in their place, and youth is what it's going to take to be a winner for the long haul. Okay, we didn't address D-line issues at all and this is a problem (or can be a potential nightmare, depending upon injuries). But we can't do it all in one draft and there's always Free-Agency. Maybe Tanny can polish up the edges this summer before the final tally is in. Overall, I think I'm okay with this draft now, but 3 hours ago I wasn't. What a roller coaster. Never saw a draft day this gut-wrenching.
I didn't mind it at all. Leon didn't contribute much to our run last year. DL will be addressed when Jenkins comes back. Faneca was a liability in pass blocking, and keeping him might mean that we don't keep Revis, Brick, Mangold or other more important guys. Edit: Regarding TJ, anyone who watched him last year (especially during the playoffs) could tell that he was done. Any JAG could compile his yardage with the kind of holes our OL was opening up front.
Honestly though....Jenkins' injury (tearing ACL) though is not anatomically similar to Leon's injury (bone break) they are similar in terms of devastation and longevity of recovery. I think the Jenkins injury is sorely ignored. The guy tore his ACL and he is over 315 pounds. I'm not sure hell be 100% either.
I didn't think it was gut-wrenching at all. I expected Faneca to be let go, and Leon Washington, though loved by all, would have been our #3 guy. Not to mention he just came off a horrific leg injury. LEG, as in what a RB relies on.
Couldn't have said it better myself. Faneca is aging, and his skills have diminished. Read some article on Football Outsiders the other week, and they basically proved that Faneca had the worst season of any LG in the league. We really needed to upgrade this position. The fact that he makes $7 mil this year is also a big reason he got let go. Leon was much loved by Jets fans, but is anyone here willing to bet the house that he can return to his old self after that horrible injury? I'm certainly not. Joe McKnight is great value where he got taken and should fill in nicely. Let's face it, too. The ball is going to Shonn Greene and LT. There just aren't enough touches for Leon given the current depth chart.
But we have insurance with Pouha, who did extremely well when Jenkins was lost. We'll likely pick up more depth after the draft is over, and may end up picking a DT in the first round of 2011.
Pouha proving his worth means Jenkins may get a little more rest throughout the season...as well as maybe even some time at DE. ---Cuts will still be made by other teams...as well as UDFA's...more players are coming to our roster.
Good point. I love Tony Richardson, but I'm wondering how well Connor will do in camp and if we'll try to get him in the mix. I'd love to see what LT or Greene can do behind the punishing blocker Connor.
Whats wrenching my gut is the guys who are still on the board in the 6th and 7th and how we need to hope they last until UDFA.
I've had a ball this draft, no real needs, could take BPA if needed. Its been nice to not have to bite my nails over picks. Thought we might have addressed DL / OLB, but f me, very happy with all the FAs + draft. Brilliant.
I posted this is the draft forum, but I think it should be said again. I love this draft for the simple reason it seems each coach got a new toy: Rex/Pettine: K. Wilson B. Callahan: Ducasse Schotty: McKnight Westoff: Conner Wilson and Conner, and maybe even McKnight immediately play a role on special teams, too. Conner, obviously with the offense, too.
Oh, believe me, I started out Thursday night more relaxed than any other year, because of all the deals Tanny made. Like you, I was all set for a nice, relaxing draft. Then along came the Ducasse pick and I said to myself, "Well, that's great. He can study under Faneca. Terrific." Then Faneca gets bounced and I'm like, WTF? This kid's not ready for prime time! Then the Leon thing and I went ballistic. I had no idea Leon was as bad off as he must be and the thought of McNight being a Leon replacement was too over the top for me. "What TF are they doing in that draft room?" Now it's all settling down in my mind and I'm okay with it all now. Certainly had my blood pressure going for awhile though.
Yeah, excellent point because everyone gets to go hands on. Throw in Cromartie and Holmes and you've got some busy coaching this summer. Should be a great camp to watch. Can't wait for TC.
I don't mind the losses of today's players I thank them for what they did for us but its time for either young blood or fresh legs. I'm not thrilled with today's picks but hopefully they help us in our efforts to win the SB. I would have really liked some fresh legs on the DL but Im hoping Rodrique Wright is more then we thought
haha, understood. I too pretty much had the same reaction. Got forced to the beach today (grrrr) and came back to what I thought was an apocalyptic meltdown, but it all now seems fairly logical, and now looks good to me.
I love how every mention of what we have done this off-season leaves out Taylor. I understand the hate but Ryan and company is netting the farm on him still being productive.
This is an excellent, excellent point. Undrafted guys are always underrated, but what we have going for us right now is, this is the NY Jets we're talkin' about. "Hey kid, we see you didn't get drafted. How'd you like to come up to NY and try out for the NY Jets?" "Are you f**king kidding? I'll be there tomorrow morning!" There are going to be a lot of guys dying for a chance to play on this team now. F/A will be a ball too.
