As we grind closer to the end of the lockout it's probably worth revisiting the list of players without a team after the 2011 draft. The whole list is here: http://thenationalfootballreport.com/2011/04/30/list-of-best-udfas-for-2011-nfl-draft/ In the interest of space I only listed the legitimate need positions (we probably don't need to hunt through the pile for a sixth running back), so figured just defense for now is enough. Defensive Tackles Ian Williams Martin Parker Colby Whitlock Olli Ogbu Mike Blanc Ced Thornton John Graves Ted Laurent Linebackers Mark Herzlich Kenny Rowe Ugo Chinasa Steven Friday Justin Trattou Marc Schiechl Winson Venable Michael Morgan Jeremiha Hunter Justin Gent Scott lutrus Josh Bynes Mario Harvey Orie Lemon Archie Donald Nick Bellore Alex Wujcak Mike Mele Ben Jacobs Cornerbacks Ryan Hill Kevin Rutland Darrin Walls Kendric Burney Andrew McGee Mario Butler Safeties DeAndre McDaniel Deunta Williams TeJay Johnson Will Hill Jerrard tarrant Mana Silva Brett Greenwood Jeron Johnson Byron Landor Joe Lefeged David Sims Dom Decicco Davonte Shannon Davon Morgan I gotta admit I was shocked some of these guys didn't land somewhere already, especially from the DB list. Who might Tanny be targeting? And more importantly, who can actually help us?
I hope Tanny takes his shopping cart down the Safety aisle....looks like there are bargains to be had.
Watched Wujcak play at maryland and he was one of our best players. I wouldnt be surprised to see him have success in the nfl. Reminds me of a westoff guy...
Luis Enrique - Latin Music Star He may not play football but he sings the widely popular song 'Yo No Sè Mañana'. Being that Sanchez is a beaner signing Enrique will likely boost locker room moral and overall quarterback play. We can probably fit him on the practice squad.
Agreed. Deunta Williams could be solid with a year or two under Rex's coaching. I hope Tanny was giving him the wink/nod on the third day of the draft right before everything closed down again.
He's not hurt anymore. His injury was just very serious. Anyone that signs as a UDFA in 2011 will likely only stick around on a team as a practice squad player. It's going to be tough for guys to make teams this year.
Nobody's really paying attention to specials. The kick and punt coverage units are most likely going to lose Brad Smith and Eric Smith/James Ihedigbo. Westhoff will have some work to do...lucky for us, he's the best special teams coach in the game. If this team wants to save some cash, they need to find defensive backs that can play and make an impact right away on special teams. UNC's Kendric Burney, Buffalo's Davonte Shannon, and Rutgers' Joe Lefeged should be the DBs this team goes after. As much as I like James Ihedigbo and Eric Smith, they have the ability to fill those roles at a cheaper price. I have a feeling we'll keep one of the two when it comes to Smith and Ihedigbo.
Besides safety I think we should sign some ILBs. There are many solid ones available, like Mario Harvey, Mark Herzlich, Alex Wujcak, and Steven Friday ( I think he can become a little bart and can also play some OLB).
Alex Wujiak is from New Jersey. If he's working out/training at home, he might try to sign on with the Jets or Giants.
E. Cook has a chance to stick with us considering his ST abilities and the fact he's already been here for 2 TCs and half a season. I'd love it if we gave Friday a shot... I wanted him in the late rds...
Scott Lutrus, Mario Harvey, Joe Lefeged, Jeron Johnson, and Deunta Williams are all names i'd be happy to see us pick up.
^ Hell yeah to Harvey. We really need to groom an insurance policy in case Harris ever gets hurt (or someone breaks a chair over Scott's head).
those are my personal favorites, I think they all have a shot to make it into the league as UDFA's. Not necessarily this year, since they might not even be signed more than a day before camps open, but they could stick as PS guys, and eventually make rosters next year...
I'd like to see Steven Friday, Ben Jacobs, and DeAndre McDaniel on this team. Friday looks and plays like a LB, he didn't look natural playing DE for the Hokies last season. Ben Jacobs is a special teams ace and not too shabby of a ILB either, although he has his struggles with coverage. DeAndre McDaniel could definitely be a starting SS in this league, surprised no one even took a late flyer on him. I can't imagine his incident with his girlfriend soured everyone's opinion on him...
I would like to see the Jets try to add Tom Keiser out of Stanford. I do not think he is a difference maker at this point, but would be helped with adding a little more size. From what I have read he has a high motor and should contribute on STs. I think he is worth a shot for Scout Team.
Funny, I've been salivating all off season so anxious to go after those UFA, but hadn't really considered this. That must really fucking suck for these kids who likely had the talent to make the back end of a roster this year but now may not. Flip side may be that player conditioning isn't as solid as it has been, so maybe more injuries and opportunities for the kids there. But that fucking sucks. That said, I am curious about how you rank the top 3 safeties the Jets should make a push for. Do you think the stupid rule changes will have a significant impact on special teams where the priority of getting really good tools for Westhoff drops significantly?
If we're talking UDFAs: 1. Joe Lefeged 2. DeAndre McDaniel 3. Deunta Williams I'll still never understand the seventh round of the draft. The fact that GMs are drafting a bunch of trash from FCS and Division III schools over this kind of talent is beyond me. Hopefully we'll be able to retain most of our special teamers. Brad Smith wasn't just an excellent return man, he was great on coverage units. ...so was Wallace Wright and the Jets did fine without him.
Some names from PFW and Nawrocki's list: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/01/highest-ranked-players-who-went-undrafted Top 5: Johnson, SS, Boise - McDaniel, SS, Clemson - Bellore, ILB, C. Michigan - Lefeged, SS, Rutgers - Adams, WR, Auburn (no D. Williams on the list... I wonder why -.-")
