Just wanted to post an observation regarding the Jets front office over the past few years. Unlike the rest of us who spend time trading players in Madden 08, the Jets front office has clearly (IMO) designated value to the "economic chips" of building the Jets team: free agents, draft picks and trades. Now what is it I exactly mean? Lets take the Vilma trade for example: The Jets selected Vilma in the early/mid-first round when they were playing a 4-3 defense. After Harm Edwards left and Mangini was hired, the Jets switched to a 3-4 defense. Vilma played ILB in 2006 and his production clearly dropped as his physical stature limited him in a 3-4 defense. The Jets gave him another year in 2007 to see if he could work through the kinks (in the interim they drafted David Harris as insurance). When it was apparant in 2007 that it wasn't working out, Harris was inserted into the line-up and Vilma was shutdown the rest of the year to get his knee better. According to reports, the Jets have now moved Vilma to the Saints (a 4-3 defensive team) that will better suit his style. The trade is for a conditional draft pick in 2009. I am assuming the worst the Jets will do is 4th rd pick, with probably a sliding scale up depending upon performance. What does this mean? Well if the Vilma can't play for the Saints because of his injury, the Jets are still compensated with the low end pick. Which is fine - cause he wasn't doing anything here in the 3-4 healthy or hurt. If he performs adequately the Jets get better value AND if he performs at a Pro Bowl level, the Jets get compensated with a much higher pick. It is a win-win scenario for all. Examining the Jenkins trade: The Jets have reportedly acquired DT Kris Jenkins (6-4, 345) from the Panthers for a 2008 3rd and 5th rd pick. The Jets get a Pro-Bowl calibar DT with the ideal size and weight to play 3-4 NT and who is know to be a run stopper and DT capable of demanding a double team. What was the Jets biggest problem on defense last year (see Redskins game!!!!)? Stopping the run and consistently have DRob taken out of the play by one offensive lineman. Imagine David Harris's production behind a NT that is now occupying 2 offensive lineman??? What does this mean for the Jets defensive? Well Kenyon Coleman just got a whole lot better and so did Ellis if he sticks around. Obtain a pass rushing weakside OLB/DE in either FA or the draft and you have a formidable defense that allows Bryan Thomas to return to his natural strongside OLB position. For the price of a 3rd and 5th rd pick (Those are two potential Schlegals and Posiacks) the Jets traded for and acquired a PRO BOWL TALENT at the most important position in a 3-4 defense: the NOSE TACKLE. The Jets future options in the draft and FA: As of today, the Jets have traded Vilma, a 2008 3rd rd pick and 2008 5th rd pick for Kris Jenkins and a 2009 conditional pick (potential rds 2-4). This provides the Jets with options regarding DRob - they can play him at defensive end (where his speed and quickness are actually an asset) or they can trade him to acquire additional picks/players for 2008 and beyond. This also alleviates the need for the Jets to pick a bad fit in Dorsey or Ellis with the #6 pick. Both players at DT are clones of DRob - better equipped for 4-3 DT than a 3-4 NT. Should the Jets sign Faneca at Guard and perhaps a RT such as Shane Olivea, they would substantially upgrade the O-line. This would allow the Jets to potentially pick Gholsten (unless they sign a Pace) OR if McFadden is available, the Jets now have the option to take him or perhaps trade with the Cowboys, thereby recouping picks further down in the 1st round. If Ryan is available, and they are convinced he is the "man," they can now pull the trigger. Or if they trade down in RD 1, maybe you take a flier on a Joe Flacco with the High #2 or low #1 pick. Summing up: The two moves made today have given the Jets options and opportunity in addition to filling critical needs. Anyone who is upset with the moves made by the Jets FO simply doesn't understand the value of free agents/trades/picks in building a team AND doesn't understand what this FO has methodically and systemically attempted to accomplish.
I'm with you brother. I'd add one other thing and that is with the Kendall pick and now the Vilma pick, the FO is working to build today and stockpile for the future. I for one am pumped!
Actually, I disagree on Dorsey, I think he could fit very well as a 3-4 end. Dorsey reminds me a lot of Richard Seymour. I believe Thomas's naturaly position is weakside.
Now that we have a DT, this is what will the Jets will need to address next to make this defense one of the best in the league. The defense is really something to get excited about. We've seen the potential for the past 2 seasons after the bye week. If they grab a pass rusher and come out firing on all cylinders from the beginning of the season, the Jets could be a lot of fun to watch next year.
Thomas doesn't have the speed to rush the passer from the OLB/DE position on the weakside. As we saw this past year, when he lined up over LT, he simply wasn't effective. When you line him up over RT, because he plays the run so well he is a much better fit. In 2006, he played over the RT and was not only a force against the run but was able to chip in 8.5 sacks as well. This year he was out of position simply by necessity.
Great post. I really like what our FO does in the Offseason. The only mistake they made was to evaluate the Teams talent wrong last year, but many fans, experts and whatever did, too. They realized their mistake and now correct it. They do a great job of beeing set before Draftday, this allows them to go for the players, they think are the best, nomatter what position they play. Let?s hope they can fix the QB-Problem within the next 15 months, and the future is bright.
The only mistake they made in last year's evaluation of the team was just how much of an effect losing Kendall would have on the offense. It was catastrophic. Still, IF we end up with Faneca out of this, combine that with the 4th round pick we got for Kendall, and the Jets have done very well for themselves in the long run. In regards to the RT spot... I don't think there is any way they could've known that Clement would regress as badly as he did. He was 100 times better in 06 than 07. To me that is poor coaching, and the Jets fixed that too.
I am thrilled after many many many many years the FO is trying to make a splash in free agency. Building through the draft is great and all but in today's NFL its win now. In order to do so, you have to sign/have a couple of big time players on your roster.
Great post mayne. I agree with just about everything there. Very good outlook on things. That post should even make the doubters cheer up.
Excellent post..Every move triggers another move and another..etc..I will say it again, EM and MT are smart and there plugging big holes and taking calculated risks, which you have to do if you want to be successful in the NFL.Every FO makes mistakes..You are dealing in human beings and all the baggage we all bring to any endeavor. Its always comes down to your best "guesstimate" on a player. This will be a new Jet team that lines up this fall and I for one am pretty pumped about the possibilities.
The OP is spot on with all that was said. Actually, most of the recent SB teams have not been the kind to make the huge splashes in free agency, but have built through the draft and retained the core players they have drafted. Free agents are great to fill a gap, but the way our current FO is headed is the way to build a winner. Trading some misused or Malcontent talent for another player or picks is different then throwing huge paydays at people. Faneca , or another O-lineman, would seem to be a must. That gaping hole in the line must be filled. After that we need to sign value FA's (read not 11mill coners) to either add the pass rushing OLB or another lineman.
Awesome post. I think the FO knew what they had to do and are executing it very well. I can't wait to see how this all pans out but think of it like this. THe best is yet to come. Last year was awful but we are turning it around. Things are only getting better. Futures so bright.....i got to wear ...shades!!
