http://www.newsday.com/sports/footb...48027jan11,0,2174291.story?coll=ny-jets-print Tannenbaum wants ducks in a row before draft BY TOM ROCK Newsday Staff Writer January 11, 2007 Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum has a combination of cash, clout and college seniors with which to assemble the 2007 roster. "Once we are done with the critical analysis of our team, Eric [Mangini] and I will assemble our lists of 'musts and needs,'" he said yesterday. "We will pursue those 'musts and needs' as soon as the offseason begins, be it offense, defense or special teams." Tannenbaum, who has almost $30 million of space under the salary cap, wants to have the roster set as much as he can before the April draft; he has a first-round pick, two in the second, and third-, fifth- and sixth-rounders. "I don't want to go into the draft saying, 'We have to get X or Y,' because based on history what I have learned is that is when mistakes can be made," he said. "I would like to have as few moving parts as possible ... because then we can capitalize on opportunities if they are presented and take what is best value." That likely means contract extensions for wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery and linebacker Victor Hobson, who can be free agents after the 2007 season, and decisions on players such as wide receiver Justin McCareins, running backs Derrick Blaylock and Kevan Barlow and linebacker Eric Barton. Among other significant items brought up during Tannenbaum's season wrapup: The Jets believe they have flexibility with nose tackle Dewayne Robertson, meaning he could play over center or at end. Tannenbaum said he was disappointed with the production of defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen but praised his contributions in "intangibles." The Jets likely will continue the running back-by-committee approach, but the personnel will surely change, and they like Leon Washington in that system. After making the playoffs, Mangini might be in line for a raise and an extension (the Jets did that with Herman Edwards after his first season).
Good article. I like the way the foot is still to the floor and both short and long term plans are being addressed. I still think that Houston will be there with Washington unless we get someone like Lynch. With that amount of cap room we should be able to tie up our better players and still have enough to make a dent in FA.
I like how Tanginibaum praises Kimo's intangibles. What intangibles are those? The ability to lose your breath after two plays?
:rofl: Heh. Probably his knowledge of the 3-4 he relayed to Ellis, Robertson, and Mosley. That's just about it, because in Pittsburgh he was good in the 3-4. At this point he is just out of gas.
I still don't see what the problem is with Barton and why he is constantly discussed as a potential cut. Either way, I have always been a fan of drafting based on value instead of reaching, so I can't argue with his statements. As for the "intangibles" thing, it's just a nice way of saying, "YOU SUCK!"
Weird. Most articles seem to suggest that Tannenbaum is looking to build solely through the draft but this article kinda infers that fere agency will be their focus.
I like this approach. If you can fill holes with quality players, then you can draft guys on talent rather than having to pass on a guy at a certian position because he's not in a position of need.
You gotta love Tannenbaum. Draft the best player available. Sign your younger players to extensions tying them to the team earlier rather than waiting until the last minute. Keep the moving parts to a minimum to allow yourself to build some key depth. That doesn't sound like a Jets plan to me. It sounds like the Steelers and the Eagles.
I'm with you on Barton , hes not the greatest but he has made good plays. Hobson has stepped up so maybe thats pushed out Barton out of favour. Could we be looking to draft an outside pass rusher????
