Jets team needs(in no particular order): OL, DL, LB, CB, TE. These are guys that won't break the bank and could provide us with solid starters or solid depth. No Joey Porter or Leonard Davis here, but a few guys that might not be so talked about. OL The Jets need a tackle, but they also need a guard. Pete Kendall could drop off any minute now and Brandon Moore is a guy who could be upgraded and at the very least needs to be pushed or rotated. An upgrade at the position could significantly impact the running game. Kris Deilman- Brandon Moore is an adequate starter and Pete Kendall is the leader of this line, but he could drop off any year now and the Jets might be in trouble. Deilman was part of a Chargers offensive line that dominated at the point of attack in the best season of LT's career. Probably the best Mangini type out there. Eric Steinbach- Technically sound, athletic guard. 26 years old and can play center and tackle(but only in a pinch). Very good in space. If we can keep him away from boats, he'd be a great pickup. Mike Gandy- Could provide excellent depth as a swing tackle and guard. Might get starter money somewhere but if he doesn't, he's a nice player to have around who could start or come off the bench. Lots of experience in the division. Sean Mahan- Can play guard and center. Another versatile lineman who can play in space and is fundamentally sound. DL Robaire Smith- I don't know that he liked playing in the 3-4 in Houston, but at 6-4 and 328 he has the type of size to rotate inside and play meaningful snaps on the outside. He would certainly represent an upgrade over what we have and will probably be cheap at this point and better than Bobby Hamilton was last year(and maybe Von Oldhoffen) Aubrayo Franklin- Short stout guy who played some nose in Baltimore. A nice gap filler who could benefit from some conditioning. Tommy Kelly- I think he's a no brainer. Big, nasty, and probably inexpensive. Alfonso Boone- Still has some gas left in the tank. One of the big reasons Urlacher has excelled and has the size to play inside in a 3-4. This is a big, strong man. LB Jarrett Johnson- Perfect type of player for the multiple looks Mangini likes to run. Tully Banta Cain- Same as above, but experienced in the specific scheme. This guy might be more of a pure pass rusher than linebacker, but he's pretty sound in that department. CB Roderick Hood- To me this is a no brainer. Young, can play special teams, pretty good size, and man-to-man skills. TE Aside from Daniel Graham, I don't see many upgrades over what we already have. There are an abundance of "guys" at the position. -X-
At TE, Marcus Pollard may be cut (although he is getting old in football terms). Also, I believe, Eric Johnson is available...he has injury issues, but is probably would be inexpensive.
I'll just skip the blond locks comment. I like sensible signings, a couple players who I think would fit in that category that you missed: Sean Locklear, Anthony Herrera and Niko Koutivides - all three provide excellent versatility and good depth - though Locklear might be a starter. I also like Tony Pashos - just a tough, smart player, though I'm not sure he's be much of an upgrade over Clements.
I have no idea where this Banta-Cain hype came from, but I don't like him at all. I don't really get why every Jets FA list out there (newspapers, internet) has us interested in this guy. Why? Cause he's a Patriot?
Yes, that is exactly why. I would anticipate that due to Mangini and the new QB coach, most Patriot FA will be "rumored to be of interest to the Jets." The only Patriot I would want this offseason is Corey Dillon.
eric johnson is good...especially to have for 2 te sets if he can play anywhere near how he did in 04' im all for it...an 825 yd season baker has 902 yards in his 5 year career the combo would be nice
Banta Cain is hot because he did a good job when Seau went down and is very coachable. It's very difficult to gauge whether or not a guy who plays defensive end in college will transition well to the 3-4, so teams would prefer to spend the money on a guy who had some pretty solid results and has made the transition. In Tully's case, he's not going to cost that much, and if he doesn't work out, you have a guy who you know is a quality backup and an excellent special teamer. He's a win-win. -X-
A player I'd like the Jets to consider....Antwan Peek OLB..Houston Texans. Peek's play has stepped up in the past couple of years and would be a nice fit
Per blonde locks, I think he's just engaging in some homoerotic humor between ex-college roommates. I've got a lot of hair on my head. Those are all some nice players, but I tried to stay away from Restricted free agents since I don't know what their tender is. If Locklear has a reasonable tender he might be worth a look. The other two guys I wouldn't really sacrifice a pick for. Pashos might be a good addition. -X-
He was benched by the Pats in the biggest game of the season. He's young, and plays a position in which they have NO depth. If he was any good at all, they'd be going all out to re-sign him.
Kenyon Coleman is a guy who I like just as much as Kelly, and I think we have a legitimate shot there. -X-
I agree, and I also like that you included Franklin. I've been pimping him for weeks but haven't heard squat on that front. I would love to get one of the guards as well...
Nice post. I like Coleman a lot, and you said it best about Hood--it's a no-brainer. These two guys should be our top priorities this offseason.
Not bad, but not on the level of Dielman and Steinbach. An upgrade though in my opinion. His only downfall is the number of penalties he gets, he would probably lose 50 pounds in training camp just running Mangini's penalty laps...
Pretty good list, but considering the demand of Steinbach and Dielman, they are going to cost just as much money as a Porter or Leonard Davis.
