IMHO, all this Bowers talk is Jets smoke, and if Brock gets drafted in the top nine, the Jets Win. Chicago has needs , and with only 4 picks in this years draft, they are a team that could trade down, Jet competition in the trade down scenario. I’m an OT guy, but if they go weapons WR Brian Thomas over Bowers. Looking at today’s Mocks, reminds me that this Jet organization will draft Defense any chance it gets. Lighting my torch , if they draft Defense at 72, seriously.
…..Bowers? At 10? We need to fortify the OLine against injury for next season as both our tackles are on 1 year contracts. A WR also works as WR2 is returning after an ACL repair and we clearly need more depth in that area. As to TE, with Rodgers, I think Conklin will put up some pretty good numbers.
Time will tell, each day is one day less of the smoke and mirrors season!
I hope the bowers talk is all smoke, we have greater needs than TE and I don’t think we will derive sufficient value from this player on this team with its coaching staff at 10!
I don’t know if you watch the you tube shows that show the Jets war room during the draft. If you have, you will notice that Saleh sits the closest to JD.
If JD really wants a successful draft and save his job, he must use every pick he owns and draft OFFENSE.
This team historically has hired defensive HC who get into the draft room and influence such brilliant first rounders as Vern”the Ghoul” Gholston, Kyle Wilson, Quinton Coples, Dee Millner, Calvin “the Louisville Slugger” Pryor and Darron Lee.
JD has two options, gag and handcuff Saleh to his chair or do what Sonny did to JoJo the whale, Frankie Coffee Cakes and Mush in the Bronx Tale, lock him in the bathroom
In theory I agree, but unless A. Davis re-signs prior to the draft, I think the Jets probably need to draft a SS in the 4th round (maybe the 6th). Chuck Clark is 28, coming off a serious injury and the Jets have no one to back him up. He only signed a one-year deal, and with the cap being tight next year, the Jets need to draft a young SS this year. Also, with Hardee gone, the Jets will probably look to draft a CB or S late who has speed and experience as a gunner on STs. So, I wouldn't get my hopes up for an all-offensive draft.
Chicago may only have 4 pics, but two of them are in the top 10 (#1 and #9). With those two picks alone, they can re-make the future of their franchise. They don't have a 2nd round pick, but they have a 3rd (#75) and 4th (#122). They can get their starting QB and either a stud receiver (WR or Bowers) or a stud LT. I'd rather have their 4 picks than all of ours.
Nice post today. I’ll say it again there should not be one defensive player taken in the draft - not one !! The defense is built and even if it was at 80% it’s still good enough to win with - shessh
Steve, While I basically agree with you 99% on this, the reality is that the Jets need a backup SS. A. Davis wants a chance to start, so may not re-sign with the Jets. I hope that he will, but if not, I'd rather they take one in the 6th or even 4th round rather than sign an older, expensive FA. Chuck Clark is coming off that serious, season-ending injury, and he's 28. I think he's only signed to a one-year contract, and with the cap likely being tight next year, imo it would be better to have our future SS on the roster already. Also, even though spending the whole draft on the offensive side of the ball could easily be justified, with Saleh as HC, that's not very likely. I'll be shocked if they don't draft at least two defensive players. If so, hopefully they'll be in the later rounds. If nothing else, they'll likely look to replace Justin Hardee on ST with a late round CB or S who is fast and could be a good gunner. If A. Davis isn't re-signed, that would be even more likely.
It's also important to take into account the value of taking certain players at certain points. An example might be in the following scenario:
Say the Jets are picking in the 3rd round and have the ability to take a defensive tackle that they're very high on. They have the ability to take a wide receiver that they aren't as high on, and they see another surge of value at the receiver position coming in the following round. That is a scenario I could see where they'd, probably, be comfortable taking a defensive player, especially if it is at a position that, arguably, could use an immediate starter more than another. You could substitute other position groups, of course. The main point, however, is that value depends on where you're picking and how you value the player.
It's possible that they see a potential rotational defensive line piece in the 3rd round (or a potential replacement corner for Bryce Hall) as more valuable than a receiver in the following round if they LOVE that first player and see a guy from the second group (the receiver, or running back, or offensive lineman....whoever it may be) being available longer. It's all a value proposition and I don't get the impression that Saleh wanting somebody really bad to move the front office off of their valuations of players.
I don't give a rat's ass about any of that. If JD takes a defensive player before the 4th round, I hope that he is fired and never works in the NFL again. I think it would be totally stupid. There is no need on D that comes even remotely close to the Jets' needs on offense. None. Period. If they see your scenarios, then they are incompetent imo and should be fired.
I guess I'm wondering what positional needs you see on offense for the coming season. All of the starting spots on the offensive line are spoken for. They have a starting running back and, potentially, a backup. So running back is, technically, a need of sorts. They don't need a quarterback, except if they like somebody to develop. They could probably upgrade one of the starting tight ends (pretty much only if its Bowers). They could arguably use a third receiver, depending on the type of player. A gadget guy probably isn't in the cards given Xavier Gipson's role on the roster. A big fella would be slightly unlikely, as well. Mike Williams and Allen Lazard are your starting and backup X. There is room behind Wilson at the Z, and there is room for a guy to soak up targets from the slot. I think that slot position, however, could be addressed with creative use of certain types of tight ends who operate in that section of the field.
On defense, there is a little bit more room for reps. There are reps available at defensive tackle behind Quinnen Williams and the new dude from San Fran (I'm blanking on his name). Fotu is interesting, but his spot on the team isn't guaranteed. Edge, of course, would be redundant. Linebacker, honestly, would be kind of redundant as well. They have two guys they love (Mosley and Williams) and are paying in addition to a handful of guys who are interesting but won't get many reps. Corner could use a replacement for Bryce Hall/Brandin Echols, and I think that if that player is good enough, he could carve out a sub package role. The position that would be most interesting, however, is safety. It's entirely possible (though not likely) that there is a player out there that they really like and there is a void left in that third/second safety role (filled last year by a combination of Jordan Whitehead, Ashtyn Davis, and Adrian Amos).
Honestly, safety feels like a dark horse proposition.
No backup is going to see the same number of reps as a starter, but a backup LT is likely to see more reps than any backup defensive player, with the possible exception of SS. The next most likely backup to see the most reps is the first WR the Jets draft.
There are no reps available at DT. That's just ridiculous! Q is going to play close to 70% of the snaps, and Solomon Thomas or Javon Kinlaw will likely see the rest. At the other DT spot, Kinlaw, Thomas, Fotu, JFM, and Clemons will get the snaps. There isn't room for another DT on the roster, and while Fotu could perhaps be upgraded, it doesn't even begin to be a need like there is on offense. Drafting a DT at #72, and ignoring the WR position or LT position, or IOL would be malfeasance and terrible roster building. Upgrading that DT position would be a luxury pick. It can wait until next year.
There are no reps at Edge.
There are no reps at LB between Mosely, Quincy W., Surratt, Sherwood and Zaire Barnes.
There are no reps at CB after Sauce, Reed, MC II and Echols, and if there are Isaiah Oliver or Tae Hayes will get them. Again, taking a backup CB before the 6th round that would likely never see the field except on STs would be a luxury pick, a waste of a draft pick, and a poor understanding of roster building and allocation of assets.
Unless they have big questions about Jarrick Bernard-Converse at FS, FS is set with Adams and JBC. There is a definite need at SS behind Chuck Clark, who is 28 and coming off the season-ending injury, but not if the Jets re-sign A. Davis. IMO SS is the ONLY defensive position that should use a draft pick before the 6th round. Thankfully, good SSs can be found in the 4th round and lower. I'm hoping that they'll re-sign A. Davis as the backup this season and then plan to go with him as the starter going forward.
I can see the Jets using the 6th and at least one of the 7th round picks on a gunner on STs to try to replace Hardee and Davis.
I spent a long time writing a response to this, and just as I was about to click "Post", my hand slipped, the mouse clicked elsewhere, the page reverted to another page, and my post disappeared. I hate this substack software. I will attempt to re-write it.
There are a ton of needs on offense, if for no other reason that the offense hasn't had the FA $s or high draft picks invested in it that the D has had.
T. Smith is most likely going to miss at least 3-4 games and it's not a stretch to say that he could miss between 7-10, as twice during the last 4-5 seasons, he played less than 5 games. Moses has been a rock, but at 33 and coming off a torn pec, he could miss some games. Hopefully he won't, and will play so well that JD will extend him 1-2 seasons and that will be one less OT that the Jets have to worry about getting for next season. Presently they don't have a young OT on the roster that's worth a damn. I've seen that with my own eyes, and it's been confirmed with what I've read about both Warren and Mitchell. It's highly unlikely that either Warren or Mitchell would be able to adquately fill in for Smith this season, and even less likely that they would be capable starters next season.
It's also not very likely imo that the Jets are going to be able to sign a veteran LT, a veteran RB, a veteran SS, veteran IOL depth (including a capable backup for Tippman, and Schweitzer, Hanson, and Newman need to be upgraded), have at least $5 million for emergencies during the season, and sign their draft picks.
At a minimum, the Jets need a new starting LT for next season and beyond and who is capable of stepping in and starting a number of games this season. They may need an RT as well.
There is no guarantee that AVT will be healthy and ready to go week1 or that he will stay healthy all season. Simpson appears to be an ascending player, but there's no guarantee that he will continue to ascend with the Jets instead of with the solid coaching he was getting in Baltimore. At the moment there isn't anything even remotely resembling a quality backup for Tippman at C.
Abanikanda could hardly get on the field last season, so it's not likely that the Jets are just going to hand him the #2 RB spot. At this point, it looks like the Jets will look to draft a RB to compete with Abanikanda for the backup RB job.
At WR, in an ideal world, Lazard wouldn't see the field this season except as a blocker and decoy. Rodgers may be able to make him better, but I'll believe that when I see it, and I sure don't think the Jets should count on it. M. Williams is 28 and coming off of a torn ACL, and may not be at full strength week 1. The Jets definitely need to draft a WR in the 2nd or 3rd round, and ideall, they will draft two WRs, as neither Gipton nor Brownlee have given any signs that they will develop into quality, reliable WRs.
Conklin and Ruckert could both be utilized more and in a better fashion. Barring injury, Yeboah will probably only see the field on STs.
I'm not sure you give the backup players enough credit. They're an important part of every roster and are unlikely to be beat out by mid-round rookies.
This whole uniform nonsense is exhausting! The only Jet uniform I ever purchased was the Joe Namath/ Don Maynard vintage Jet Jersey! The rest are garbage. I’m not gonna launch another remote if we take Bowers but he’s probably number 5 or 6 on my wish list. I was a little more keen on him until I read Blewitts critique on him in a recent Jets X-Factor post. The fact that nearly half of his catches occurred at or behind the line is scrimmage is concerning. And his inline blocking is not good at this point. He’s kind of like our current backup TE as he does his best blocking on the move. Which is odd because that’s ( a stalk block) usually the more difficult block.
The more mocks you see, the more Bowers at 10 is there. His popularity at ten is taking off like a runaway train going downhill.
I think whoever the Jets take at 10, they will be criticized for taking that player. Why, because they are the Jets. If SF or KC were at 10, their pick will be called brilliant.
I think that aside from offensive tackle or wide receiver, the NY Jets Torch and Pitchfork Brigade will definitely not be happy if
Bowers is taken at 10. It will be received with the same angst as McDonald being taken last year at 15.
If the Jets are able to trade down, and Bowers is still there, the Brigade might accept the his pick there with a lot less agita.
Unless one or two teams goes off chalk, doubtful any of the top three wr will be there at 10.
Another problem for the Jets are the Bears with the ninth pick. They say they are staying there. Their biggest needs are listed as wr and ot. If the draft goes chalk, 4 QBs, 3 wr and Alt, that’s 8 players. A Jet target could be taken. By the way, the Bears have a solid tight end in Cole Kmet, 73 receptions 719 yards, 6 tds. Bowers isn’t going there.
Dt prospect Sweat, evidently wasn’t on the dean’s list this year. Then again, talented players who are pampered all their lives and especially now with NIL money probably have the I’m above the law attitude. Will this hurt his draft status, doubtful. There will be a thousand excuses coming out of his camp.
March 25, 2019, Chris “ Calvin Klein” Johnson speaking about the Jets new uniforms called them “ pretty bad ass”. Evidently his brother Woody “ Ralph Laruen “ Johnson disagreed. Why, because next week they are introducing new bad ass uniforms that look like Joe Klecko and Mark Gastineau’s old uniforms.I guess what goes around, comes around.
Teams like the Steelers, Frisco and Dallas who constantly win might tweak their uniforms every 20 years but the Jets keep on changing.
SIDE NOTE,For me personally, the Patriots old AFL helmet logo is the greatest in NFL history.
What do Sam Darnold, Quincey Enunma, Jamal Adams, Robby Anderson, Leonard Williams, Chris Herndon and Avery Williamson all have in common.
If you said they were the models when the Jets rolled out the red carpet in 2019. You would be partially right.
All of them were also gone within 2-3 years. Aside from Enunma injury retirement, all traded.
Hopefully next weeks models will be here longer
Woody, you will find Jet fans next week who will be taking out their credit cards out next week quicker than a Sugar Daddy’s mistress to purchase a Sauce jersey. Some of these fans will fall over each other to purchase a new Rodgers Jersey just to put their purchase up on Facebook. Hey, look at me, I’m cool.
Unfortunately, Woody, speaking for the NY Jets Torch and Pitchfork Brigade, we don’t care about new uniforms, we only care about one thing, winning a Superbowl.
The only way I will purchase anything with NY Jets on it, it must say Super Champs 202_
Let the fans who squandered money on an Avery Williamson kick ass Jersey or a # 50 Vern Gholston or a #56 Vern Gholston Jersey,( yes he actually changed numbers after his rookie year), let it be their loss.
Us old timers have been burnt enough times with this new uniform nonsense.
The thing about the unis that is so maddening is that the Klecko-era unis are only road unis, not used at home!!!!! How effing stupid is that? !?!?!?!?!? Also, they will have no home white unis, only green or black. Even stupider. We all need to face it...as long as those two ass clowns, Woody and Chris Johnson own the team, the Jets will NEVER win anything, and will never be a team we can be proud of. They will always say and do stupid things. They will meddle and interfere and shortchange whatever good our GM and HC manage to do. I'll be truly surprised after the current regime is fired, if anyone competent is willing to take the job, and who could blame them?
I disagree that the old Patriots Logo was the best in NFL history, I loved the Klecko-era Jets logo, I like the Vikings, the Lions, the Cardinals, the Eagles, and others' logos better than the Patriots' logo.
The best uniforms are the simplest. The classics. Give me some something like the Bears, the Packers, or the 49ers any day over something that tries a little too hard to be interesting and new (read; Seahawks, the most recent Jets redesign, the most recent Lions redesign, that atrocious Jags two-toned shit from a few years back, etc.). Also; less color over same color (read; NO GREEN OVER GREEN) except for white. I could be convinced on black over black, but that isn't really a Jets color.
IMO the weekend's mocks show one of four things: Either the majority of them 1) know nothing about a team's needs and draft history; 2) they just do their draft solely based upon whom they think the BPA is at that point and ignore need and positional value; 3) they intentionally make dumbass picks just to rile up fan bases and get clicks; 4) they're just flat out stupid and know nothing about football. For any knowledgeable sports writer to have the Jets taking defensive players with two of their first four picks, taking a S in the 3rd round while totally ignoring the OL or having them take a 3rd string CB in the 3rd round while ignoring the OL or taking a FS in the 4th round who is terrible vs the run when they already have two FSs, and only one SS who is coming off of major surgery and desperately need another SS imo is stupid and should be fired unless he's doing it for clicks, and in that case the whole website and publication should be shut down. They're an insult to an intelligent fan.
So the legacy uniforms are for the road only! Unbelievable. Even more unbelievable is that they will have no home white unis. Lord, please deliver us from those two morons!
Calling the Johnsons morons is an insultment to morons. Their only claim to positive fame is that they won Johnson Family Gene Pool.
Woody was a constant embarrassment for four years in England, breaking protocol especially when Queen Elizabeth was around. He tried to take selfies with her.
Truly we are in the smoke and mirrors part of the off season. Nevertheless, our requirements are offense….a tackle who can be a backup and part-time starter this year and take over the role next year and another WR. The remainder of the picks are needed for offensive depth, developmental QB, backup IOL, RB etc….
Here is something to consider about taking a guy like Bowers at 10:
How likely is it that the guy that the Jets take at 10 plays? I think Bowers is more likely to contribute given his profile as a playmaker who teams will scheme open to get the ball in his hands. An offensive lineman with that pick is just as much of a luxury pick, considering they don't actually need to select someone to start along the offensive line. If they were to go into the season tomorrow, they'd have all five starters along the offensive line filled, and adding a rookie doesn't likely change that. The tight end position, is a little bit different. You'd likely see the Jets actively scheme a guy like Bowers into situations where he has the ball in his hands. He pretty automatically usurps the second string tight end spot on the depth chart, and is also pretty likely to push Conklin into a slightly different (and less targeted) role.
All of this is to say that the offense, while it was terrible last year, is largely set when it comes to starters. There aren't a ton of reps up for grabs. I think the defense, on the other hand, is a bit different. I could conceive a safety, defensive tackle, or corner coming in and earning substantial reps right away. Now; I also could see the same happening for a wide receiver. I, also, think that it's really important that they add an offensive lineman in this draft. Where they add one, however, isn't nearly as important as just adding some talent with upside. It'll be a push and pull with how guys are valued at different points in the draft and whether they can find value at later points in the draft based on perceived strengths in the class of draftees. It's possible that, because there are so many top tier tackles, a developmental tackle that they really like gets pushed down to a spot that would be valuable to the Jets.
It's VERY likely that the guy taken at #10 plays, be it an OT or WR. Hackett isn't going to scheme Bowers open. That's just silly. There's nothing in Hackett's history that shows he's capable of scheming anyone open or making any big changes to his offensive scheme. Perhaps you need to go back and re-watch last season's games and his games as HC in Denver. How much scheming did he do last season to help Zach or get Lazard open or to use his TEs more when Lazard couldn't catch a cold?
An OT is definitely NOT a luxury pick. I'm stunned and mystified by a comment like that. T. Smith is going to miss games, and probably a lot of games, but even if he breaks the norm and is able to play 16 games, who is going to play LT next season when the Jets don't have the cap space to sign a FA LT, and there are no good OTs in next year's draft that are plug and play, or there are one or two, but the Jets are unable to trade up to get one of them? Your take is ironic, and very short-sighted on the part of a former OL coach to ignore all the injuries the Jets have had on the OL, and proclaim that it would be a luxury pick.
IMO you put too much emphasis on value and not nearly enough on level of play.
If you think a CB is going to come in and earn substantial reps, I don't think that you could be any more wrong and your analysis of the situation could be any more flawed.
IMHO, all this Bowers talk is Jets smoke, and if Brock gets drafted in the top nine, the Jets Win. Chicago has needs , and with only 4 picks in this years draft, they are a team that could trade down, Jet competition in the trade down scenario. I’m an OT guy, but if they go weapons WR Brian Thomas over Bowers. Looking at today’s Mocks, reminds me that this Jet organization will draft Defense any chance it gets. Lighting my torch , if they draft Defense at 72, seriously.
…..Bowers? At 10? We need to fortify the OLine against injury for next season as both our tackles are on 1 year contracts. A WR also works as WR2 is returning after an ACL repair and we clearly need more depth in that area. As to TE, with Rodgers, I think Conklin will put up some pretty good numbers.
Time will tell, each day is one day less of the smoke and mirrors season!
I hope the bowers talk is all smoke, we have greater needs than TE and I don’t think we will derive sufficient value from this player on this team with its coaching staff at 10!
I don’t know if you watch the you tube shows that show the Jets war room during the draft. If you have, you will notice that Saleh sits the closest to JD.
If JD really wants a successful draft and save his job, he must use every pick he owns and draft OFFENSE.
This team historically has hired defensive HC who get into the draft room and influence such brilliant first rounders as Vern”the Ghoul” Gholston, Kyle Wilson, Quinton Coples, Dee Millner, Calvin “the Louisville Slugger” Pryor and Darron Lee.
JD has two options, gag and handcuff Saleh to his chair or do what Sonny did to JoJo the whale, Frankie Coffee Cakes and Mush in the Bronx Tale, lock him in the bathroom
In theory I agree, but unless A. Davis re-signs prior to the draft, I think the Jets probably need to draft a SS in the 4th round (maybe the 6th). Chuck Clark is 28, coming off a serious injury and the Jets have no one to back him up. He only signed a one-year deal, and with the cap being tight next year, the Jets need to draft a young SS this year. Also, with Hardee gone, the Jets will probably look to draft a CB or S late who has speed and experience as a gunner on STs. So, I wouldn't get my hopes up for an all-offensive draft.
Gag & Handcuff, remove the gag in the seventh round
Preferably after the season!
Chicago may only have 4 pics, but two of them are in the top 10 (#1 and #9). With those two picks alone, they can re-make the future of their franchise. They don't have a 2nd round pick, but they have a 3rd (#75) and 4th (#122). They can get their starting QB and either a stud receiver (WR or Bowers) or a stud LT. I'd rather have their 4 picks than all of ours.
Ta
Nice post today. I’ll say it again there should not be one defensive player taken in the draft - not one !! The defense is built and even if it was at 80% it’s still good enough to win with - shessh
Steve, While I basically agree with you 99% on this, the reality is that the Jets need a backup SS. A. Davis wants a chance to start, so may not re-sign with the Jets. I hope that he will, but if not, I'd rather they take one in the 6th or even 4th round rather than sign an older, expensive FA. Chuck Clark is coming off that serious, season-ending injury, and he's 28. I think he's only signed to a one-year contract, and with the cap likely being tight next year, imo it would be better to have our future SS on the roster already. Also, even though spending the whole draft on the offensive side of the ball could easily be justified, with Saleh as HC, that's not very likely. I'll be shocked if they don't draft at least two defensive players. If so, hopefully they'll be in the later rounds. If nothing else, they'll likely look to replace Justin Hardee on ST with a late round CB or S who is fast and could be a good gunner. If A. Davis isn't re-signed, that would be even more likely.
It's also important to take into account the value of taking certain players at certain points. An example might be in the following scenario:
Say the Jets are picking in the 3rd round and have the ability to take a defensive tackle that they're very high on. They have the ability to take a wide receiver that they aren't as high on, and they see another surge of value at the receiver position coming in the following round. That is a scenario I could see where they'd, probably, be comfortable taking a defensive player, especially if it is at a position that, arguably, could use an immediate starter more than another. You could substitute other position groups, of course. The main point, however, is that value depends on where you're picking and how you value the player.
It's possible that they see a potential rotational defensive line piece in the 3rd round (or a potential replacement corner for Bryce Hall) as more valuable than a receiver in the following round if they LOVE that first player and see a guy from the second group (the receiver, or running back, or offensive lineman....whoever it may be) being available longer. It's all a value proposition and I don't get the impression that Saleh wanting somebody really bad to move the front office off of their valuations of players.
I don't give a rat's ass about any of that. If JD takes a defensive player before the 4th round, I hope that he is fired and never works in the NFL again. I think it would be totally stupid. There is no need on D that comes even remotely close to the Jets' needs on offense. None. Period. If they see your scenarios, then they are incompetent imo and should be fired.
I guess I'm wondering what positional needs you see on offense for the coming season. All of the starting spots on the offensive line are spoken for. They have a starting running back and, potentially, a backup. So running back is, technically, a need of sorts. They don't need a quarterback, except if they like somebody to develop. They could probably upgrade one of the starting tight ends (pretty much only if its Bowers). They could arguably use a third receiver, depending on the type of player. A gadget guy probably isn't in the cards given Xavier Gipson's role on the roster. A big fella would be slightly unlikely, as well. Mike Williams and Allen Lazard are your starting and backup X. There is room behind Wilson at the Z, and there is room for a guy to soak up targets from the slot. I think that slot position, however, could be addressed with creative use of certain types of tight ends who operate in that section of the field.
On defense, there is a little bit more room for reps. There are reps available at defensive tackle behind Quinnen Williams and the new dude from San Fran (I'm blanking on his name). Fotu is interesting, but his spot on the team isn't guaranteed. Edge, of course, would be redundant. Linebacker, honestly, would be kind of redundant as well. They have two guys they love (Mosley and Williams) and are paying in addition to a handful of guys who are interesting but won't get many reps. Corner could use a replacement for Bryce Hall/Brandin Echols, and I think that if that player is good enough, he could carve out a sub package role. The position that would be most interesting, however, is safety. It's entirely possible (though not likely) that there is a player out there that they really like and there is a void left in that third/second safety role (filled last year by a combination of Jordan Whitehead, Ashtyn Davis, and Adrian Amos).
Honestly, safety feels like a dark horse proposition.
No backup is going to see the same number of reps as a starter, but a backup LT is likely to see more reps than any backup defensive player, with the possible exception of SS. The next most likely backup to see the most reps is the first WR the Jets draft.
There are no reps available at DT. That's just ridiculous! Q is going to play close to 70% of the snaps, and Solomon Thomas or Javon Kinlaw will likely see the rest. At the other DT spot, Kinlaw, Thomas, Fotu, JFM, and Clemons will get the snaps. There isn't room for another DT on the roster, and while Fotu could perhaps be upgraded, it doesn't even begin to be a need like there is on offense. Drafting a DT at #72, and ignoring the WR position or LT position, or IOL would be malfeasance and terrible roster building. Upgrading that DT position would be a luxury pick. It can wait until next year.
There are no reps at Edge.
There are no reps at LB between Mosely, Quincy W., Surratt, Sherwood and Zaire Barnes.
There are no reps at CB after Sauce, Reed, MC II and Echols, and if there are Isaiah Oliver or Tae Hayes will get them. Again, taking a backup CB before the 6th round that would likely never see the field except on STs would be a luxury pick, a waste of a draft pick, and a poor understanding of roster building and allocation of assets.
Unless they have big questions about Jarrick Bernard-Converse at FS, FS is set with Adams and JBC. There is a definite need at SS behind Chuck Clark, who is 28 and coming off the season-ending injury, but not if the Jets re-sign A. Davis. IMO SS is the ONLY defensive position that should use a draft pick before the 6th round. Thankfully, good SSs can be found in the 4th round and lower. I'm hoping that they'll re-sign A. Davis as the backup this season and then plan to go with him as the starter going forward.
I can see the Jets using the 6th and at least one of the 7th round picks on a gunner on STs to try to replace Hardee and Davis.
You seem to be overvaluing all of the backups on defensive and undervaluing all of the backups on offense. Very intriguing
I spent a long time writing a response to this, and just as I was about to click "Post", my hand slipped, the mouse clicked elsewhere, the page reverted to another page, and my post disappeared. I hate this substack software. I will attempt to re-write it.
There are a ton of needs on offense, if for no other reason that the offense hasn't had the FA $s or high draft picks invested in it that the D has had.
T. Smith is most likely going to miss at least 3-4 games and it's not a stretch to say that he could miss between 7-10, as twice during the last 4-5 seasons, he played less than 5 games. Moses has been a rock, but at 33 and coming off a torn pec, he could miss some games. Hopefully he won't, and will play so well that JD will extend him 1-2 seasons and that will be one less OT that the Jets have to worry about getting for next season. Presently they don't have a young OT on the roster that's worth a damn. I've seen that with my own eyes, and it's been confirmed with what I've read about both Warren and Mitchell. It's highly unlikely that either Warren or Mitchell would be able to adquately fill in for Smith this season, and even less likely that they would be capable starters next season.
It's also not very likely imo that the Jets are going to be able to sign a veteran LT, a veteran RB, a veteran SS, veteran IOL depth (including a capable backup for Tippman, and Schweitzer, Hanson, and Newman need to be upgraded), have at least $5 million for emergencies during the season, and sign their draft picks.
At a minimum, the Jets need a new starting LT for next season and beyond and who is capable of stepping in and starting a number of games this season. They may need an RT as well.
There is no guarantee that AVT will be healthy and ready to go week1 or that he will stay healthy all season. Simpson appears to be an ascending player, but there's no guarantee that he will continue to ascend with the Jets instead of with the solid coaching he was getting in Baltimore. At the moment there isn't anything even remotely resembling a quality backup for Tippman at C.
Abanikanda could hardly get on the field last season, so it's not likely that the Jets are just going to hand him the #2 RB spot. At this point, it looks like the Jets will look to draft a RB to compete with Abanikanda for the backup RB job.
At WR, in an ideal world, Lazard wouldn't see the field this season except as a blocker and decoy. Rodgers may be able to make him better, but I'll believe that when I see it, and I sure don't think the Jets should count on it. M. Williams is 28 and coming off of a torn ACL, and may not be at full strength week 1. The Jets definitely need to draft a WR in the 2nd or 3rd round, and ideall, they will draft two WRs, as neither Gipton nor Brownlee have given any signs that they will develop into quality, reliable WRs.
Conklin and Ruckert could both be utilized more and in a better fashion. Barring injury, Yeboah will probably only see the field on STs.
I'm not sure you give the backup players enough credit. They're an important part of every roster and are unlikely to be beat out by mid-round rookies.
Great Craig this is all vailid and you are about which rounds to do these moves in ! Thanks for pointing out.
This whole uniform nonsense is exhausting! The only Jet uniform I ever purchased was the Joe Namath/ Don Maynard vintage Jet Jersey! The rest are garbage. I’m not gonna launch another remote if we take Bowers but he’s probably number 5 or 6 on my wish list. I was a little more keen on him until I read Blewitts critique on him in a recent Jets X-Factor post. The fact that nearly half of his catches occurred at or behind the line is scrimmage is concerning. And his inline blocking is not good at this point. He’s kind of like our current backup TE as he does his best blocking on the move. Which is odd because that’s ( a stalk block) usually the more difficult block.
The more mocks you see, the more Bowers at 10 is there. His popularity at ten is taking off like a runaway train going downhill.
I think whoever the Jets take at 10, they will be criticized for taking that player. Why, because they are the Jets. If SF or KC were at 10, their pick will be called brilliant.
I think that aside from offensive tackle or wide receiver, the NY Jets Torch and Pitchfork Brigade will definitely not be happy if
Bowers is taken at 10. It will be received with the same angst as McDonald being taken last year at 15.
If the Jets are able to trade down, and Bowers is still there, the Brigade might accept the his pick there with a lot less agita.
Unless one or two teams goes off chalk, doubtful any of the top three wr will be there at 10.
Another problem for the Jets are the Bears with the ninth pick. They say they are staying there. Their biggest needs are listed as wr and ot. If the draft goes chalk, 4 QBs, 3 wr and Alt, that’s 8 players. A Jet target could be taken. By the way, the Bears have a solid tight end in Cole Kmet, 73 receptions 719 yards, 6 tds. Bowers isn’t going there.
Dt prospect Sweat, evidently wasn’t on the dean’s list this year. Then again, talented players who are pampered all their lives and especially now with NIL money probably have the I’m above the law attitude. Will this hurt his draft status, doubtful. There will be a thousand excuses coming out of his camp.
March 25, 2019, Chris “ Calvin Klein” Johnson speaking about the Jets new uniforms called them “ pretty bad ass”. Evidently his brother Woody “ Ralph Laruen “ Johnson disagreed. Why, because next week they are introducing new bad ass uniforms that look like Joe Klecko and Mark Gastineau’s old uniforms.I guess what goes around, comes around.
Teams like the Steelers, Frisco and Dallas who constantly win might tweak their uniforms every 20 years but the Jets keep on changing.
SIDE NOTE,For me personally, the Patriots old AFL helmet logo is the greatest in NFL history.
What do Sam Darnold, Quincey Enunma, Jamal Adams, Robby Anderson, Leonard Williams, Chris Herndon and Avery Williamson all have in common.
If you said they were the models when the Jets rolled out the red carpet in 2019. You would be partially right.
All of them were also gone within 2-3 years. Aside from Enunma injury retirement, all traded.
Hopefully next weeks models will be here longer
Woody, you will find Jet fans next week who will be taking out their credit cards out next week quicker than a Sugar Daddy’s mistress to purchase a Sauce jersey. Some of these fans will fall over each other to purchase a new Rodgers Jersey just to put their purchase up on Facebook. Hey, look at me, I’m cool.
Unfortunately, Woody, speaking for the NY Jets Torch and Pitchfork Brigade, we don’t care about new uniforms, we only care about one thing, winning a Superbowl.
The only way I will purchase anything with NY Jets on it, it must say Super Champs 202_
Let the fans who squandered money on an Avery Williamson kick ass Jersey or a # 50 Vern Gholston or a #56 Vern Gholston Jersey,( yes he actually changed numbers after his rookie year), let it be their loss.
Us old timers have been burnt enough times with this new uniform nonsense.
We only care about winning and not just 9 games.
The thing about the unis that is so maddening is that the Klecko-era unis are only road unis, not used at home!!!!! How effing stupid is that? !?!?!?!?!? Also, they will have no home white unis, only green or black. Even stupider. We all need to face it...as long as those two ass clowns, Woody and Chris Johnson own the team, the Jets will NEVER win anything, and will never be a team we can be proud of. They will always say and do stupid things. They will meddle and interfere and shortchange whatever good our GM and HC manage to do. I'll be truly surprised after the current regime is fired, if anyone competent is willing to take the job, and who could blame them?
I disagree that the old Patriots Logo was the best in NFL history, I loved the Klecko-era Jets logo, I like the Vikings, the Lions, the Cardinals, the Eagles, and others' logos better than the Patriots' logo.
American revolutionary patriot snapping the ball, priceless
Too bad it’s the Patriots logo
It’s not the uniform, rather it’s about performance and winning! Get me a pitchfork.
You are definitely a loyal brigade member
Wouldn’t have it any other way
The best uniforms are the simplest. The classics. Give me some something like the Bears, the Packers, or the 49ers any day over something that tries a little too hard to be interesting and new (read; Seahawks, the most recent Jets redesign, the most recent Lions redesign, that atrocious Jags two-toned shit from a few years back, etc.). Also; less color over same color (read; NO GREEN OVER GREEN) except for white. I could be convinced on black over black, but that isn't really a Jets color.
IMO the weekend's mocks show one of four things: Either the majority of them 1) know nothing about a team's needs and draft history; 2) they just do their draft solely based upon whom they think the BPA is at that point and ignore need and positional value; 3) they intentionally make dumbass picks just to rile up fan bases and get clicks; 4) they're just flat out stupid and know nothing about football. For any knowledgeable sports writer to have the Jets taking defensive players with two of their first four picks, taking a S in the 3rd round while totally ignoring the OL or having them take a 3rd string CB in the 3rd round while ignoring the OL or taking a FS in the 4th round who is terrible vs the run when they already have two FSs, and only one SS who is coming off of major surgery and desperately need another SS imo is stupid and should be fired unless he's doing it for clicks, and in that case the whole website and publication should be shut down. They're an insult to an intelligent fan.
So the legacy uniforms are for the road only! Unbelievable. Even more unbelievable is that they will have no home white unis. Lord, please deliver us from those two morons!
You are far too kind to the Woodrow clan!
Calling the Johnsons morons is an insultment to morons. Their only claim to positive fame is that they won Johnson Family Gene Pool.
Woody was a constant embarrassment for four years in England, breaking protocol especially when Queen Elizabeth was around. He tried to take selfies with her.
Truly we are in the smoke and mirrors part of the off season. Nevertheless, our requirements are offense….a tackle who can be a backup and part-time starter this year and take over the role next year and another WR. The remainder of the picks are needed for offensive depth, developmental QB, backup IOL, RB etc….
Here is something to consider about taking a guy like Bowers at 10:
How likely is it that the guy that the Jets take at 10 plays? I think Bowers is more likely to contribute given his profile as a playmaker who teams will scheme open to get the ball in his hands. An offensive lineman with that pick is just as much of a luxury pick, considering they don't actually need to select someone to start along the offensive line. If they were to go into the season tomorrow, they'd have all five starters along the offensive line filled, and adding a rookie doesn't likely change that. The tight end position, is a little bit different. You'd likely see the Jets actively scheme a guy like Bowers into situations where he has the ball in his hands. He pretty automatically usurps the second string tight end spot on the depth chart, and is also pretty likely to push Conklin into a slightly different (and less targeted) role.
All of this is to say that the offense, while it was terrible last year, is largely set when it comes to starters. There aren't a ton of reps up for grabs. I think the defense, on the other hand, is a bit different. I could conceive a safety, defensive tackle, or corner coming in and earning substantial reps right away. Now; I also could see the same happening for a wide receiver. I, also, think that it's really important that they add an offensive lineman in this draft. Where they add one, however, isn't nearly as important as just adding some talent with upside. It'll be a push and pull with how guys are valued at different points in the draft and whether they can find value at later points in the draft based on perceived strengths in the class of draftees. It's possible that, because there are so many top tier tackles, a developmental tackle that they really like gets pushed down to a spot that would be valuable to the Jets.
It's VERY likely that the guy taken at #10 plays, be it an OT or WR. Hackett isn't going to scheme Bowers open. That's just silly. There's nothing in Hackett's history that shows he's capable of scheming anyone open or making any big changes to his offensive scheme. Perhaps you need to go back and re-watch last season's games and his games as HC in Denver. How much scheming did he do last season to help Zach or get Lazard open or to use his TEs more when Lazard couldn't catch a cold?
An OT is definitely NOT a luxury pick. I'm stunned and mystified by a comment like that. T. Smith is going to miss games, and probably a lot of games, but even if he breaks the norm and is able to play 16 games, who is going to play LT next season when the Jets don't have the cap space to sign a FA LT, and there are no good OTs in next year's draft that are plug and play, or there are one or two, but the Jets are unable to trade up to get one of them? Your take is ironic, and very short-sighted on the part of a former OL coach to ignore all the injuries the Jets have had on the OL, and proclaim that it would be a luxury pick.
IMO you put too much emphasis on value and not nearly enough on level of play.
If you think a CB is going to come in and earn substantial reps, I don't think that you could be any more wrong and your analysis of the situation could be any more flawed.