New York Jets Off Season To Do List: Jets need to Start a Youth Movement

New York Jets off Season Check List

2011 Outcome            (8-8)

The Jets were bound to regress.  They traded tons of draft picks for old veterans which helped key long playoff runs but ultimately was their undoing.  Their defense is old and lacks speed.  Their Offensive Line has regressed and because of it Mark Sanchez’s insufficiencies are no longer masked.  This is a team that desperately needs a good draft in 2012.

Coach Seat Temperature

Rex Ryan will get the 2012 season to right the ship but nothing is promised after that.  I love Rex Ryan’s personality but it is not long lasting.  He is not a great X’s and O’s coach.  A coach can only give so many inspirational speeches before the team tunes him out.  Hiring Sparano to replace Shottenheimer as OC was a bland move but does correlate with what the Jets want to do.  Pettine is safe as DC as long as Ryan is.

2011 Draft Class Rating        (C)

The 2011 class was a solid draft but it did not yield any stars or amass great depth.  Still they moderately hit one their picks.  Muhammed Wilkerson is a solid 304 DE who should be a pass rushing threat.  Kendrick Ellis appears to be on his way out….of the country.  Bilal Powell provides depth at RB.  Kerley, McElroy, and McKnight provide solid depth.

2010 Draft Class Rating        (D+)

When you only have 4 draft picks it is hard to have a good class.  Kyle Wilson appears to be a solid CB but far from special.  Ducasse was a raw OL prospect who has not developed.  John Conners is a very good blocking FB and Joe McKnight has his uses as a return man and depth RB.

2009 Draft Class Rating        (C-)

It is even harder to have a good draft class with 3 picks.  Mark Sanchez is mediocre at QB and seems to have lost the faith of his team.  Year 4 is very important for Sanchez and his future.  Shonn Green is a bruising RB but is limited by his ineptness in blocking and receiving.  Matt Slaussen is a mediocre starting OG.

Current Needs

Offense: WR, RT, OG

Defense: DL, OLB, S

Current FA

Plaxico Burress:  Burress is a red zone threat and nothing more at this stage of his career.  He might be brought back cheaply for 1 more season.

Sione Pouha:  Is a sound NT but is 33 years old.  I think he has 1-2 more season left in him but needs a backup to rotate in with.  Jets should bring him back.

Aaron Maybin:  Maybin had 6 sacks but none in the last 4 games.  It would be wise to bring him back for depth and hope for the best but I would not spend much on him.

Jim Leonard:  Leonard has been one of the few leaders on this team and is very cerebral.  His recent injuries though might have cut his career short.  If he is healthy I would bring him back.

Current Mock

1. Nick Perry                           DE                   USC

2. Rueben Randle                     WR                  LSU

3. Nick Foles                           QB                  Arizona

4. Nicolas Jean Baptise NT                   Baylo