General manager Joe Douglas is building the New York Jets the right way: with a focus on the NFL Draft and the trenches.
Attention all New York Jets fans… there’s a new boss in town. A big-name free agent who’s a little past his prime? No. The superstar player who’s a bit overrated yet would fetch a ton of attention? I don’t think so. The blockbuster move that would have the entire community buzzing for the sake of attention? Don’t make me bust out laughing in a hysterical manner.
Joe Douglas doesn’t just do things to do them. He won’t be bullied into making a move simply for the lone fact he has money available. The man who received his NFL front office education in Baltimore under Ozzie Newsome has a plan in place. If the fans can’t understand, so be it. They will in a couple of years.
Through four-plus days of NFL free agency, it’s clear the Jets direction is one that hasn’t been witnessed around this area in quite some time. They’ll lean on value and the NFL Draft.
Oh yeah, they’ll also showcase an inside-out strategy, something Douglas said his first day on the job when he made it clear that all football teams begin with “the quarterback and both lines.”
Quarterbacks
It’s as straightforward as any position on the roster. Sam Darnold is the future and Mike White just happens to play the same position. The Jets will need a competent backup.
Running Backs
- Le’Veon Bell
- Trenton Cannon
- Josh Adams
- Kenneth Dixon
- Jalin Moore
While I would have rather seen the Jets pass on Le’Veon Bell and his hefty contract that produces a $15.5 million cap hit in year two, he’s a solid player atop the group. New York desperately needs a shifty, fast, pass-catching back as the No. 2.
Wide Receivers
- Jamison Crowder (Slot)
- Quincy Enunwa
- Vyncint Smith
- Braxton Berrios (Slot)
- Josh Doctson
- Josh Bellamy
- Josh Malone
- Jeff Smith
- Keon Hatcher
- Jehu Chesson
Interestingly, the Jets’ best wide receiver and cornerback play inside. While Brian Poole is the team’s best corner, Jamison Crowder is his equal on the other side, and rules the slot.
It’s the outside the Jets must strengthen.
Quincy Enunwa cannot be relied upon. In fact, the organization would be best served to pretend he doesn’t even exist, and if he provides anything take it as a welcomed bonus.
Robby Anderson is still on the market, and while I’ve never been in love with the man’s route-running ability, I’d absolutely bring him back on a $10 million-a-year deal if the market is, indeed, that quiet on the burner.
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