Reporting from Florham Park, NJ — When a new general manager is hired during the offseason, he usually starts at a disadvantage.
By the time the offseason begins, most scouting departments have a consensus on what prospects they are looking for. The months leading up to the draft are a way to put the finishing touches on that plan.
New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey understands this well. Speaking to reporters Monday morning, though, the former Bronco executive is fully prepared and excited for his first draft as an organization’s primary decision-maker.
Darren Mougey Explains Jets’ Draft Strategy
Mougey understood that he was starting behind the 8-ball with his Jets staff this offseason. He had to make some critical decisions and take note of certain scouts and systems that he wanted to bring in for his organization.
Now, as the days trickle on and we get closer and closer to the draft, Mougey was reflective on the team’s process that got them into this position to come away with a quality player whenever they make their pick.
“It’s been great and that’s a credit to the staff here really, the scouts, the support staff, the coaches, AG, it’s been seamless and once you get in that room with all the coaches and the scouts and you start doing it again, you’re just lost back in the room like it’s been the last 13 years, so it’s been really good,” Mougey explained.
It can’t be easy for some of the Jets’ top scouts, who were brought into the organization by the former regime. While the team did have some draft success, Mougey and New York’s leadership team could be looking for someone else to handle the scouting needed across the country.
That hasn’t stopped the group, though. If anything, the general manager has been even more appreciative of the remaining staff for helping find the next crop of talented players on the roster.
“I’ve been really impressed with the whole group, they’ve been awesome. They’ve
given me all the information I need and more,” Mougey said. “They’ve adapted to my little tweaks of this or that without question, and they’ve been very supportive through the whole thing, and I think the group as a whole has been fantastic, and I’m excited about the support they’ve given me.”
Part of Mougey’s draft preparation has also involved listening to several of Aaron Glenn’s assistant coaches as they meet with players for top 30 visits. While not all visits guarantee a spot on the roster, it’s a good way for the team to get added information on who they should target in the draft.
As the days creep closer to that primary selection process, Mougey and the Jets are as prepared as possible.
