| Andrew Perna & The RealGM Jets Board. 10th April, 2008 - 1:50 pm
 Here at RealGM our hearts beat thanks to the thousands upon thousands of posters that frequent our forums on a daily basis. With the NFL season still months from kicking off, but the ever-important NFL Draft just weeks away, what better time than now to check in with the people who care about football even more than some of the players on the field?
2007 Record: 4-12 (3rd in AFC East)
Additions: Damien Woody, G, Bubba Franks, TE, Jesse Chatman, RB, Alan Faneca, G
Subtractions: Justin McCareins, WR (TEN), Victor Hobson, LB (NE)
Draft Picks: 6th
The Answers
1. What was the best thing(s) that happened in 2007?
treiz: The emergence of David Harris and Darrelle Revis.
Manhattan Project: Once Jonathan Vilma went down on defense, it appeared as though our defense lacked a leader to build around. Insert Harris, who played wonderfully and fits into the 3-4 defense, and we now have an anchor to build the team around.
Jose7©: Rookies Revis and Harris. Both look like they have star potential at their particular positions and can help anchor our defensive for a long time.
ZigZag: The fast progression of Revis
2. What was the worst thing that happened in 2007?
treiz: Our offensive line slacking once Pete Kendall left, Kerry Rhodes not making the Pro Bowl, and having a disappointing season after making the playoffs in 2006.
Manhattan Project: The ineptitude of our offensive line. It all started with the trade of Kendall; because of that, D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold took a step back.
Jose7©: Our offensive line situation. The Kendall fiasco just gave the season a bad tone and led to us having a terrible season offensively.
ZigZag: Having a losing season.
3. Who had a breakout season?
treiz: Leon Washington.
Manhattan Project: Defensive end Kenyon Coleman, who led all linemen in tackles with eighty-three.
Jose7©: ‘Neon’ Leon Washington. He's an electrifying return man and a very good change of pace scat back. I love what he can do for this team.
ZigZag: Harris.
4. Who was the biggest disappointment?
treiz: Thomas Jones because he only scored one touchdown despite running for more than 1,000 yards. Also, Kellen Clemens even though it was only his first year.
Manhattan Project: The offensive line as a whole because they let the entire team down. They slowed Jones and did not allow any quarterback to be successful.
Jose7©: Vilma. Obviously, he got injured in the middle season, but he was bad again and continues to prove that he could not fit in our 3-4 scheme. He made no impact tackles or big plays, and as much as I loved him, it was time to go.
ZigZag: The pass rush, or lack thereof, from our defensive line
5. How could the team have been more successful?
treiz: Adding a pass rush, a nose tackle who can stuff the run, a wide receiver, someone to replace Clement and Clarke on the offensive, line and another cornerback opposite Revis.
Manhattan Project: A left guard would have done wonders; it seemed like every week we had a new starter.
Jose7©: Easily, we needed help on the offensive line.
ZigZag: Had we gotten good blocking from the offensive line.
6. What do you make of the team’s offseason progress at this point?
treiz: I'm loving it. We got Alan Faneca to improve the run, and he gives us a mean streak as well, Damien Woody who is certainly an upgrade over Clement, Jenkins should be a nice big body in the 3-4, Pace for pass rush, and Richardson who helps our run and pass protection.
Manhattan Project: While we did fill needs with Woody, Faneca, Pace, Franks, Richardson, and the trade for Jenkins – I personally am not a fan of the money dished out for those players. However, it will allow us to look in the draft for the best available player instead of filling needs.
Jose7©: Terrific. We added players at every position needed and cut ties with guys who didn't fit and just weren’t good. I also love the additions of Pace, Jenkins, Faneca, and Richardson. All great moves by the front office.
ZigZag: So far so good, but we still need help at defensive back.
7. Where are the team’s biggest needs in the draft?
treiz: I’d say our biggest needs are at cornerback, receiver, and outside linebacker.
Manhattan Project: We can still use another linebacker whether it’s outside or inside. We can also use another playmaker in the secondary and a red zone target on offense.
Jose7©: A pass rusher because we need a pass rush somehow.
ZigZag: Cornerback, defensive end, safety, and wide receiver.
8. Who do you hope the team drafts with their first pick?
treiz: Vernon Gholston. If he's not available then McKelvin or Jenkins at cornerback would be nice.
Manhattan Project: Darren McFadden, Vernon Gholston, or Chris Long. Other than those three, the first round will be a bust in my eyes.
Jose7©: I hope we trade up and get multiple first day picks because we have multiple needs. If not, I'm leading towards McFadden even though I like Gholston, but for some reason I feel he might be a bust. I point to the zero fumbles he forced in his college career.
ZigZag: Any premiere cornerback.
9. Which player will be on the hot seat in 2008?
treiz: Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens. If neither of them prove they are capable, I expect us to take a quarterback in next year’s draft.
Manhattan Project: Pennington. In camp he will have to battle with Clemens for the starting position.
Jose7©: Jenkins. He is the key to our defense and talked about being the big stud in the middle; we need that in the worst way.
ZigZag: Pennington.
10. What are the realistic expectations for 2008 at this point?
treiz: Between 7-9 and 9-7.
Manhattan Project: I would say 9-7 is realistic. We have a weaker schedule than we did last year and might be able to surprise people and make an improbable run to the playoffs – like we did in 2006.
Jose7©: 10-6.
ZigZag: Grabbing a Wild Card spot.
Surf over to RealGM’s NFL forums to weigh in on your favorite team as we continue to hold ‘Summit’ conversations on each of the league’s thirty-two teams. |
