Very Curious “Mini-Draft” for the New York Jets

Sep 25, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum during the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

You can say a lot about the New York Jets, and many have. One thing is for sure, they certainly know how to keep things interesting. This offseason has been one of the most interesting, confusing, controversial, and odd offseasons for the New York Jets in recent memory.

First, you had the acquistion of Tim Tebow. Whether a fan of it or not, there is no denying that it was a controversial move. They gave up draft picks that could have been used to fill holes, and although the draft went well, the team still had holes as big as the Lincoln Tunnel after the draft. Those holes have been well documented, depth on the offensive line, blocking TE, veteran WR, and veteran RB. They only made two draft picks at the skilled offensive positions, one has been cut, and one is very raw and unproven.

Mike Tannenbaum has come under fire in recent weeks, due to his lack of moves being made on the offensive side of the football. Tannenbaum, true to form, talked about how nobody is more competitive than him, and how he hasn’t stopped looking for ways to improve the Jets. In an interview with the Associated Press, he alluded to this past weekend, saying that Labor Day Weekend was going to be a “minidraft” for the New York Jets.

So what happened? Turn the page and we will review.

August 25, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Greg Camarillo (17) during the second half of a preseason game against the Houston Texans at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Texans 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

There are players out there for this “mini-draft”, that would have helped. We have outlined some of them in the past. Greg Camarillo is out there, and would be a perfect fit with his experience playing for Tony Sparano. Deion Branch, although not as good a receiver without Tom Brady, still would have been worth a look in the experienced WR department.

In the running back department, Tim Hightower and Joseph Addai are still available. We have talked about the worth of these guys, if healthy, at length. Ryan Grant is still available, and he has always been an effective running back when healthy.

Dan Koppen would have been a perfect fit as a backup offensive lineman. He is a talented player, and the Jets need depth on the offensive line in the worst way. In short, they have no depth, at least none that we can count on. Do you guys feel good if Wayne Hunter, Vladimir Ducasse, and Caleb Schlauderaff? Not me. We need the help badly. But yet, nothing.

Instead, we release a running back, Terrance Ganaway, leaving them with only three. They release one of their most talented backup defensive linemen, Marcus Dixon, and replace him with a guy, Isaako Aaitui, who has never played in a regular season NFL game. Yes we need a DT with Pouha’s injury, but wouldn’t Marcus Dixon have been a better choice due to experience?

Then, a couple of days later, they release Aaitui and then bring back Dixon? If they were trying to save money, wouldn’t it have made sense to bring back Dixon after week 1 so they wouldn’t have to guarantee his salary? Seems like a move that was made just for the sake of making a move.

Dec. 4, 2011; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Clyde Gates (10) during the second half against he Oakland Raiders at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Yes, the Jets did make a move at wide receiver, but Clyde Gates? Who the heck is this guy? He has two NFL catches to his credit. Two! Depth is one thing, but wouldn’t it have made sense to get a proven wide receiver that we could be sure would help this team? It just doesn’t make any sense.

Furthermore, they don’t bring in any offensive linemen, but they change punters? Fine, TJ Conley is not consistent, he had to go. But Robert Malone? Matt McBriar was available, with eight seasons to his credit, and a per punt average of over 45 yards per punt. Robert Malone had a decent rookie season in 2010, but was basically out of the league in 2011, with only 5 punts to his credit. He couldn’t make the San Diego Chargers, but he is going to make the Jets, where field position is going to be of the utmost importance? Another curious move.

Some mini-draft, huh?

The Jets worked out several players yesterday, but not one running back or offensive linemen. They instead worked out two punters, a long snapper. a linebacker and a wide receiver. Who was the wide receiver you ask? Derek Hagan. Seriously? Here is a guy that has never amassed more than 400 yards receiving in a season, and has been in the league for seven years. This is the guy that is going to help Mark Sanchez?

Also, very curious.

Don’t forget about the TE, Konrad Reuland. They didn’t go after a known blocking TE like Justin Peele or Evan Moore, they take Reuland, who made some catches in preseason, but also hasn’t played in a real NFL game.

That is how you could describe this whole offseason for Mike Tannenbaum. There have been some highs, like Quinton Coples. There have been some lows, and some guys we just don’t know about.

The mini-draft has been anything but solid. It’s been very, very curious. The Jets had holes, and they still have those holes. All I can say is that I hope Tannenbaum knows what he is doing.