NFL Combine: New York Jets Takeaways from Press Conference

Mike Maccagnan spoke from the combine this week. Of course he didn’t give away the Jet’s plans for free agency. He had no specifics on the draft strategy for the Jets either. It’s February, no GM in the league is going to lay out specifics. So it’s no surprise.

What he did have to say however was telling. Most of what he said gave me hope for the new regime in New York. Though some of what he said concerned me. This year is another pivotal year for the Jets, and they need things to go smoothly for the Jets to return to relevance. Let’s see what we learned from Mike Maccagnan this week.

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Next: On QB

Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets quarterback

Geno Smith

(7) throws a pass in the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Jets defeated Miami 37-24. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

On the QB Position Jets fans got the standard reply to the QB position. Maccagnan stated that the Jets were committed to trying to turn Geno Smith into a winning QB. Maccagnan didn’t stop there however. He went on to say that the Jets will explore all avenues, both from the pros and collegiate levels to provide competition at the position. To that end, the Jets met with Josh McCown at the combine.

My Take: The Jets organization is hard at work determining what they will do at QB for 2015. Nothing is out of the realm of possibilities, and there will be competition at the position this summer. All good news for fans in my opinion.

Next: On Cornerback

Sep 14, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver

Jordy Nelson

(87) catches a 33 yard pass with New York Jets cornerback

Dee Milliner

(27) defending during the second half of a game at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

On Cornerback. Maccagnan said it was a position they would likely be active in free agency this year. He also indicated that Dee Milliner was still in the rehabbing stage for his torn ACL. He indicated that the Jets were projecting him to be ready late spring early summer.

My Take: The Jets are concerned about Milliner’s Return and they aren’t going to depend on him to start at this point. Milliner’s recovery is a concern. A new defensive system is being installed, and again he will miss time. Maccagnan is not going to make the mistake of his predecessor, and is going to actively seek upgrades at corner for Todd Bowles’ defense. Some good news and some bad news for Jets fans.

Next: On Free Agency

Feb 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan speaks to the media during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

On Free Agency Maccagnan indicated the Jets would be active in free agency. He said they would be active in the premier market, but would also be looking at the second tier and mid level talent as well.

My Take Maccagnan is going to sign a premier player or two right from the start. With the news on Milliner, I’d expect at least one of those will be at corner. Nothing new here really, as Maccagnan has already said he expects to be active. I like the idea that the Jets will be active at the other levels as well. For me its an indication that Maccagnan and the Jets know the holes that need to be filled and they are doing their homework at every level. Good news for Jets fans.

Next: On David Harris

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker

David Harris

(52) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

On David Harris Maccagnan indicated that he’d like to have David Harris “in the mix “at LB in 2015. He recognized Harris’s exceptional play for the Jets during his career. He said the Jets would like to see him back this year.

My Take. Maccagnan said all the right things concerning Harris. He said he would like to have him “in the mix” at LB. I wonder if that statement doesn’t indicate a reduced role if he returns. Maccagnan also said he’d like to see him back. Yet to me, it came off as pretty non-committal. It seems to me Harris will be retained at the right price and a reduced role. Harris and the Jets are reportedly to be meeting at the combine, so we’ll have to watch this one.

Next: On Percy Harvin

Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver

Percy Harvin

(16) catches a pass against the New England Patriots during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

On Percy Harvin. Mike Maccagnan wouldn’t say if the Jets will keep Harvin on the roster this season. He indicated that the Jets were still evaluating the situation. He said it was an ongoing process.

My Take. The Jets organization wants to rework Harvin’s contract. Maccagnan would like to keep him on the roster, but isn’t going to commit to anything publicly. From his comments I believe Harvin will be back, but only at a reduced price.

Next: Final Thoughts

A couple of things I took away from this interview. First, the early reports that Maccagnan wouldn’t be able to handle the New York media as a rookie GM, seem to be exaggerated. Since arriving, Maccagnan has been nothing but professional. Next, the Jets have scheduled interviews with both Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariotta at the combine. Routine stuff, but another indication the Jets are being vigilant.

Those were the highlights I think. The Jets are in good hands with Maccagnan and his team in my opinion. I’m liking what I’m hearing and seeing so far. The next couple of months will be telling of course. I’m excited for this off-season to get into full swing.

How about you folks? What was your take? Where do you think the Jets are going in 2015? We here at the JetPress want to know. Join the discussion. Let’s talk Jets football!!

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