Could the 2nd Round of the 2013 NFL Draft Show the True New York Jets Power Structure?

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets general manager John Idzik speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

March 19, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan answers questions from reporters during the annual NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

John Idzik and Rex Ryan. They are in one of the most unusual situations possible, with Idzik set as the long-term GM, and Rex Ryan possibly on his last legs as Jets head coach. It certainly has the potential for being one of the most interesting front office situations that you could possibly have.

So the question is, who has the power, and how will they work together? And I don’t mean based on what they say. We know they are going to make the correct statements about how the system will work. But we have said it many times before, actions are going to dictate how this situation plays out. There was a lot of discussion during the Tanny days, saying that the one calling the shots was emphatically not Tannenbaum, but Rex after all. Whether Rex was dominating, or Mike was too easy with Rex, that is the theory. If Rex wanted a player, Rex got that player.

So, we are going into the first Idzik/Ryan draft. Who will be calling the shots, Idzik or coach Ryan? How can we tell? I believe we will get a clear indication, but not when you would think. A lot of times, we put a great deal of attention on whom the team chooses with their first round pick. I, however, am looking later on. Specifically, whom the Jets choose either with their second round pick, or a late first round pick if they make a trade. He’s an interesting player to watch, and would give us a clear indication. His name?

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad defensive lineman Margus Hunt of SMU (96) prior to kickoff of a game against the Senior Bowl south squad at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Margus Hunt, DE from SMU. If he is still on the board when the Jets make their second choice, either late in the first round after a trade, or early in the second if they stay put, will give us a clear line into the Jets power structure in the new John Idzik era.

Take a look at some video from a game against Pittsburgh:

Read my initial thoughts on this player, in case you missed them, by clicking here.

Let’s get right to my point on this guy.  Rex Ryan loved this guy.  So much, that Rex personally worked Hunt as a linebacker, as well as defensive end.  After four years, we know how much Rex Ryan loves a player that is versatile.  Margus fits that bill.  Secondly, remember the last time Rex went to personally work out a potential draftee?  His name was…?

QUINTON COPLES

A guy that certainly is heading in the right direction after his rookie year, don’t you think?

The point here, however, is the fact that Rex loves him.  If a defensive coach works out a defensive player at more than one position, it’s obvious that the coach is already thinking about how to use this player. By the way, there is nothing wrong with that. If defensive players are what you do, that is who you are going to gravitate towards.

Will John Idzik concede to Rex’s request, if he likes a player that is different from the one Rex likes? We obviously don’t know all of the thought processes, we aren’t in the room. All I am saying is that if Rex does not get to draft a player he worked out at multiple positions, it will be an interesting indicator as to how much power Rex Ryan holds now.

And could give us a lot of insight as 2013 moves forward.