New York Jets Roster: Where do we Go from Here?
By Alan Schechter
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
It has been a full week since the draft, and the signing of the undrafted free agents. There has been a wide variety of evaluations regarding the Jets performance to date. However, what we DO know is that the Jets did address many of their needs.
But there is still a great deal of work to do. There are holes that the Jets still need to fill. So the question becomes, where do we go from here? What do the Jets do next?
TIGHT END
Clearly John Idzik knows this position is an issue as he signed two guys from the UDFA pool at the position, Chris Pantale and Mike Shanahan. Jeff Cumberland is not a starting tight end. He plays a nice role coming off the bench, but he is not the starter. They didn’t address it during the draft, sticking to their board, and BPA concept. Now what?
Well, with Zach Ertz drafted by Philly, could Brent Celek become available for the Jets? If so, his history with Marty Mornhinweg during his time with the Eagles would make him a perfect fit. Chris Cooley is still available as a free agent, as is Dallas Clark. Both of these players would add experience to a position that currently is void of any significant experience. A veteran presence would help this position exponentially.
WIDE RECEIVER
We talked about this when we interviewed the NYC doctor about Santonio Holmes. A Lisfranc injury is very unpredictable. We absolutely do not know how he is going to respond. He could be back to his old self, he might not, and we have to be open to that possibility.
Jeremy Kerley is solid, no doubt. Stephen Hill should be better, but how much better? Will he make the step to being a reliable number two option? Again, we just do not know. Next on the list is Clyde Gates. Is that enough? Not really sure that it is.
There is one obvious choice that would be easy to bring back in, and would be a great veteran influence. You know him and love him. Braylon Edwards. He is a talented guy, and he wants to be a member of the New York Jets. The Jets need to make this move, yesterday. We have already discussed that though.
They did bring in UDFA’s at the position, so hopefully at least one will stick. Another veteran that has been named of in conjunction with the Jets is Ramses Barden. Another name that is out there and would be a fit is Brandon Lloyd. Or, there could still be another in-house solution. Jordan White may make the step up in his second season. We know he has the talent, he led the nation in receptions in his senior year of college. He could be the guy.
The team still has other holes to fill, but to me, these are the biggest. Sound off below as to your thoughts on the biggest team needs.