New York Jets: Exclusive Interview with Joe Caporoso

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

As the New York Jets prepare for the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft, Turn On The Jets: Joe Caporoso decided to come on ESPN Radio with me to talk all things Jets for our readers here at The Jet Press.

Continuing working our way through NFL Draft week, we bring on another guest on ESPN Radio. Joe Caporoso from Turn On The Jets joins the program to talk all things Gang Green heading into a pivotal draft weekend.

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We discussed the current events around the Jets, some of the percolating rumors churning and ultimately who the Jets will select with the 20th overall pick in this year’s draft. Without further ado let’s get right into this exclusive interview.

Next: 10. What position are the Jets addressing in first round?

Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Draft analyst Mike Mayock speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

10. What position are the Jets addressing in first round?

The Jets have several needs heading into this year’s draft, but with the best player available mentality what would that mean at 20? Offensive line? Quarterback? What could it possibly be?

Well luckily enough, we cut the suspense short. Orange Nation radio host Steve Infanti asked Joe what he thought in his opening question:

Specifically, Caporoso says that the Jets are looking for depth in the trenches and adding some speed to their linebacker corps. They’ve got to improve their pass rush, Lorenzo Mauldin is a developing player and will take one spot.

The coaching staff is very high on Mauldin making the transition to a three down player. Could the Jets potentially add a running mate in the first round? Caporoso seems to think so.

Next: 9. Is it Paxton Lynch or nothing for the Jets?

Nov 14, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. The Cougars won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

9. Is it Paxton Lynch or nothing for the Jets?

The Jets have been searching for the next savior of the franchise for the last 50+ years. Could this year’s draft end the drought?

The other half of the Orange Nation team, Sal Maneen asked Joe about the Jets’ interest in Paxton Lynch. Also whether the Jets would consider trading up for him:

Caporoso feels that the only way the Jets move up is with a Muhammad Wilkerson trade package. But he also thinks Lynch is bound for the top-10 part of the draft order.

While Lynch is the consensus number three quarterback, top-10 is pretty high. Especially for a guy that needs multiple seasons to become a starter.

Next: 8. The latest on Ryan Fitzpatrick

Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

8. The Latest On Ryan Fitzpatrick

Every insider we’ve had on ESPN Radio have been asked what seems to be the pulse of the Ryan Fitzpatrick situation. Overall, it seems that the stalemate is going to continue until at least after this year’s draft.

With Geno Smith and Bryce Petty as the only two quarterbacks on the roster, you’d think the Jets are starting to get worried:

The honest part about the situation is that Fitzpatrick is out of options. League wide interest in Fitzpatrick is at an all-time low. Plus it doesn’t seem like that’ll change before or after this year’s draft.

Though maybe the threat of a quarterback trade could bring Fitzpatrick back into the fold, it’s one of many story-lines heading into draft week.

Next: 7. Are the Jets headed for the same song and dance in 2016?

August 11, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive Muhammad Wilkerson during practice at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

7. Are the Jets headed for the same song and dance in 2016?

The Jets’ disgruntled defensive lineman will most likely be back in uniform this season. It seems like the trade talks have calmed down.

But is that simply delaying the inevitable? Even if Wilkerson plays out the season on the franchise tag, what about next season?

Ideally, the Jets would like to avoid a situation like the theme suggests. The Jets are all too familiar with the contract saga that was Darrelle Revis over the last several years.

If the Jets want to make it work, they should start doing it soon. They’ve been negotiating for over two years as it’s about time to come to a conclusion.

Next: 6. Are the Jets targeting a receiver in first round?

Oct 29, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Josh Doctson (9) catches a touchdown pass past West Virginia Mountaineers cornerback Terrell Chestnut (16) during the first quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

6. Are the Jets targeting a receiver in first round?

A huge rumor that has started to surface is the Jets interest in the wide receiver position. It started early on Wednesday and has continued to build steam.

The Jets still have Devin Smith from last season and he struggled mightily in his rookie season. Can he be able to bounce back in year two?

As shocking as this seems to most, not to Joe, he said it shouldn’t be all that surprising. The Jets run multiple wide receiver sets and Brandon Marshall is getting up there in age.

It seems that looking at the other positions that could be the best value, wide receiver continues to be the most appropriate position to invest. Look for a bigger receiver like Laquon Treadwell or Josh Doctson if the Jets go that route in the first round.

Next: 5. Is Will Fuller a poor man's Devin Smith?

Sep 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Devin Smith (19) catches a pass during warmups before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

5. Is Will Fuller a poor man’s Devin Smith?

Speaking of Smith, it seems that he has been the forgotten man in the Jets’ receiving corps. Smith battled injuries the entire season and never got proper time to learn the position.

Smith needs more reps and he really started to improve at the end of the season. Joe agreed that Smith and Will Fuller are very similar prospects.

Illogical is what Caporoso categorized a Fuller addition in the first round. In terms of receivers that the Jets would be interested in.

It seems the Jets are intrigued by the bigger bodies in this year’s class. Don’t be surprised if the Jets end up with a receiver in prime time.

Next: 4. What's the biggest need on defense for the Jets?

Nov 8, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (55) reacts during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

4. What’s the biggest need on defense for the Jets?

There are multiple positions of needs on this team, specifically on defense. The Jets haven’t had an edge rusher that could dominate since John Abraham.

The Jets are very thin at the position and need to inject some youth. There are a multitude of potential prospects from Shaq Lawson to Noah Spence and Joe says edge rusher is the biggest hole on this squad:

More likely than not, Calvin Pace is not coming back and that seems to be a good thing. Because Pace although he can set the edge in the running game, just doesn’t bring it as much as a pass rusher.

It all rests on Mauldin, at least locking down one of the starting spots on this defense. If he can’t develop, the Jets will be in even bigger trouble at the position.

Next: 3. Could the Jets trade up?

Nov 8, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Myles Jack (30) rushes for a 28-yard touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

3. Could the Jets trade up?

A trade up scenario seems unlikely for the Jets with only six picks in this year’s draft. But a guy like Myles Jack could reportedly fall down draft boards.

Would that tempt the Jets to trade up if he fell within range? If we stick to best player available mentality, it’s going to be hard to pass up a guy of Jack’s potential.

Would Noah Spence be worth a trade up? Again, if he’s there within three to five picks the Jets would have to strongly consider moving up.

High risk-high reward when you take chances in the first round. Something to weigh as we continue to hear the rumors heading up into the draft.

Next: 2. With the 20th overall pick the Jets select...

Nov 1, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Taylor Decker (68) against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

2. With the 20th overall pick the Jets select…

We continue to put our guests on the hot seat as we continue our coverage towards the draft. Caporoso wasted little time in revealing his selection for Gang Green.

Joe thought we should improve the offensive line and we do that by selecting Taylor Decker out of Ohio State. Value meets need and he is a plug and play starter on the right side:

I don’t like being the bearer of bad news but there are so many teams ahead of the Jets that have offensive line issues. So much so that it seems tough to imagine Decker being available when the Jets are on the clock.

But clearly Breno Giacomini isn’t getting it done and Brian Winters is nothing to smile about either. In a perfect world, the Jets draft multiple offensive linemen in this year’s draft.

Next: 1. Final thoughts

Mar 4, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of NFL Wilson Duke football and the Olympic torch at the peristyle end of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Coliseum will serve as the temporary home of the Los Angeles Rams after NFL owners voted 30-2 to allow Rams owner Stan Kroenke (not pictured) to relocate the franchise from St. Louis for the 2016 season. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

1. Final thoughts

A huge thank you to Joe Caporoso for taking the time to do the interview during a very busy time of the year. Another big thank you to Orange Nation for providing the platform on ESPN Radio to make this possible and available for our readers on The Jet Press.

Caporoso’s work has been featured in Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report and the USA Today! He’s a master of his craft and someone who really knows the Jets.

Make sure that you take the time to follow him on his social media portals if you aren’t already. Also check out TOJ where they have the latest Jets coverage available.

More jets: Top 5 quarterbacks Jets should target in 2016 NFL Draft

If you enjoyed the interview, you can check it out in its entirety right here in the audio vault: Boy Green and Orange Nation with Turn On The Jets Owner Joe Caporoso on ESPN Radio 97.7 and 100.1.