Reid Scheme Fit: Man/Power Blocking Round Projection: Early-Mid 1st Round Positives (+) Strength/Power: Thomas possesses a true bruising downhill type of mindset. He’s at his best when allowed to overwhelm stationary or still targets while he remains on the move. The star Georgia offensive tackle is able to fire out of his stance and transition his movements into power very quickly. He contains heavy hands and also a punch that swiftly enables him to latch onto down defenders in order to stall their process immediately. He has lots of clever victories in that he's able to quickly cancel out rush moves because of his brute strength. Savviness: Pre-snap, Thomas keep his eyes and head on a swivel to stay alert of late appearing targets that may signal edge pressure or blitzes of some sort. One of his best traits is being able to recognize tight techniques head up to inside of his shoulders, which signify twists or stunts are soon to follow. Once seeing the defender crashing inside, he gives a hard push to their desired destinations, and patiently awaits the impending looper from the opposite direction. He not only prepares himself for the action, but also alerts the guard directly beside him. Anchor/Hip Strength/Size: The living definition of a player that looks the part, Thomas has a round and stout upper-half with an equally as complete lower body. This helps him have an ideal frame for an offensive tackle. He's an exterior protector that possesses all of the elements it takes in order to be classified as a potential upper-tier starter. He not only has the body structure, but also the game to back it up and plays with an aggressive demeanor.When feeling threatened, he’s able to nail his feet into the ground and use them as pillars to prevent ensuing pressure. Possessing a thick lower half, he uses it to his advantage by gathering momentum out of his stance to generate upward force in order pave running lanes on down blocks. Negatives (–) High Hand Targets/Waist Bend Panic: When exiting his pass sets and initiating targets for his hands, his most consistent has been near the top of rushers shoulder pads. A bit high and it causes many inconsistencies with maintaining control throughout the duration of the process. High and wide execution makes it easier for defenders to disengage from his grasp and it leaves him with a wider than normal base. When beaten up-the-field, he defers to laying on defenders with most of his upper body weight instead of trusting his feet and power to help him reposition in order to win the rep. When deferring to this technique, he leaves his inside shoulder open, which gives free access to rushers for potential wins inside. This results in him falling off blocks or all the way to the ground because of the lack of control. Flexibility: Thomas isn't the most springy blocker out of his stance. Quick footed and up the field steppers can cover ground on him and attack his technique in a hurry. This is where his panic button does show up and he relegates into becoming a leaner, which is his last ditch effort to slow down rushers. Both LSU (2018 and 2019) games were prime examples of how quick accelerators or gifted vertical movers can present issues for him. Overly Violent Mindset: Thomas frequently treats games like a street brawl. That’s the type of attitude that he brings to the table. His aggressive demeanor can also be used as a disadvantage against him though. Wise rushers, who are good with their hands will flash them early, but not intending for them to go in those initial places, but they will then quickly re-adjust to their desired spots during pass rush moves. These types of counter/bait tactics are ones that Thomas has frequently fallen victim to. Projection: Thomas' combination of power, sturdiness, and awareness helped him become one of the best offensive tackles in the SEC from an early age. Possessing a thick trunk and a beefy upper half, he has the requisite strength throughout his frame in order to dislodge defenders at the point of attack. An above average athlete, he also has the foot quickness in order to match and mirror as a pass protector. Hands that are like vice grips, his best asset is the movement he's able to generate on the first level prior to climbing to others. With a consistent anchor, he can also nail his feet in the ground to halt the process of rushers attempting to attack him down the middle. As a result, his current traits make him an ideal candidate to play either tackle spot and experience success quickly. He has the characteristics to eventually become a top 10-12 offensive tackle in the league with continued development.
I disagree completely. Again, in 10 of the last 11 drafts the Jets have drafted a defensive player with their first pick, and it was the same way for the 4-5 drafts prior to that. Enough is enough!!!! It's time the Jets invested some #1 picks on the offensive side of the ball. Just because there will be quality WRs in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, doesn't mean that Douglas shouldn't take one in the 1st who's likely even better. Also, just because we sign 2 OL in FA, doesn't mean we shouldn't draft an OT at #11 or after a trade down in the 1st round. Unless we sign Conklin, most of the other OL will be closer to 30, 30 or over 30. Even though some OL can play well into their 30s, we saw with Mangold and Brick that their ability vanished overnight once they hit 30. There are also 5 positions on the OL and we need better starters at each of them, so it would be perfectly reasonable to still draft an OT with our #1 pick. Aside from the OL, the other position where the Jets can best fill their need in FA is the CB position. There will be several good CBs available in FA. Conversely, most likely there won't be any quality WRs available in FA. Why in the world would the Jets want to burn their #1 pick on a CB when they can sign two very good ones in FA and then add a stud WR in the 1st round? That makes no sense to me. I get that it's better to draft your CBs, just as it is your edge rushers, WRs and OL. But CB can wait until next year or 2022 if we sign two in FA or if we sign one and Bless Austin fills the other spot.
You want 2 high priced free agents for OL who add to cap woes and age out? Frankly, we need a young OL to grow with SD and rest of Team in addition to an OL veteran FA imo
Is it me or is there some blind, dumb prejudice against a first round pick for Offense with the posters here?? After 8 years of picks of drafting D on first we have an abysmal Offense at risk of being surpassed by Buffalo and Miami ..just great Go ahead draft a CB..I am sure he will help you score plenty of points for us..LMAO
Of course it's more than 1 round. But, what is one of the biggest criticisms Maccagnan got here? That he didn't invest early round picks on the OL. FA's alone won't fix it now. We need at least 1 OT and C/G from the draft. The argument is that protecting Sam is a bigger priority than getting a top CB prospect.
I didn't say anything about taking him. The poster that I quoted said it would set us back years and years and years. That is an asinine take. I've wanted us to take offense the entire time, but if somehow Okudah falls to 11 and the Jets address OL with 2 YOUNG FA's, that allows us to continue to address OL in rounds 2 + 3. It isn't as dumb as the poster originally made it out to be.
The line can still be fixed but the talent gap between okuda and the lineman is big enough to justify the pick. It’s not like we don’t need a cb1.
It's probably only semantics between the poster you're responding to, you and me. While I don't think it would be dumb in one sense because Okudah is a great CB prospect and that is a big need for us, in another sense, I think it would be a dumb and bad choice as the Jets have focused entirely too much on D for the last 10-15 years using all but 1-2 of their first round picks on D, and have pretty much ignored the offense. Also, if you say it wouldn't be a "bad" pick, then in a sense you are saying that you wouldn't have a problem with taking him.
It's not just 2 new OL we need, but 5. Douglas has said that we may have 5 new starters on the OL this year, and if possible, we should. We can't draft 5 starting OL, nor should we. One doesn't want to have to replace one's whole OL at once. The thing is, we shouldn't keep stiffs like Winters and Shell around, can't risk Sam's health and career, and our OL was so bad that we have little or no choice but to try to replace all 5 starters, and so must sign some "older" veteran OL. While any FA OL we sign to be starters will be fairly expensive (Graham Glasgow) or really expensive (Joe Thuney and Jack Conklin), they aren't necessarily old. Glasgow and Joe Thuney are 27 and Conklin is only 25. Hence they aren't that much older than some prospects coming out of college who are already 23 or 24. While we may not get 10 years of service out of them, we could probably get at least 2-3 years out of Glasgow and Thuney, and possibly as long as 7-8 years. Conklin we could get probably at least 5, if not 10 years. Is it ideal? No, but we know that the Jets are in anything but an ideal situations. Douglas just has to make the best of it he can. Fans are also sick of the team not being competitive and not making the playoffs. If Douglas doesn't get the team back in the playoffs within a year or two, he may not have a job for long and Jets fans may revolt. We're going to have to sign some FA OL and hopefully CBs and Edge Rusher.
Sure, one could justify the pick in a vacuum, but that doesn't make it the smartest or best decision/move. When the offense has been ignored like the Jets have ignored theirs over the last 10 years or so, and when the GM's predecessor drafted the QB, but then didn't draft any WRs high or OL high to help that QB develop and to protect him, then it becomes much less easy to justify using yet another 1st round pick on defense rather than drafting an OL or WR, especially when there are such good OL and WR prospects in the draft who are every bit as good as Okudah at their respective positions, and CB isn't as important as LT or #1 WR for one's young QB, the offense, or the team.
Without being ridiculed by everyone. We are collectively in agreement that we are set in certain positions. If Okudah (position of need) is rated higher than the remaining linemen then I am fine. I dont see the point in reaching for a player that maybe good vs one that has the markings of great
Interesting article by Cimini on ESPN today. It's an interview with Todd McShay who was a college teammate of Joe Douglas. Except for the title and captions, the bolding is mostly mine. https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-...er-college-bud-joe-douglas-to-revitalize-jets Todd McShay expects former college bud Joe Douglas to revitalize Jets Rich CiminiESPN Staff Writer A look at what's happening around the New York Jets: 1. Spider Men: ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay was a fifth-string freshman quarterback at the University of Richmond in the mid-1990s when, out of the blue, he was forced into the starting lineup for one practice. He wasn't prepared and screwed up the playcalls. That didn't sit well with one of the linemen. "He basically slaps me in the helmet and says, 'Let's go, bud. Let's go,'" McShay recalled. That lineman was Joe Douglas. A quarter-century later, Douglas finds himself in another position where a head-slap is needed. The Jets have been screwing up for nearly a decade and need their general manager, in his first offseason with the organization, to knock some sense into them. McShay, who forged a lifelong friendship with his old college teammate, believes Douglas will get the job done even though it "may take a year or two to get the results you're looking for." A guest on ESPN's "Flight Deck" podcast, McShay provided insight into how he expects Douglas to attack the challenge. A few takeaways: McShay doesn't expect wild spending in NFL free agency. He noted that Douglas was raised in the business under former Baltimore Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome, who was known as a bargain hunter. "I wouldn't guess that they're going to go out and spend a ton of money," McShay said. "But if they do spend, it's going to be on guys who are a little underrated and can provide some versatility and some veteran leadership, and probably some special teams help." Douglas is big, big, big on intangibles. Pointing to Douglas' first season as the Philadelphia Eagles' draft czar (2017), McShay said, "It was so important to him to make sure that first draft class ... made a statement, that they brought in the right guys -- impact players, not just physical traits. More importantly, [he wanted] guys that were going to be leaders and are going to create the culture." McShay suspects Douglas will adhere to Newsome's quantity-over-quality philosophy when it comes to the draft, which suggests he will look to trade down when possible. McShay described the mindset as, "Let's take advantage of some teams that panic on the clock." As for what the Jets might do with the No. 11 pick, McShay's hunch is Douglas will stay close to his roots -- meaning an offensive lineman. He identified five quality prospects -- Jedrick Wills, Jr., Mekhi Becton, Tristan Wirfs, Josh Jones and Austin Jackson. After that, there's a "big, big dropoff," said McShay, adding that it's "important" for them to draft a tackle in the first two rounds. "The bottom line is, I think offensive tackle is definitely up there in terms of positions they're really trying to study to just give Sam [Darnold] a chance, a fighting chance this year," he said. (I wonder if omitting Andrew Thomas was an oversight/slip up, of if McShay really doesn't think Andrew Thomas is a top OT prospect or just doesn't think he's a good fit for the Jets.) 2. Thinking big (man): It's a little early for projecting which players might be available for the Jets at No. 11, but what the heck? Let's take a shot. I think these seven players will be off the board: Three quarterbacks (Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert) and four defensive players (Chase Young, Jeff Okudah, Isaiah Simmons and Derrick Brown). If another non-offensive lineman slips into the top 10, it means the Jets will have a crack at one of the three linemen who have separated from the pack -- Wills, Becton and Wirfs. Free agency, of course, will be a factor in the decision. If the Jets sign, say, Tennessee Titans right tackle Jack Conklin, they might be less inclined to pick Wirfs or Wills, both of whom played right tackle in college. Becton looks the part of a massive right tackle (6-foot-7, 364 pounds), but he impressed at left tackle because of his freakish athleticism. His weight has to be a concern, though. To paraphrase Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells, he could be one biscuit away from 400 pounds. "I feel like I'm the most dominant tackle in this draft," Becton told reporters this week at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. "You wouldn't go wrong by picking me." 3. Brian's song: It's widely assumed that right guard Brian Winters will be a cap casualty, but we might want to tap the brakes on that. The Jets could be interested in keeping him at a reduced salary. He's due to make $7 million in the final year of his contract, which is steep, but he's valued by the organization. Douglas made that clear at the combine, noting Winters is the only 2019 opening-day starter still under contract. In other words, he would provide continuity amid an anticipated offensive-line overhaul. 4. Tru and consequences: The outcome of the collective bargaining agreement vote will have an impact on the Jets' salary cap -- specifically, with regard to cornerback Trumaine Johnson. A new CBA would benefit the team because they would be able to spread out Johnson's cap hit over two seasons -- $4 million this year, $8 million in 2021. The Jets can do that by designating him as a "June 1" cut. Under the existing CBA, there's no June 1 option because the agreement expires after this season. That means his cap hit would accelerate into 2020 -- a whopping $12 million charge. Johnson's release is inevitable, but the Jets could be waiting to see if they get bailed out by a new CBA. They have to make a decision by March 20, when his $11 million salary for 2020 becomes fully guaranteed.
5. Adams' timetable: The Jets did the right thing by saying they want to extend safety Jamal Adams' contract. I mean, why wouldn't they want to make him a "Jet for life"? Unless Adams is unreasonable with his demands, it's a no-brainer. He's their best homegrown talent since Darrelle Revis and, even though he doesn't intercept the football, he makes enough of an impact in his role to warrant a serious bump in pay. Douglas came from an organization (Eagles) known for being proactive with its own players, so it seems logical he would want to lock up Adams before he reaches his walk year. That said, the Jets won't rush into anything. Remember, they have the leverage because they control Adams for two years -- three, if you count a possible franchise tag in 2022. They will try to get a deal on their terms while Adams seeks to land a record-breaking contract. This will be a compelling negotiation. 6. Deal or no deal: If the New York Giants use the franchise tag on defensive end Leonard Williams, it probably means they won't sign him any time soon -- and that would affect the Jets. Per the terms of last fall's trade, the Jets received a 2020 third-round pick and a conditional 2021 fifth-round choice that improves to the fourth round if he re-signs with the Giants before the start of the league year. If you're a Jets fan, root for a fast deal. 7. Bell curve: Defending Le'Veon Bell's poor season, Douglas pointed to Bell's 87-yard rushing game against the Ravens on Dec. 12. Douglas said, "We saw Le'Veon be Le'Veon." It was a solid performance, in part because he ran with a downhill mentality, but let's not make it out to be vintage. It took him 21 carries to get those 87 yards, a pedestrian 4.1 yards per attempt. It also doesn't disprove the theory held by some that he lost some explosiveness as the season progressed. Remember, he played the Baltimore game on 10 days' rest because he missed the previous game with an illness. Any running back would benefit from fresh legs late in a season. Look, I understand the Jets' position. They know Bell isn't going anywhere and they want to create positive vibes for 2020, hoping to maximize his chances for success. They can help him by building a better line. 8. Ain't over 'til it's over: The prevailing sentiment is the Jets will lose wide receiver Robby Anderson in free agency, but I can tell you this: They're not going down without a fight. If they do lose him, it will hurt their team speed on offense, an area they would like to improve. 9. Injury update: Darnold (left thumb) and linebacker C.J. Mosley (groin), both of whom are recovering from surgery, are expected to be ready for the spring, according to coach Adam Gase. Wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (neck) is rehabbing at the facility, but he still hasn't been medically cleared, per Douglas. 10. The last word: "He had offers. There were different places that wanted him the last few years and he waited for the right offer. This [the Jets] is the place he wanted to go. He saw the potential. He saw the quarterback. He's obsessed with winning. I wouldn't bet against him, I can tell you that much." -- McShay on Douglas.
Is the gap that big? I'd be all for taking Okudah if we didn't have a porous OL. With a very good OT prospect potentially becoming available at 11 and OT being a big need, it almost makes too much sense to take one.
I don't think I'd complain much if we took Okudah. He's a Revis-level prospects with what seems to be a Richard Sherman style of competitiveness. The gap is that big. The problem in the past hasn't been missing on defensive players when we should've been taking offensive lineman in the first round. It was taking defensive players at positions of strength and reaching for odd ball fits like Darron Lee. Or as @FJF said, ignoring that offensive players can be taken in other rounds as well and taking back to back safeties, two years removed from a $100 million spending spree on defensive backs in FA. Okudah and Chase Young are the only two defenders worth it at 11 for us and both must-takes or mandatory trade downs for huge halls if they fall. They're both going to be that good.
If Okubah is there it most likely means Becton, Wirfs, Jeudy, Lamb and probably the others are gone. Then yes the drop from Okubah talent to the next oline/wr is significant. I personally don't care for Wills and Thomas stock is dropping though I still like him. At that point I think you trade back or take Okubah. This is why I don't want to overpay in FA and try to fill all our holes. Glasgow will be cheaper, more versatile than Thuney... Conklin maybe only 15 million (cheaper than I assumed). Build the team before the draft. Use the draft for BPA at a position of need. We need OL, WR, CB, and edge. If Okubah is bpa take him or get tons of compensation.
I totally disagree. It's rigid, inflexible thinking like that, that leads to dumb mistakes by teams. There are very few "nevers" in life, and that sure isn't one of them. For starters, I don't think the gap is that big, but even if it is, it is mitigated by the dire need at other positions, of protecting and helping Sam develop, and that other positions are more important. The Jets had scrub CBs last year and they did pretty well. I don't think having a CB like Okudah would have led to many, if any, more victories. Conversely, having a much better WR or LT could have made a big difference for Sam and the team.
I have a hard time believing that if Okubah is there that it means that all 4 of the top OTs and both Lamb and Jeudy are gone. There are probably 2-3 other defenders that will go in the top 10 and at least 3, if not 4 QBs. At least one of the OTs and WRs should still be there. I agree that we should go for cheaper FAs and seek to fill as many holes as possible in FA. Thankfully, McShay thinks that is what Douglas will do. That he will look for underrated players who are bargains. The problem is that we could sign 2, maybe even 3 OL that way in FA, and maybe even a CB or two as well. There are no WRs in FA that would be good fits except Perriman if we lose Anderson. Cooper probably will get tagged and if not, he will be too expensive. The same goes for Green. So we will still need to add a couple of very OL and at least one, and probably 2 very good WR prospects in the draft. That leaves no room for CB imo.
