Going into last April's draft 2 positions that were a huge concern were the Safety & RT positions. The play of Hunter and the loss of Jim Leonhard and terrible coverage skills of Eric Smith were an issue. Many in this forum, including myself, wanted the Jet's Front Office to draft an OT and Safety in the 1st 3 rounds. One game doesn't make a season, but the play of Howard, Bell & Landry are extremely encouraging. Our starting secondary plus Kyle Wilson has to be in the top 3 in the league. In fact, our defense looks very solid. If Howard, Bell & Landry continue their outstanding play, and we resign them, the Jets will be looking in a different direction next April. I still believe an OLB will be a priority next year to replace an aging Pace & Thomas. I would also like to add another OT/G early in 2013's draft. I still want a Big Tight End like Fauria for a Red Zone target. It's funny, what we all thought was going to be a big weakness, turns out to be a strenght thanks to some good decisions by Tanny.
WW, as always, your analysis is respected. But The concerns with Landry and Bell weren't whether they would produce its whether they can stay on the field to produce. Howard, If he continues to play well was a winning lottery ticket but is basically a lucky find.
I may haven't made it clear, especially with Landry, but it was a concern if he was going to be healthy. An Achilles' injury and not having surgery was a gamble, let's hope he stays healthy. Landry is a force and one of the most physical Safeties in the league. One thing that is certain, if Landry continues to play at this level, he's going to see a big payday next season. My point of the thread was sometimes the draft isn't the "whole piece of the puzzle" to fill our needs. My biggest concern about the Front Office was sticking with Hunter too long.
I guess it also came down to the fact that they had Q and Hill higher on their board than any S or OL. If Hill turns into a Julio Jones in terms of production Tanny will have redeemed himself in my eyes BC Rex said Hill was his pick. BUT, my patience with Tanny is wearing thin.
Let's give up the idea that this could be an 8-8 team this year. This is a playoff team barring the unforeseen. Late first round draft pick reduces the overall value which makes OLB bust potential a more acceptable risk. The only other real possibility is safety if Landry/Bell get hurt and Bush can't step up. DuCasse is Moore's replacement. Howard looks like the future. I don't see OL in the first 3 rounds. Maybe try to find some value for the TE in the 3rd and that leaves the 2nd open to safety if necessary or just go BPA if not. Let's look at guys at those positions and likely to go in that range to start.
I just hope that we didnt miss out on an opportunity to grab a pass-rushing 3-4 OLB in a draft year that had an abundance of them. Its still very very early for the 2013 draft and prospects will pop up during the season. But even before 2011 college season, you got the impression that there would be a lot of those guys available.
Landry has the achilles issue. Maybe we'll get lucky for a change and it won't flare up the way it has the last two seasons. That would be nice karma for the Vinny thing. Bell is 34. Re-sign him next year? What? Howard is the guy that has been the golden find so far and if he turns out to be a winning lottery ticket then at least RT won't be high on the list of priorities next year when RG most likely will be.
We have 2 safeties developing in our system in Bush and Allen so I doubt we go safety unless Reid slips I see us picking 25-32 so its likely we miss out on Jones, Mingo, Montgomery but could get Jenkins or Werner, both could fall but Werner reminds me of Clay Matthews and Jenkins got hurt and would other wise be gone. We also need a RB and TE maybe even another WR with some size Schillens and Turner have a lot to prove this year, we could also use Keller as trade bait, tag and trade him because I just dont think he fits with Sparano's style unless we get a big year out of Cumberland who would compliment Keller
Lots changed since you made this thread. Austin Howard looks horrific, and absolutely needs to be replaced. I think RT is without a doubt this teams biggest need Then a rush stopping OLB. Think this works out pretty well for us since RTs usually arent drafted where we will be picking (early teens~) So im REALLY hoping this is the year we trade down and address the big needs
I still believe Ryan Howard was better than Hunter, and he on the minimum salary, we should draft a right tackle but keep Howard.
