New York Jets

Unlike their cross-town rival, the Jets actually out performed where everyone had predicted they would finish in 2006. Even I had the Jets ranked as one of the worst teams in football. But Eric Mangini came in and put the Jets in the right places, giving them a chance in every game. Well, that chance turned to gold more than a couple times, putting New York in the playoffs. Something that surprised even Jet fans. Without a sure thing at running back, New York went with Leon Washington, Kevan Barlow, and Cedric Houston. The Jets willingness to draft lineman with their two first round picks in the '06 draft proved to be brilliant as both Nick Mangold and D'Brickashaw Ferguson proved to be solid players. Even the average three headed rushing group played very well at times, while Chad Pennington stayed relatively hit-free in his first full season in some time. Chad played well, finding Laveranues Coles and Jericho Cotchery over 80 times each. While the Jets couldn't make it past the Patriots in the first round of the playoffs, it is obvious to me that they are on the fast track to success under a very good head coach.

Recent Records:

2004: 10-6 2005: 4-12 2006: 10-6

Off-Season Plans:

New York plunged into the preseason, making some huge moves that will undoubtedly improve their team in many areas. First and foremost, the resigned a few key players; Anthony Clement, Bobby Hamilton, and Wade Smith. Often times, teams that find success forget about the players that got them there, deciding not to pay to keep key contributors. The Jets were smart, and signed guys they needed back. Kenyon Coleman, from Dallas, should help a Jets team that was terrible against the run last season. But speaking of run, the Jets finally got the stud back they haven't had since Curtis Martin went down with injury a couple years back. Thomas Jones, traded for a swap of second round picks, will give the Jets a very good starting running back that has proven himself over the last few years in Chicago. The Jets got what they wanted/needed and Jonesy gets the kind of carries he wanted, and no longer has to look over his shoulder to see Cedric Benson trying to take his spot. He's a much better runner than people give him credit for. Look for the Jets to continue building their defense on day 1 of the draft. A few players I really like going to New York are DT DeMarcus Tyler or DE Adam Carricker, both have solid value here. I also like secondary help for the Jets in the form of Darelle Revis, Justin Blalock, Chris Houston, or even Leon Hall, though I think the latter will be gone much earlier. The Jets need run stopping help like I need hair, so my best bet is Tyler, though I do like a dark horse, Greg Olsen going to the Jets. It would make sense, as Mangini was around during the Patriots TE building years.

See the JETS draft situation at Lucky's Mock Draft!