Rebuilding the Jets - Milkman41's Jets dynasty, starting in 2012

[milkman41]

New York Jets announce hiring of Coach Caruzzo

The New York Jets are proud to announce the hiring of Head Coach Steve Caruzzo, formerly of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his 4 years in Tampa Bay, Caruzzo embodied excellence, as he compiled a fantastic 58 - 6 record, an unheard-of 46-game winning streak, and 3 consecutive Super Bowls (2009, 2010, 2011). Caruzzo has also shown a fantastic eye for talent, using several drafts to completely remold the team. He has constructed, either via the draft, via trade, or via free agency, a deep and versatile team that has produced numerous Pro Bowls, and has even set records, such as LE Calais Campbell's record 27 sacks in 2010. Caruzzo brings a fiery, aggressive, demeanor, and a similar style of play to the team. The team is very excited about the hiring, as is Coach Caruzzo, and they expect to finally climb out of the basement this season.

[milkman41]

Re: Rebuilding the Jets - Milkman41's Jets dynasty, starting in 2012

2012 Offseason roster

QB           Overall Potential Age Experience Contract Years Left
Troy Lamerson	85	90	27	2	2.1M	3
Anquan Taylor	73	91	25	1	9.4M	4

HB						
Ahmad Bradshaw	80	82	25	5	3.2M	4


FB						


WR						
Lavernues Coles	85	87	32	12	4.9M	2
Deron Miles	66	72	23	1	500k	2
Warrick Hugo	65	82	23	1	440k	2


TE						
Marcedes Lewis	73	76	27	6	1.1M	1
Tony Scheffler	70	73	29	6	500k	1

LT						
Mike Stowers	88	89	28	3	1.0M	1
Kirk Glazer	74	79	25	2	670k	4

LG						
Armond Burt	80	81	26	3	1.9M	3
Shane Rosenthal	80	90	25	1	480k	2

C						
Nick Mangold	92	93	27	6	5.9M	3


RG						
Brad Butler	82	82	27	6	2.5M	2

RT						
Will Svitek	82	82	29	7	2.2M	2

LE						
Vernon Gholston	84	84	26	4	7.9M	1
Aaron Henry	68	69	24	1	300k	2

RE						
Andre Dalembert	90	92	25	3	9.1M	3

DT						
Kris Jenkins	83	83	32	11	7.5M	1
Kory Holt	76	78	25	4	1.6M	1

LOLB						


ROLB						
Prescott Burgess	73	77	27	5	600k	1

MLB						
David Harris	86	87	27	5	2.9M	4
Renardo Wiley	76	79	27	4	570k	3

CB						
Darelle Revis	92	94	26	5	7.1M	1
Tyrod Darlin	92	94	25	2	9.3M	4

FS						
Abram Elam	76	79	28	6	830k	2

SS						
Kerry Rhodes	89	90	29	7	4.9M	2

Although Coach Caruzzo hasn't said anything regarding the quarterback situation, you would have to believe one of the two will be traded given their salaries and former 1st-round pedigrees. Although Anquan Taylor is most similar to Caruzzo's former QB Josh Johnson, Lamerson has a lower salary, and played decently last season when given a chance to start.

The only untouchables on the team seem to be RE Andre Dalembert, C Nick Mangold, and the cornerback tandem of Darrelle Revis and Tyrod Darlin. SS Kerry Rhodes, MLB David Harris, and LE Vernon Gholston (formerly a LOLB in 3 - 4, he moves to LE in Coach Caruzzo's 4 - 3) are also strong locks to stay on the team.

[JMSHHT]

Re: Rebuilding the Jets - Milkman41's Jets dynasty, starting in 2012

Hey! Stop copying me!! Just kidding, I hope u can trun the Jets around soon. Whe I just went to the Jets the roster strength was similar to yours, and right now I'm 7-1 halfway through the season. Think u should be able to do the same.

[milkman41]

Re: Rebuilding the Jets - Milkman41's Jets dynasty, starting in 2012

Offseason Outlook

Restricted Free Agents
The Jets currently have no restricted free agents, but may have interest in other teams' restricted free agents. The Jets may have interest in former Bucs such as WR Jerry Higgins, RT Corey Albright, LE Robert Flynn, and DT Rashaud Johnson, as well as restricted free agents LG Langston Browne and others.

Unrestricted Free Agents
Although Head Coach Steve Caruzzo has not shown a tendency to spend much in free agency, he may have to look towards free agency to help fill some of the Jets' numerous holes, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Coach Caruzzo will undoubtedly bring in role players such as QB Dee Gabbert who have knowledge of Caruzzo's playbooks.

There are also several young veterans who interest Caruzzo, and who could thrive in New York. Examples of these are ROLB Keith Rivers, WR Early Doucet, LT Sam Baker (recently cut by Tampa Bay), and HB Ray Rice. It seems that Coach Caruzzo will also look to gamble on a few former prospects who have fizzled out or not broken out like expected as he looks to build a winning team. Examples of players like this that would interest Caruzzo are FS Brandon Bellamy, who took 2011 off, LE Lawrence Jackson, Brodrick Bunkley, CB Andre Overton, and CB Allen Saine. Either way, it appears that Caruzzo may make a few big deals, but mostly bring in cheaper free agents to fill in the Jets' nearly non-existent depth.

[milkman41]

Re: Rebuilding the Jets - Milkman41's Jets dynasty, starting in 2012

Hey! Stop copying me!! Just kidding, I hope u can trun the Jets around soon. Whe I just went to the Jets the roster strength was similar to yours, and right now I'm 7-1 halfway through the season. Think u should be able to do the same.

Haha I know man, I just really like the mix of talent the Jets have. They have two good-great pass rushers, two elite cornerbacks, and then not much else, so I have to rebuild the offense and alot of the defense. Should be fun, win or lose!

[milkman41]

Re: Rebuilding the Jets - Milkman41's Jets dynasty, starting in 2012

Offseason Outlook: Free Agency complete

The New York Jets have announced several moves during free agency, as Head Coach Steve Caruzzo has been busing wooing free agents and dealing away spare parts. Up first came the signing of the best player in free agency available; namely, ROLB Keith Rivers (since moved to LOLB). Rivers has amassed 293 tackles, 24 for a loss, 5 sacks, 12 interceptions, 32 deflections, and 6 forced fumbles during his 4 years in New England, and has a truly unique blend of speed, size, coverage skills, run stopping skills, and pass rushing skills. Look for him to be a terror from the LOLB spot, a very important position in Caruzzo's defense. Merely days later came the signing of WR Early Doucet, who broke out last season to the tune of 49 receptions for 1001 yards and 6 TDs (20.4 YPC). Doucet, who has amassed 173 catches for 2486 yards and 11 touchdowns in his career (14.3 YPC), is a fast, tough (albeit slightly injury-prone), young veteran who will immediately become the team's #1 receiver.

A few weeks passed, and then the Jets struck again, inking LT Sam Baker, MLB Dan Connor, and FS Brandon Bellamy. Baker was Coach Caruzzo's first ever draft pick in Tampa Bay, and will bring stability to the left side of the line (or the right if the Jets draft a LT). Baker is a phenomenal run blocker, and is borderline elite in pass protection. Connor is a solid player who was never really given a shot, and he will back up David Harris in the middle. Finally, Bellamy is a player that really excites Coach Caruzzo. Caruzzo coveted Bellamy, the 11th overall pick in 2010, last year when he was inexplicably released, but Bellamy opted to sit the year out. Now that he has returned to football, Coach Caruzzo wasted no time snapping him up, and he still has the potential and youth (24) to become a star in this league.

Lost amid these signings were a pair of important trades. Up first came the acquisition of HB Antonio Usher from the Lions, costing the Jets a pair of 6th round draft choices (#s 165, 184). Usher was the 48th overall selection in the 2009 draft, but was never given a chance to succeed, amassing only 78 carries for 229 yards and 3 TDs (a very poor 2.9 YPC) over 3 seasons. Coach Caruzzo believes that Usher can regain the form that made him a great prospect, and, for now, he stands to split time with incumbent starter Ahmad Bradshaw. In the second move, the Jets traded last year's starting QB Troy Lamerson for a 2nd round pick (#34) from the Panthers. Although Lamerson played decently, and had a solid future ahead of him, QB Anquan Taylor's contract and upside was enough to deal away Lamerson.

The contract details for the players acquired are as follows:
ROLB Keith Rivers: 7 years, $51M, $10M bonus
WR Early Doucet: 4 years, $20M, 3.5M bonus
LT Sam Baker: 4 years, $11M, 3.5M bonus, 750k incentive for starting 16 games
MLB Dan Connor: 5 years, 4.4M, 500k bonus, 250k incentives for 100 tackles, 10 sacks
FS Brandon Bellamy: 5 years, 6M, 1M bonus, 500k incentives for 5 interceptions, 50 tackles

Additionally, Antonio Usher has 1 more season at $610k on his rookie contract.

Up next comes the draft, in which the Jets hold the following picks:
1 - 6
2 - 34
2 - 38
2 - 44
3 - 70
4 - 119
6 - 166

Look for a draft preview in our next installment of offseason outlook.

[milkman41]

Re: Rebuilding the Jets - Milkman41's Jets dynasty, starting in 2012

Offseason Outlook: Coaching, Free Agency Recap

As free agency winds down, we will take a look at all the major news across the league, as several teams have changed coaching staffs and/or have added key free agents. First, the coaching recap:

Bears: None.
Bengals: HB Monte Kiffin retires, OC Bob Bratkowski promoted to HC, Mike Sheppard promoted to OC.
Bills: ST, QB coaches changed.
Broncos: LB, DL coaches changed.
Browns: GM Bill Savant fired, GM Ted Baldwin hired.
Buccaneers: HC Steve Caruzzo released, HC Alex Gibbs hired.
Cardinals: New RBC.
Chargers: New QBC.
Chiefs: New DLC.
Colts: Hired former K Adam Vinatieri as STC.
Cowboys: None.
Dolphins: Fired HC Mike Tomlin, hired HC Andy Ried. New WRC, DBC.
Eagles: Special teams, running back coaches changed.
Falcons: OC Mike Mularkey fired, OC Scott Linehan hired, GM Josh McClout fired, GM Bill Savant hired, new OLC.
4ers: DC Mike Singletary fired, Bob Sanders hired. New OLC (Trent Dilfer!), LBC, DBC, Trainer.
Giants: Former HB Warrick Dunn hired as RBC, new trainer.
Jaguars: None.
Jets: HC Eric Mangini fired, HC Steve Caruzzo hired, OC Lane Kiffin fired, OC Mike Solari hired.
Lions: None.
Packers: New DC, QBC, DLC.
Panthers: HC John Fox fired, HC Eric Mangini hired, OC Mike Solari fired, OC Lane Kiffin hired, GM Marvin Hurley fired, GM Josh McClout hired, new WRC, RBC.
Patriots: STC Josh Looman fired, STC Mike Smith hired, new RBC, DBC
Raiders: New RBC, OLC (former RT Jon Runyan), DBC
Rams: HC Scott Lineham fired, HC Mike Tomlin hired, new Trainer.
Redskins: New OLC, DLC
Seahawks: None.
Steelers: New DBC, Trainer.
Titans: None.
Vikings: None.

And now for the biggest signings of the offseason.

Browns sign TE Dallas Clark
Buccaneers sign QB Daunte Culpepper
Cardinals sign ROLB Keith Bulluck
Cowboys sign LOLB Jerod Mayo
Eagles sign CB Shawn Springs, HB Chester Taylor
Falcons sign LT Tony Ugoh
49ers sign HB Ray Rice
Giants sign HB Ricky Williams
Jaguars sign CB Corey Webster, FS Reggie Nelson, LOLB LaMarr Woodley, WR Anquan Boldin
Packers sign TE Tony Gonzalez
Panthers sign the other Steve Smith, WR
Patriots sign ROLB James Harrison
Raiders sign WR Donnie Avery, RE Mario Williams, MLB James Farrior
Rams sign MLB Bart Scott
Redskins sign QB Josh Johnson
Saints QB Andre Woodson
Seahawks sign QB Drew Brees, WR Terrell Owens
Steelers sign RT Jeff Otah, C Jeff Faine, CB Brandon Flowers
Texans sign LOLB Michael Boley
Titans sign LG Brian Waters, SS Donte Whitner
Vikings sign CB Aqib Talib

And now, finally, the important retirements of the offseason:
LG Steve Hutchinson - Vikings
ROLB Julian Peterson - Seahawks
MLB London Fletcher-Baker - Redskins
MLB Ray Lewis - Bills
LT Jonathan Ogden - Ravens
FS Brian Dawkins - Eagles
C Jeff Saturday - Titans
LT William 'Tra' Thomas - Eagles
DT Jamal Williams - Bengals

[milkman41]

Re: Rebuilding the Jets - Milkman41's Jets dynasty, starting in 2012

Offseason Outlook: Draft Preview

2009 Draft Review
It is said that it takes 3 years to properly evaluate a draft class. With that in mind, now, on the eve of the 2012 draft, and Head Coach Steve Caruzzo's first draft with the Jets, we look back on the 2009 draft. Coach Caruzzo's and the Jets' picks are bolded below.

2009 Draft Round 1
1. Raiders - HB Maceo Sweetney: Sweetney has put up absurd numbers receiving in Gary Hammermill's offense, finishing with 5232 yards and 38 touchdowns on 244 receptions over the past 3 seasons. Though he has only rushed for 1263 yards and 16 touchdowns on 338 attempts (3.7 YPC) over that time, he is an elite running back both through the air and on the ground.
2. Dolphins - QB Luke Rambis: Although the numbers are not quite there yet, Rambis is an elite quarterback based on his tools. The starter in Miami since day one, Rambis has amassed 7724 yards, 46 TDs, and 34 INTs on 607 - 1091 passing (55%), for a decent 79.0 QB rating. Rambis has also shown strong progress throughout his career, although his rookie season was the finest in terms of raw numbers.
3. Jets - RE Andre Dalembert: Dalembert has become an elite defensive end, as, despite playing as a 3 - 4 end, he put up 10 sacks in 2010. For his career, he has 91 tackles, 40 for a loss, and 16 sacks. Look for Dalembert to explode in 2012 under Coach Caruzzo, who got a very similar player in Calais Campbell to post consecutive 20+ sack seasons.
4. Panthers - QB Darrick Conroy: Conroy still has the potential to be an elite quarterback, but, due to poor management in Carolina, has never been given a chance. The Panthers just traded for former Jets 1st-rounder Troy Lamerson, so Conroy will continue to rot on the bench with his giant contract. What a waste by the Panthers.
5. Redskins - WR Tyrus Duhon: Duhon is one of the best wide receivers in the game right now. Despite not playing his rookie season, Duhon has put up consecutive 1000-yard seasons playing in a run-heavy offense. With 131 receptions for 2089 yards and 8 TDs in his career, Duhon will only get better.
6. Ravens - WR Jamaal Kidd: Kidd has blossomed into one of the best young WRs in the game, surpassing 1000 yards in each of his 3 seasons. For his career, he has 3753 yards and 20 TDs on 268 receptions.
7. Buccaneers - DT Thaddeus Cheeks: Cheeks has become an elite DT, as he has been to the Pro Bowl in each of his 3 seasons. For his career, Cheeks has 86 tackles, 38 for a loss, and 20 sacks, very good numbers for a defensive tackle.
8. Packers - WR Defazio Combs: Combs has been good but stuck behind great receivers in Green Bay, but should see his chance to shine this season. Combs has 112 career catches for 1270 yards and 10 TDs.
9. Cardinals - CB O.J. McClintock: McClintock finally ascended to the starting lineup this past season, and responded nicely with 4 interceptions. For his career, he has 70 tackles and 4 interceptions.
10. 49ers - LE Lamaar Marbury: Despite playing as a 3 - 4 end, Marbury's production has rivaled that of #3 overall pick Andre Dalembert (also a 3 - 4 end). Marbury has totalled 111 tackles, 46 for a loss, and 19 sacks over his career so far, and is a great defensive end.
11. Bears (from Bengals) - HB Kendrick House: House has been stuck behind veteran running backs Deuce McAlister and Edgerrin James during his tenure in Chicago, but now gets a chance to start and shine. He has 57 career rushes for 199 yards and 3 TD (3.4 YPC).
12. Cardinals (from Vikings) - QB Drew Trumblee: Trumblee has yet to see significant action, only seeing time in 2011, when he completed 40 of 72 attempts (55%) for 547 yards, 2 TDs, and 3 INTs, for a 71.9 QB rating. The decision to trade up to draft him was questionable given the presence of Trumblee's predecessor at Louisville QB Brian Brohm, who is now the starter.
13. Lions - FS Ryan Spradlin: Bust. Spradlin has not done anything yet, and was cut after the 2010 season. After a year out of football, the Broncos have signed him, hoping for him to realize his great potential. Though he has only 3 career tackles, he can be great.
14. Rams - CB Courtney Porter: Porter is still on the team, but hasn't made much of an impact, with 37 tackles and no interceptions over 3 years. He has talent however, and it is not too late for him to flourish.
15. Texans - LT Patrick Fox: Fox has become a good, but unspectacular, LT, and, at 15, was good value. For his career, Fox has 96 pancakes, has been successful on 63% of his run blocks, and has given up 21 sacks, poor numbers that aren't entirely indicative of his performance.
16. Steelers (from Bills) - FS Antoine Jefferson: Jefferson has proven to be worth the trade up, as he has solidified the FS position across from star SS Troy Polamalu. For his career, Jefferson has 126 tackles and 4 interceptions.
17. Chiefs - CB Renaldo Moon: Moon has become a fantastic young cornerback, as he is now the Chiefs #1 CB. For his career, he has 254 tackles, 10 interceptions, 35 deflections, and 4 forced fumbles.
18. Broncos - WR Montario Tartt III: Tartt still hasn't developed quite how the Broncos envisioned, but he has been decent, with 64 career receptions for 1076 yards and 8 TDs.
19. Steelers - CB Corwin Hamilton: Bust. Out of football.
20. Ravens (from Eagles) - MLB Martin McPeek: McPeek has been great as legend Ray Lewis's replacement in Baltimore, with 343 career tackles, 24 for a loss, 12 sacks, and 5 interceptions.
21. Eagles - MLB Shane Gilmore: Bust. Out of football, the Eagles shouldn't have traded out of 20 and pick McPeek.
22. Browns - WR Thomas Dwyer: Dwyer has been a bust as a wide receiver, as he has yet to catch a pass in the NFL. He has however been a great kick returner, with 105 career kick returns for 2873 yards (27.3 avg) and 100 punt returns for 781 yards and 1 TD (7.8 avg).
23. Colts (from Bucs) - LOLB Jayshaun Ralls: Ralls has become a very good outside linebacker in the Colts Cover 2 defense, as he has totaled 166 tackles, 3 for a loss, 1 sack, 12 interceptions, and 18 deflections over his 3 seasons.
24. Lions - LOLB LaTroy Jackson: Though Jackson hasn't blossomed yet, New England signed the recently-cut Jackson to a nice contract, banking on his unrealized potential. Has 38 career tackles, 2 for a loss, and 2 sacks. Another bad pick for the Lions.
25. Titans - TE Cooper Hooper: Hooper has nicely blossomed into a Pro Bowl caliber player, and he has 1682 yards and 15 TDs on 162 career receptions.
26. Cowboys - CB Samardo Thomas: Bust. Currently a free agent, has 18 career tackles.
27. Saints - CB Mario Markland: Markland hasn't done much yet, and was a salary cap casualty after 2 seasons in New Orleans. Currently on the Lions, has 65 career tackles and 1 interception.
28. Eagles - ROLB Maurice Ghoggins: Bust, as the Eagles whiff on two straight linebackers.. Currently a free agent, he has 65 career tackles, 2 for a loss, 1 sack, and 1 interception.
29. Giants (from Bucs from Colts) - RT Shaun Scobee: Scobee has mostly played behind RT Kareem McKenzie the past 3 seasons, but will now most likely start, and is a solid right tackle.
30. Giants - CB Braylon Bowe-Drew: Bowe-Drew is a solid cornerback, though he has barely played over the past 3 seasons. Bowe-Drew has 20 tackles for his career.
31. Seahawks - RE Emeka Mourning: Mourning has been stuck behind RE Elvis Dumervil the past three seasons, but has been decent, with 52 tackles, 9 for a loss, 3 sacks, and 1 interception.
32. Jaguars - WR Jamario Baston: Baston has given the Jaguars solid production for the #32 overall pick, with 163 career receptions for 229 yards and 8 TDs.

[milkman41]

Re: Rebuilding the Jets - Milkman41's Jets dynasty, starting in 2012

Offseason Outlook: Draft Preview

Jets drafting history, 2009 - present
2009
1 - 3: RE Andre Dalembert. Dalembert is a rising start in the NFL, one who has registered 91 tackles, 40 for a loss, and 16 sacks despite playing as a 3 - 4 DE.
2 – 35: LT Mike Stowers. Stowers is a bit of a tweener, as he isn't a good enough pass protector to play LT, but not enough of a run blocker to play RT. Will probably move to RT or the bench this season.
3 – 67: WR Chase Holland
4 – 127: CB Craig Lockett
5 – 159: TE Dwayne Dillon
7 – 195: C Daniel Rodgers
7 – 212: QB Dee Gabbert. Gabbert was cut after 1 season, but found a place with Coach Caruzzo in Tampa Bay. May join Caruzzo in New York during training camp.

2010
1 – 1: CB Tyrod Darlin. Darlin is a future star, and, along with CB Darrelle Revis, forms the best CB duo in the league.
1 – 28: QB Troy Lamerson. Lamerson has solid, but not superstar, upside, but was dealt this past offseason for a 2nd round pick (#34).
3 – 65: HB Ivory Willingham. Willingham had solid potential, but was given up on far too early. Could have been something special, now with the 49ers.
5 – 129: SS Kosta Jenkins
5 – 144: WR Howard Holiday
6 – 165: ROLB Barron Bender
6 – 189: FS Jeremie Steele

2011
1 – 4: QB Anquan Taylor. Taylor is a dual-threat athlete with a big arm. Though his head isn't always the game, he could be a very special quarterback.
3 – 83: WR Deron Miles. Not a great player, his only calling card is his incredible elusiveness. Not much speed, not many skills.
3 – 84: WR Warrick Hugo. Has good speed and decent skills. Very good kick returner, could be a decent wide receiver.
4 – 100: LG Shane Rosenthal. A real steal here, Rosenthal looks like he could be a star at LG. Great pickup.
4 – 113: LE Aaron Henry
6 – 164: C Mike Olson
6 – 177: LE Sleepy Glaser
7 – 196: MLB Neil Coyle
7 – 217: LT Ted Brown

[milkman41]

Re: Rebuilding the Jets - Milkman41's Jets dynasty, starting in 2012

Offseason Outlook: Draft Preview

Team Needs
According to NFL scouts, here are the team's needs:
1. QB1: QB Anquan Taylor, last year's #4 overall pick, is now the #1 QB with the trade of starter Troy Lamerson. The ride may be bumpy, but Taylor oozes potential.
2. ROLB1: The team does need a ROLB, as they shifted ROLB Vernon Gholston to DE. However, Coach Caruzzo doesn't have a history of drafting OLBs high, and his ROLB in Tampa Bay for the past 3 seasons was a former UDFA in Bret Cotton, who was somewhat hidden in the defensive system. LOLB is a far more important position in Caruzzo's system, which is why free agent signing Keith Rivers was moved there.
3. TE1: The Jets have a pair of decent TEs, but nothing spectacular. Caruzzo may address this in the draft.
4. P1: The Jets have no punter.
5. FS1: The Jets recently signed former #11 overall pick FS Brandon Bellamy, and he should start at FS.
6. LG1: The Jets are sold on LG Shane Rosenthal, who has tons of potential.
7. FB1: The Jets have no fullback.
8. CB3: After CBs Tyrod Darlin and Darrelle Revis, the Jets have nothing. The Jets will look to add depth, and potentially someone who could start if Revis leaves once his contract is up.
9. QB2: The Jets have no QB on the roster apart from Anquan Taylor, but will not draft one.
10. RG1: The Jets need a right guard. Look for a 2nd or 3rd rounder to be spent there.

The Jets also have needs at wide receiver, halfback, RT (or LT to puch LT Sam Baker to RT), DT, DE depth, and general depth on both sides of the ball.

The Jets have the following picks in the draft:
1 - 6
2 - 34
2 - 38
2 - 44
3 - 70
4 - 119
6 - 166

With their first rounder, the Jets will most likely target either LT Matt Beckum, WR Jehuu Bacon, ROLB Kordell Sosa, FS Kelin Contu, or an elite CB. After that, the Jets will most likely look to address HB and RG in the second round, sprinkling in some BPA picks throughout.

[milkman41]

Re: Rebuilding the Jets - Milkman41's Jets dynasty, starting in 2012

Offseason Outlook: Draft Preview

Coach Caruzzo's Drafting History
During his 4 drafts at the head of the Bucs, Coach Caruzzo showed a distinct pattern in his drafting. In 3 of the 4 drafts, Coach Caruzzo selected an offensive lineman in the 1st round (LT Sam Baker #20 in 2008, DT Thaddeus Cheeks #7 in 2009, DT William Doxey #32 in 2010) - in 2011, he traded out of the 1st round, meaning that, in every draft in which he has held a 1st round pick, he has selected a lineman. Additionally, Coach Caruzzo has shown a willingness to draft CBs high, drafting CB Royce Battle at #30 in 2010, and CB Pat Lee at #55 in 2008. His 2nd rounds have usually been reserved for skill players, as he has drafted 2 HBs and 2 WRs in that round in his 4 drafts (he also drafted LE Calais Campbell in the 2nd in 2008, and traded out of the 2nd in 2010). After that, Coach Caruzzo has mostly gone BPA (best player available), looking for players who have dropped or who fit the overall scheme. Caruzzo has a strong eye talent; for example, he found his starting QB in the 4th round, found 2 starting SS in the 7th round, and found a franchise LT in the 7th round, as well as a host of complementary parts in the later rounds.

Look for Coach Caruzzo to build his team from the lines up again this time around, although the Jets have a solid (albeit over-priced) set of bookend DEs in LE Andre Dalembert and RE Vernon Gholston. Complicating the matter is that neither Caruzzo nor the Jets scouting staff much scouted defensive tackles before he signed on with the team, complicating the draft, as DT is a huge need given NT Kris Jenkins' injury problems.

Up next, the NFL Draft!

[milkman41]

Re: Rebuilding the Jets - Milkman41's Jets dynasty, starting in 2012

2012 NFL Draft: First Round

The first round of the 2012 NFL Draft is now complete, and here are the results!

1 - Dolphins: DT Rondell Lee
2 - Panthers: CB Jameel Parker
3 - Packers:WR Joker Davis
4 - Jets (from Titans): LT Matt Beckum
5 - Lions: CB Rodney Dewberry
6 - Jets: WR Jehuu Bacon
7 - Ravens: QB Chad Gunn
8 - 49ers: RE Antonio Ponder
9 - Chargers (from Saints): CB Aaron Swank
10 - Rams: CB Bo Pierce
11 - Bills: MLB Adam Dade
12 - Bears (from Cowboys): QB Jermaine Shazor
13 - Browns: HB Earl Woodyard
14 - Cardinals: HB Parrish Okung
15 - Cowboys: WR Jermaine Fitzgerald
16 - Falcons: SS James Casey
17 - Texans : ROLB Kordell Sosa
18 - Steelers: CB Martin Benton
19 - Raiders: LT Justin Shoemaker
20 - Jaguars: QB Jay McCormick
21 - Patriots: TE Jeff Gabbert
22 - Eagles: ROLB Brandon Barber
23 - Redskins: QB Corey Bobo
24 - Saints: RT Trevard Bolston
25 - Bucs (from Seahawks): FS Kelin Contu
26 - Chiefs: RE Joel Neysmith
27 - Vikings: WR Dominique Mitchell
28 - Broncos: LE Ryne Douglas
29 - Bucs (from Bengals): WR Roderick Porter
30 - Giants: TE Reggie Fletcher
31 - Colts: HB Tim Mustard
32 - Bengals: HB Renaldo Simms

[cloudedskate]

Re: Rebuilding the Jets - Milkman41's Jets dynasty, starting in 2012

A 4 and a 6?

That's gonna do wonders for your cap. Otherwise I like the picks. I was looking at both of those players in one of my dynasties and I wanted them but they were too expensive for me.

[milkman41]

Re: Rebuilding the Jets - Milkman41's Jets dynasty, starting in 2012

2012 NFL Draft - New York Jets

The New York Jets came into the draft with several needs. They had needs at HB, WR, FB, OL, DT, ROLB, CB, FB, and a need for general depth across the board, as the Jets are bare after most of their starters. With so many needs, it was hard to address them all, but Head Coach Steve Caruzzo felt he did a good job of it.

The Jets entered the draft with the following picks:
1 - 6
2 - 34
2 - 38
2 - 44
3 - 70
4 - 119
6 - 166

Below are Head Coach Steve Caruzzo's thoughts on each of his draft picks.

First Round
My targets for the first round were LT Matt Beckum, WR Jehuu Bacon, CB Rodney Dewberry, FS Kelin Contu, as well as a few others on the border of the 1st/2nd rounds. However, I feared that the Lions, picking right ahead of me at #5, would select Beckum due to their need for a left tackle, so I pulled the trigger on a deal to trade up to #4. Although the deal cost my a 2nd rounder (#38), a 2013 1st, and HB Ahmad Bradshaw, I think it was worth it, as we got a stud LT in Matt Beckum. Additionally, I don't intend to be picking the top 10 again, which makes the loss of a 1st rounder next year less painful.

1 (4) - LT Matt Beckum
1 (6) - WR Jehuu Bacon
Beckum is going to be a great left tackle in the mold of Joe Thomas. Though he may be a bit raw, he is very athletic for a man his size (98 Size), very smart, and he has tons of potential. Bacon is a bit of a departure for me, as I don't usually pick skill players this high, but he also has tons of potential. More of a Hines Ward type of player than a burner, Bacon has great hands and is a fantastic blocker. Beckum should immediately start at either LT or RT (though LT is his long-term position), and Bacon will be either the #2 or #3 WR.

Second Round
My targets for the second round were CB Tyson Felton, RG Tony Kabongo, RG Michael Gwynn, LT Ron Boozer, SS Sam Crayton, HB Parrish Okung, HB Tim Mustard, HB Marquis Shakur, and TE Reggie Fletcher, among others. Okung and Mustard were surprise picks in the 1st (Okung was mocked to me at 2 - 44, but he went 1 - 14, Mustard was similar), and Fletcher was picked in the 1st as well.

2 (34) - CB Tyson Felton
2 (44) - HB Marquis Shakur
I was shocked when Felton fell to me, as he was mocked to go at #18 overall. Compared by many to CB DeAngelo Hall, he has great speed and coverage skills, and should only get better as he progresses. Felton immediately becomes the nickel CB and makes the Jets secondary even more lethal, and he may replace CB Darrelle Revis if the latter does not resign after the season. I picked Shakur mainly because Okung and Mustard were already gone, and because I felt that the other players would last longer (or in LT Ron Boozer's case, were no longer needed). Shakur is a power back, a touch on the slow side (89 SPD), compared to Willis McGahee, who could form a nice complement with HB Antonio Usher.

Third Round
My targets for this round were RG Tony Kabongo, LG Sugar Randolph, HB Edwin Coffee, FS Erick McKinley, and others.

3 (70) - RG Tony Kabongo
Kabongo is a big, mauling guard who many have compared to Derrick Dockery. Though a bit lacking in football instincts, he has loads of raw talent and power, and should start at RG from the get-go.

Fourth Round
At this point, I went into BPA mode, as I need depth everywhere.

4 (102) - LG Sugar Randolph
Although the addition of Tony Kabongo a round earlier and the presence of LG Shane Rosenthal makes this pick a bit redundant, Randolph was on the of the best players available, and should fit in as a backup initially, though he has the potential to start. Some have compared Randolph to Larry Allen, and most pundits tabbed him as the sleeper pick at OL in this year's draft.

Sixth Round

6 (166) - LOLB Travis Myles
Myles has good speed, solid coverage skills, and can rush the passer, making him the pick here at a position of need.

Undrafted Free Agents
HB Bryan Peterson - Peterson has fantastic speed and explosiveness. Has an outside shot at making the team.
WR Sammy Wilson - Wilson has great speed, but won't make the team unless she shows more than just speed.
WR Jamil Webster - Webster has good speed, but probably won't make the team.
TE Jon Riggs - Riggs has good speed (83) and size (94) for a tight end. Could make the squad as the #3 TE.
SS Trey Blair - Blair is a big SS (99 size) with decent physical attributes. Could stick as a SS or maybe even a LB.

[milkman41]

Re: Rebuilding the Jets - Milkman41's Jets dynasty, starting in 2012

A 4 and a 6?

That's gonna do wonders for your cap. Otherwise I like the picks. I was looking at both of those players in one of my dynasties and I wanted them but they were too expensive for me.

Yeah I know, that's partly why I did it. I had no cap problems in Tampa Bay, and here the Jets have selected in the top 6 for 5 straight years, so adding a cap challenge makes it more fun and challenging. I really had to scramble to fit everybody in under the cap and find training camp invites - my GM didn't invite anybody because I had no cap room!