In 2006 The New York Jets had ten selections in the NFL Draft.
In 2007 The New York Jets had four selections in the NFL Draft.
I think it's fair to say that the theme with the Jets under GM Mike Tannenbaum and Coach Eric Mangini is unpredictability.
The Jets made their final picks on Sunday by drafting T Jacob Bender from Nicholls State in the sixth round and Clemson WR Chansi Stuckey in round seven. Bender is big and nasty, but comes from a small school and has "pet project" written all over him. Stuckey may make the team as a 4th or 5th wideout.
It's unlikely that this draft class will be as successful as the 2006 version, but the Jets filled a need a corner and picked up a run-stuffing LB on Day 1. Did they trade away too much? In terms of picks, sure. But, if Revis and Harris contribute early and often in 2007, then it was well worth it.
The big news, however, was made by another team in the division. The New England Patriots sold their souls and traded for WR Randy Moss.
This off-season saw the Pats load up on players, acquiring (among others) LB Adalius Thomas, WR Donte' Stallworth, WR Kelley Washington and TE Kyle Brady (the ex-Jet and softest big guy I've ever seen) via free agency and WR Wes Welker in a trade.
Some nice players there.
But, New England's greatest strength over the years has been to plug no-name, hard working, unselfish players into their system. They didn't dip into their piggy bank to keep K Adam Vinatieri or WR Deion Branch, guys who helped them win championships, because it didn't fit into their philosophy.
Now, Moss is on board.
And I hope he turns that locker room into a zoo. Pitting teammate against teammate. Player vs. coach. Fan vs. management. Brother against brother.
On paper, it's been a terrific off-season for New England, but they fixed something that wasn't broken.
Very unpredictable.
I guess that's the name of the game.
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