An article I wrote....<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>?With the 4th Pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, The New York Jets select ??.?This could single-handedly be the most interesting pick in the NFL Draft, since Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, and Vince Young are almost locks to get picked #1, 2, and 3 respectively. The 4th pick in the Draft belongs to the New York Jets, but could be one of the most important picks because it will have a huge effect on the next 5-10 picks in the draft, if not more.To decide which area of the Jets is the biggest need, you have to examine their roster. The New York Jets franchise quarterback, Chad Pennington, is undergoing major rehabilitation on the same shoulder for the second time in less then a year, he was never a player known for his arm strength and having major surgery again on his shoulder could kill any of the arm strength that he did have to begin with. Not only that, but Pennington is going to be 30 years old next season, and has yet to play a full 16 game season. The need for at least a quality backup that is capable of starting is imperative. His backup, Jay Fiedler, also missed 13 games last season and is expected to be released. When given playing time down the stretch, Brooks Bollinger really started to progress as a quarterback talent with his abilities to avoid the pass rush and then throw a good pass under pressure. Given a situation where he would be playing behind a good offensive line, some believe that he would be able to play effectively at the NFL level. Curtis Martin, our runningback, is going to turn 33 next season. Although he played almost all season with a nagging ankle injury, and behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league, he managed to rush for 735 yards in 12 games before finally being sidelined due to his injury. Some may feel that Curtis is washed-up, however I feel that Curtis Martin would excel in a split carries type of role for another season or two.Who would be a candidate to split carries with Curtis Martin? The Jets already have 2 ideal choices on their current Roster. Derrick Blaylock possesses a speed attack that hasn?t been seen in the Jets running game in years; meanwhile second-year player Cedric Houston has shown enough power, and strength to wear down a defense. Both of these players, combined with the consistency of Curtis Martin can form a deadly running attack capable of wearing down any defense for a year or two, and then we can address the franchise runningback in the future.The New York Jets offensive line was just plain awful last season; they even surpassed the Houston Texans for the worst offensive line in the league. So many people say that the Jets need to pick D?Brickashaw Ferguson for the Jets first pick. But when was the last time Denver used an early draft pick on an offensive lineman? What about Atlanta? 2 of the leagues best offensive lines haven?t used an early pick on an offensive lineman in years. The ability to build an offensive line with only mid-late round picks have been utilized by many offensive minded coaches for the last 7-8 years. D?Brickashaw only really projects well to one offensive line position, the left tackle. When you are looking for a left tackle, the key features are their footwork, their balance, and their technique. These are all things that Ferguson excels in. However, the Jets already have another player who plays very well in these areas on the roster, our current Left Tackle Adrian Jones, who was one of our bright spots last season. Of course he had some mistakes due to his inexperience, but so do most first year starters on the offensive line.The Jets real needs on the offensive line are a big, strong, right tackle who will manhandle defensive ends and set up the rushing lanes, and a solid left guard / center combination for the future since Pete Kendall and Kevin Mawae?s best days are behind them, these aren?t positions that a player like D?Brickashaw can handle effectively, and certainly not worthy of addressing at pick #4 in the 2006 NFL Draft. While you can argue that the New York Jets defense could use some help, I feel that our 31st ranked offense is in much more need of help then our 12th ranked defense does.At the #4 pick, there will be many tempting options, such as D?Brickashaw Ferguson, DeAngelo Williams, or even Mario Williams or Jimmy Williams, but in my opinion, the best pick that the New York Jets could make would be to select Quarterback Jay Cutler, out of Vanderbilt. Now I know what your thinking, ?Jay Cutler at #4? Are you crazy! That?s a major reach?. But here?s a question I have for you, Have you actually watched the kid play? Jay Cutler has single-handedly turned around the Vanderbilt program, which was considered the doormat of the SEC before he stepped in there. He led Vanderbilt to a 5 win season, which is very respectable in the SEC, and even led his team into overtime against the Florida Gators, and played fairly well against Georgia.Jay Cutler possesses many intangibles, such as leadership, hard work, dedication, which he has used to completely turn around an inferior Vanderbilt program to respectability. Not to mention one of the strongest arm?s in the game today, and he even possesses the ability to scramble out of the pocket and make a play or two with his legs. I recently talked to a former scout of the Cincinnati Bengals, who will remain anonymous. He told me that in his opinion, that Jay Cutler has better tools then Carson Palmer did coming out of college. A few other scouts/draftniks I have talked to also stated that they believe Cutler will be the best Quarterback in this upcoming draft class (even over Leinart and Young), and to be honest, I fully agree with him. If he could turn around the Vanderbilt program, this kid will be able to help turn around the New York Jets.</div>
If he did go #4, that's be pretty surprising to me. Still, nicely written, I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
The #3 overall team pick ( i forgot the team ) will not draft Leinart, Young, or Bush. It's highly doubtful.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jzrith @ Jan 9 2006, 08:01 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'>The #3 overall team pick ( i forgot the team ) will not draft Leinart, Young, or Bush. It's highly doubtful.</div> The Titans? McNair is like ancient, they will draft his replacement now.
Good article. Nice to see you writing Derek.I'm not with you here. I dont think Jay is the right choice. Well if he is don't pick him with number 4. Trade down and pick him. At least down to number 5 since the niners who pick next(?) won't draft a QB two years in a row.
Expect to see Cutler's stock to skyrocket ala Phillip Rivers a few years ago. He played at a Vanderbilt is why nobody has really seen much of him, come the Senior Bowl and Combines expect him to shine and getting him at 4 will almost be considered a steal.
Vince Young will go number 2. The Saints generally like mobile quarterbacks. First they had Brooks, who's gotten less mobile over the years, and last year they drafted Adrian McPhereson.
