The New York Jets were in a sticky situation. On paper they had all of the pieces in place to contend in 2009 expect the most important one: Quarterback. The problem was they were selecting in the middle of round one and there didn’t figure to be a an upper-echelon signal caller on the board at that point. However, like any good franchise the Jets realized the importance of the quarterback position and after identifying a prospect who they felt could be the answer to their problems they got proactive and did what it took to land him. Even though they only made three selections in the the 2009 NFL Draft the Jets were arguably the star of the show and the team that everyone was talking about. Was opting for quality over quantity the right move?
Last offseason the Jets made a big splash by bringing in a star quarterback but after just one year Brett Favre and the team decided to part ways. This time around the Jets opted to take a long-term approach to the situation and landed a player who will most likely be the face of their franchise for the next 10+ years, USC’s Mark Sanchez. And the best part is it really didn’t cost them all that much as all they had to send to Cleveland to move up 12 spots was a second round pick, a journeyman defensive end, a backup safety and a third-string quarterback. That’s almost highway robbery! Sanchez may not have as strong of an arm as Matthew Stafford but his physical tools are more than adequate across the board and he possesses top-notch intangibles. Sanchez is also an extremely charismatic young man who really handles all of the media attention well, which is a major plus because he will face a lot of scrutiny in the Big Apple. Sanchez’s lack of starting experience is a concern and some have questioned whether or not he has enough arm to cut through the windy conditions he’ll face in New York but other than that the guy appears to be the total package. Sanchez will battle Kellen Clemens in training camp but it’s just a matter of time until he takes over the starting job so don’t be surprised if he is under center Week 1. It will probably take Sanchez a little time to adjust to the NFL but he is perfectly capable of managing the team as a rookie, a la Joe Flacco, and he has the talent to eventually develop into one of the top signal callers in the league. Moving up for Sanchez was an outstanding decision by the Jets and not only does he give them a major boost on the field but he is exactly what the doctor ordered off the field in terms of public relations and marketing as well.
Despite finishing as one of the Top 10 rushing teams in the league last year the Jets made a bold move when they traded up for Iowa RB Shonn Greene in round three. However, even though running back didn’t appear to be a huge need at first glance it was actually a concern because Thomas Jones is over 30-years-old and Leon Washington isn’t an every-down back. Also, Jones is unhappy with his contract and has been making waves so there is some uncertainty about his future with the team. After playing sparingly early in his college career and being declared academically ineligible in 2007 Greene wound up working at a furniture store for $8 an hour while attending a community college to get his grades in order. Greene rejoined the Hawkeyes in 2008 and had a phenomenal season, rushing for over 100 yards in every game and winning the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back. A North / South runner, Greene lacks elite speed but he would rather use his 5-101/2, 226 pound frame to run over defenders than run around them anyway. As a rookie Greene will provide depth and insurance in case the Thomas Jones situation takes an unexpected turn but he is being groomed for the starting job and should eventually provide the “Thunder” to Leon Washington’s “Lighting”, perhaps as early as 2010.
With their final pick in round six the Jets added some reinforcements for their offensive line in the form of Nebraska OG Matt Slauson. A big, physical mauler with the toughness and nasty demeanor that you look for, Slauson was a three-year starter for the Cornhuskers and presents a nice mix of physical tools and intangibles. New York has one of the better starting offensive lines in the league but the depth leaves something to be desired so Slauson should have a great opportunity to win a backup job as a rookie and he could even be groomed as a potential starter at right guard.
The Jets may not have had many picks but after pulling a rabbit out of their hat and landing Sanchez everything else was just gravy anyways. The fact that they failed to bring in any help at wide receiver is a bit troubling and they will eventually have to provide Sanchez with some more weapons but that will have to wait for another day. Ultimately the success or failure of this class rests solely on Sanchez’s shoulders but if he turns out to be the type of player most feel he is capable of becoming the 2009 NFL Draft will be looked back upon as a franchise changing event for the New York Jets.
