Jonathan Vilma

[Barbella]

Jon,

Considering that Mangini is a stalwart of the 3-4 scheme, I’m surprised the Jets have waited this long to shop the undersized Jonathan Vilma. Of which, rumor has it that the Ravens with a 4-3 scheme have an interest… unfortunately the hot stove reports are talking about a swap with Ray Lewis.

I’d rather not squander our 25-year old first round pick on 12-year veteran. How about the Raven’s Terrell Suggs instead?

Who can we get for Vilma?

Also, I’m hoping the Jets stick with Kellen Clemens and draft Chris Long, DE Virginia. We need to be patient with Clemens and drafting another QB will only hold the organization back another year.

Hopefully we can address offensive line and add a legitimate nose guard through the draft too. This way we can kick Dewayne Robinson back to Defensive Tackle where he belongs.

Barbella

[gozer]

Vilma was a leader on the field.  I think the issue was more that Vilma is underutilized in the 3-4, not that he necessarily has done a poor job out there.  That said, I think things have unfolded perfectly, in that David Harris got half a season to sit, watch, and learn, and now is making the most of his opportunity.

That gives the Jets two hot commodities to deal in the offseason.  Pennington will draw interest from a lot of QB-desperate teams (would anyone be shocked to see him wind up back with Herm in KC?).  Vilma is a dominant player in the 4-3, but I wonder if teams will be wary of him after this surgery.  We still don't know what exactly he had done, but if it's the microfracture surgery that's been rumored in some places, that's a potentially career-altering surgery.  Looking to the NBA, Kenyon Martin's career is practically over following microfracture surgery, and Amare Stoudemaire has taken two seasons to fully recover.  Of course, the Jets policy is to keep everyone in the dark, so we may not know the answer until we see Vilma dealt for a 6th round pick.  That's just me thinking negatively however.

I don't know how I feel about Clemens yet.  I want to like him.  I mean, every fan roots for the kid QB backup-turned-starter.  It's Chad all over again.  But this kid hasn't looked anything like Chad did when he took over the huddle for Vinny.  I know it's unfair to compare the two, but there are a lot of early signs that you really can't like about Clemens.  Just poor decision making.  I don't mind the lack of productivity as much as I mind the general cluelessness he displays out there at times.

We'll see how the draft shakes out.  I don't follow College Football, so I know the names, but have no clue which players will translate successfully to the NFL and which will be busts.  If I'm not mistaken, Tim Tebow is a sopjerkre, so I guess we won't see him in this year's Draft, but what about guys like Matt Ryan and Colt Brennan?  Are these guys projected to do big things in the NFL?  If so, and these guys are sitting on the board when the Jets pick, I'd have a hard time turning a blind eye, but I get the impression that there are no can't-miss names out there this year. I'd like to see the team add another project QB just in case it becomes painfully evident that Clemens doesn't have what it takes, but I'm not anxious to see them waste a top pick on it.  I'm with you on Chris Long.  I've read that the Jets are interested, and I'd love to add a big-time DE.  Again, haven't watched him play, but I like what I hear.

As for DeWayne...You think he can succeed at DT in a 3-4?  I don't know.  Like Vilma, he might be another guy ill-suited for the scheme.  If we're replacing him at nose, I'd rather see him dealt.  It would help our cap considerably as well.

[Barbella]

Gozer,

I appreciate the thorough reply. God, I hope your worst-case scenario of microfracture surgery/six round return for Jonathan Vilma doesn't materialize. I had no idea how serious his injury is rumored to be. 

Let's hope for a full recovery and suppose continued interest by the Ravens. Terrell Suggs would answer our need for an pass rusher on the edge, no?

Also, how about a burner like Mark Clayton? Is he redundant with Coles and Cotchery? Regardless, I'd love to land a big Howard Carmichael-type target like Michigan's Manningham!

If DeWayne can't fit the 3-4 Defense, then Tangini should shop him too. I guess we need to wait until February before the hotstove heats up, eh?

What Chad Pennington's trade value?

Thanks,
Barbella

PS: Also, I hope Clemens finishes strong versus Titans and Chiefs. If so, I anticipate a veteran back up to tutor him.

[gozer]

hey, i've got no inside information.  this is just what i've heard.  the jets are from the bill belichick school of concealing all information regarding injury - even in an instance such as vilma where the player will have no impact on the field the rest of the year.  it's pretty petty and dumb if you ask me.  in any event, knee sugery is never good.  i myself had an ACL replaced, and it's a 6-month-to-1-year recovery.  From what I've heard, micro-fracture surgery is immensely complex and difficult to return from.  For all we know, Vilma had a simple knee scope and will up and running again soon.  The point is, the Jets keep us in the dark, so we're left to guess and rely on rumor.  I'm with you.  Fingers crossed that we can get good value for the guy.

as jets fans, we're ready for offseason maneuvers, but unfortunately, we're the only ones thinking that way.  for the majority of the NFL, it's still about THIS season. my guess is that we'll see a significantly different roster in '09, if no other reason than because we have big name assets like Vilma and Pennington to deal.  Throw in DeWayne, and who knows what this team will look like next season.

In terms of Pennington's value...Everyone is looking for a quarterback.  I would think he'd be worth a 2nd or 3rd round pick.  Not sure though.