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Five things we learned at combine: Jets
February, 20, 2015
Feb 20
8:00
PM ET
By Rich Cimini | ESPNNewYork.com
INDIANAPOLIS -- Observed and heard Friday at the scouting combine regarding the New York Jets:
1. Jameis would be a legend in New York ... or a train wreck: Jameis Winston is a Type A personality all right. The former Florida State star displayed the "It" factor during his 15-minute news conference, controlling the room with his presence, his smile and, yes, his ego. Winston declared that he doesn't want to be compared to fellow quarterback prospect Marcus Mariota, as if that were beneath him. Instead, he said he wants to be mentioned with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Could you imagine if the Jets drafted Winston? His personality would make him a hit with the media and fans, but there's the dark side of the Winston package -- his penchant for making bad decisions off the field. He'd be a classic boom-or-bust pick for the Jets.
2. Free-agent plan coming into focus: After the talking to agents and personnel types, the sense I get is the Jets will attack the cornerback and guard positions in free agency. Cornerback is an obvious need, and it wouldn't be a surprise if they address it in free agency and the draft. Names to watch are Antonio Cromartie, Kareem Jackson, Byron Maxwell, Brandon Flowers and Darrelle Revis (if released). The Jets have two young guards in Oday Aboushi and Brian Winters, but it sounds like they'd like to add an established veteran. The big fish is Mike Iupati, who will be the most coveted player in the guard market.
3. South Beach calling: I'm hearing the Miami Dolphins, with former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum in a top executive role, could be one of the suitors for linebacker David Harris, a pending free agent. Let us not forget that Harris was one of Tannenbaum's best draft picks, a second-rounder in 2007. The Dolphins need a linebacker, so it makes sense. Harris also is expected to draw interest from the Buffalo Bills (see: Rex Ryan). The Jets want to keep Harris, and he'd like to finish his career in New York. The question is whether they can agree on a price. If he hits the open market March 10, there's a good chance they will lose him.
4. Honey, I shrunk the pass rushers: With the sixth pick, the Jets could be in position to grab one of the top edge rushers in the draft, the 3-4 outside-linebacker types. Thing is, some of the likely targets don't exactly push the scales. Randy Gregory (6-foot-6) checked in at 235 pounds. He reportedly was down to 218 recently because of an illness. Shane Ray (6-foot-2 1/2) is 245 pounds. Both are considered likely top-10 picks. Vic Beasley (6-foot-3) came in heavier than expected at 245 pounds and Dante Fowler Jr. (6-foot-2 1/2) was 261 pounds. Ideally, you'd like your rush linebacker to be at least 6-foot-4, 255-plus pounds.
5. Cap report: The union projects at the salary cap at $143 million, according to executive director DeMaurice Smith. That would represent an increase of $10 million from the previous year. That's great news for the Jets, who will have $42.1 million in cap space, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
February, 20, 2015
Feb 20
8:00
PM ET
By Rich Cimini | ESPNNewYork.com
INDIANAPOLIS -- Observed and heard Friday at the scouting combine regarding the New York Jets:
1. Jameis would be a legend in New York ... or a train wreck: Jameis Winston is a Type A personality all right. The former Florida State star displayed the "It" factor during his 15-minute news conference, controlling the room with his presence, his smile and, yes, his ego. Winston declared that he doesn't want to be compared to fellow quarterback prospect Marcus Mariota, as if that were beneath him. Instead, he said he wants to be mentioned with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Could you imagine if the Jets drafted Winston? His personality would make him a hit with the media and fans, but there's the dark side of the Winston package -- his penchant for making bad decisions off the field. He'd be a classic boom-or-bust pick for the Jets.
2. Free-agent plan coming into focus: After the talking to agents and personnel types, the sense I get is the Jets will attack the cornerback and guard positions in free agency. Cornerback is an obvious need, and it wouldn't be a surprise if they address it in free agency and the draft. Names to watch are Antonio Cromartie, Kareem Jackson, Byron Maxwell, Brandon Flowers and Darrelle Revis (if released). The Jets have two young guards in Oday Aboushi and Brian Winters, but it sounds like they'd like to add an established veteran. The big fish is Mike Iupati, who will be the most coveted player in the guard market.
3. South Beach calling: I'm hearing the Miami Dolphins, with former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum in a top executive role, could be one of the suitors for linebacker David Harris, a pending free agent. Let us not forget that Harris was one of Tannenbaum's best draft picks, a second-rounder in 2007. The Dolphins need a linebacker, so it makes sense. Harris also is expected to draw interest from the Buffalo Bills (see: Rex Ryan). The Jets want to keep Harris, and he'd like to finish his career in New York. The question is whether they can agree on a price. If he hits the open market March 10, there's a good chance they will lose him.
4. Honey, I shrunk the pass rushers: With the sixth pick, the Jets could be in position to grab one of the top edge rushers in the draft, the 3-4 outside-linebacker types. Thing is, some of the likely targets don't exactly push the scales. Randy Gregory (6-foot-6) checked in at 235 pounds. He reportedly was down to 218 recently because of an illness. Shane Ray (6-foot-2 1/2) is 245 pounds. Both are considered likely top-10 picks. Vic Beasley (6-foot-3) came in heavier than expected at 245 pounds and Dante Fowler Jr. (6-foot-2 1/2) was 261 pounds. Ideally, you'd like your rush linebacker to be at least 6-foot-4, 255-plus pounds.
5. Cap report: The union projects at the salary cap at $143 million, according to executive director DeMaurice Smith. That would represent an increase of $10 million from the previous year. That's great news for the Jets, who will have $42.1 million in cap space, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
