2007 Outlook:

The Jets had a surprising year in 2006. Although most considered them to struggle to get to .500, this team managed a 10-6 mark on the season. Looking into this year, things are bright. With the addition of Thomas Jones and Darrelle Revis this team lost virtually nothing from last year. Pennington had a decent year considering the guy has had two rotator cuff surgeries. Schottenheimer (Off. Cord) looks to take advantage of Pennington's superb short distance accuracy and incorporate the yards after catch stat to get the wheels turning. The WR corps is once again there and with valuable experience. Expect the defense, led by newcomer Darrelle Revis and the talented Jonathan Vilma to be serviceable. The unit will be better than last season. All in all, the Jets retained the players they needed and received some valuable guys for the future. This year the Jets enter the season like they did the last. Expect the Jets to once again be a wild card contender.

2007 Draft Review:

The Jets draft board was short-lived this year. Magini decided to trade up to get Revis at the 14th position. They will need him to contribute immediately. The needs on the inside seem to be filled with some quality talent but we won't know for sure how well this will pan out for Mangini until the season starts. David Harris who was selected in the 2nd round, is bulky and talented. Short burst speed and good field vision are his forte. Harris is prone to injury though, missing a considerable amount of time in his college career. Overall with what they had to work with the Jets filled immediate voids in defense and got a quality pick in the 7th round with Stuckey at wide receiver.

Draft Grade:C+

Key Acquisition:

Traded from Chicago, Thomas Jones is the impact player the Jets need to take pressure off the passing game. Jones was acquired from the Bears for a 2nd round pick (from Washington). The Jets signed Jones to a 4 year $20 million dollar extension. Jones had a great season last year rushing for over 1,200 yards and averaged a 4.1 ypc. With a decent line this year his numbers should increase over last year solely because he will be the feature back and no split carries as he did last year. If Jones can provide the same production as he did in Chicago, it could be an exciting season in J-E-T-S land!

Key Departure:

The loss of Dave Ball seems to be the only player of any significant value to leave the Jets. At reserve DE, Ball didn't see much playing time last year. Ball signed to Carolina. Kevan Barlow was traded away but quickly replaced with T. Jones. Barlow's impact was minimal to begin with, so regarding departures, there isn't much to write about here.

Offensive Preview:

The Jets have a lot to be thankful for when it comes to an offensive mind set. A smart quarterback, powerful running back, agile wide receivers, and a o-line that returned everyone from last year. If you're a Jet you have a lot to be thankful for in 2007. Thomas Jones is a savior at running back given he can handle the load of full-time back. The wide receivers stepped up big time last year and look to do it again this year with a less stressful backfield. The emergence of Cotchery to complement Coles was key in providing Pennington with more options across the field. The Jets should manage to rack up yards and points this year with improvements all across the board making them yet again, another threat. Look for huge numbers from Jones this year as they will rely on him more so than than they have with previous running backs. Overall the offense is stellar with above average talent.

Defensive/Special Teams Preview:

The defense got some key additions with Revis at corner back and Oelhoffen at right end. The defense had problems stopping the run last year giving up 5.1 YPC. Playing in a 3-4 scheme, it is imperative that they get better play out of their linebacking group. Everyone in the group is serviceable at best except for Vilma who will likely be a pro-bowler this season. If Robertson can use his frame to plug up the middle and Robson and Vilma can plug the holes, this defense will surely improve from last season. Some of the Jet wins last season were very close, so it is not out of the question for them to slip back a bit. If the defensive unit straightens up though, this will be a playoff contending group. Mike Nugent will return after coming off his best year as a pro in 2006, missing only 4 attempts including PAT's.

Season Prediction:

It's hard to say what will happen with the Jets this year. They had a phenomenal season last year with a mediocre team. The offense will be middle of the road, and the defense cannot allow 5 yards per carry if they are to have any success. 10-6 last season was a bit of a stretch as they won some ball games they really shouldn't have. The addition of Jones and Revis will be important to the success of the club this season. If the Jets are to make any real commotion, they will have to step it up a notch on D and place in the top 8-10. We just don't see it this season. Mangini is great. The offense is O.K. The defense is below average. Sounds like a .500 season to us.

Projected Finish

8 Wins, 8 Losses (3rd AFC East)

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