Joe Douglas and Jets set to be in Unfamiliar Territory Come Draft Time and Other Observations

Apologies for lagging a few days behind on this one, but as the Jets wrap up their bye week and get ready for the New England Patriots in Foxborough on Sunday, we thought this would be a good time to drop a few random stats, notes and quotes regarding Gang Green’s near and distant future:

A new (draft) day: Off to a 6-3 start with one of the best defenses in the NFL, it’s clear that the Jets won’t be picking in the top five or ten this season come draft time.  In fact, the Jets first selection is likely to be in the twenties at the very earliest.  That’s something the Jets have only done twice since 2011.  Those picks didn’t yield the greatest results either as they landed defensive lineman Mo Wilkerson with the 30th pick in 2011 and linebacker Darron Lee with pick number 20 in 2016.

With far fewer holes to fill than in recent years, the Jets could also be in position to trade up to add a player they covet as Joe Douglas puts the finishing touches on a roster that no longer has dozens of gaping holes.  This time around, it’s more about finishing touches and quality depth on what should be a contending roster.

Jets need more Moore: Elijah Moore has been punished by the team (and rightfully so) for his trade demands in the midst of a three-game winning streak earlier this year.  The receiver was benched against the Denver Broncos and has seen just one target in the two games since.  Hopefully the message got through to Moore, but it’s time to get him involved in the offense.  He’s on the roster.  he’s active on game day and he’s on the field.  This is a player with too much talent to keep making an example of.  If that’s the plan, sit him down and play somebody with a chance to catch a pass.  More Moore and the addition of Corey Davis will hopefully see the offense go from formidable to a force.

Need at linebacker could lead to another pair of brothers on the roster: The Jets having a pair of brothers on the roster in Quinnen and Quincy Williams is well known, and the Jets should look to make it two pairs of brothers come draft time.  Nate Herbig has done a fantastic job at right guard since stepping in and should be extended before he hits free agency.  In addition, his brother Nick plays linebacker for the University of Wisconsin and could be a Jets target on draft day.  At Wisconsin, Herbig has shown the ability to deliver punishing hits on opposing ball carriers and has also flashed the ability to get to the quarterback coming off the edge.  A talented defender in the front seven with versatility who fills a need.  Why not?

Three sacks for Herbig yesterday with one of them being a strip. Let's give the Jets a second pair of brothers on the roster @nyjets. Extend Nate and draft Nick. https://t.co/asRQ68zN2s pic.twitter.com/DPGcGQ4iSH

— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) November 13, 2022

Building Believers: One would expect nothing but effusive praise of a team’s young and developing quarterback, but as he continues to grow and improved, it’s feasible that quotes from wide receiver Braxton Berrios and center Conor McGovern are more than just lip service.  Zach Wilson has had more than enough hiccups early on, but he looked like a different quarterback in the team’s most recent win.  Gone was the chaotic senseless scrambling, replaced by calm quick decision making.  Now can Wilson carry that over to this week?

Connor McGovern says he has “ultimate confidence” in Zach Wilson.

Braxton Berrios used the words “extreme confidence.”

Which is greater, ultimate or extreme?🤔 #Jets

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 14, 2022

Getting the most out of Mosley: With cornerback and D-linemen getting all the attention, CJ Mosley has managed to fly under the radar despite having a chance to set a career high in tackles.  Mosley’s 168 tackles last season were a career best, but with a whopping 88 through nine contests, he may top that again.

Will Jets add D-lineman with Rankins down? Sheldon Rankins is due to miss a few weeks and as we all know, the Jets like to rotate their D-linemen to keep them fresh.  Look for the team to elevate either Tanzel Smart or the uber athletic Jonathan Marshall ahead of their meeting with the Pats.

Glenn Naughton

Glenn was Born in the Bronx, New York and has followed the Jets religiously despite being stationed in several different countries and time zones around the world. He now resides in England and has been a JetNation member since 2005. Glenn will bleed green with the rest of us through the highs and lows.

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