Early Mock Decision
This is one of the quietest times in the NFL calendar, with early July being the only thing that comes close. In a few weeks the Scouting Combine hits, then free agency, then teams start their offseason programs shortly thereafter.
I usually take my vacation now, but I'm delaying it about six weeks this year to go see the Sox play in Japan, assuming I can get tickets this week. Instead, I'm mostly starting my advance work on our magazine, whose due date gets earlier each year.
One enjoyably odd exercise I'm participating in is a day-after Super Bowl Mock Draft done by email. First time I've ever done one before free agency, or the NFL Draft for that matter. I will write about the results for next week, but wanted to mention one decision I was just faced with. Late sixth-round, I need a running back and they represent the best value for my team.
The options aren't sexy, and that's why they lasted that long: Thomas Jones and Edgerrin James. Everyone has value eventually in a draft, and I think they are worth taking here. I think Jones has a little less wear on his body, and that the Jets are less likely to take a running back high in the draft than the Cardinals. Who would you take?
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I'm going to be so sick of all the draft order by August, but it is a trip to see where some people are going right now. Old warhorses like James, Shaun Alexander, and Marvin Harrison all going in the sixth and seventh rounds. Lee Evans also fell all the way to the seventh - could be one of my favorites this year just because of value. I'll write a proper column on the draft results by Monday.
Comments
I would take James...
Posted by: John | February 7, 2008 04:54 PM
Want to talk about a tough 2007, look no further than Thomas Jones. How he was able to gut out over 1,100 yards on the ground behind an O-line that took a step back last year is beyond me. The holes just weren't there for TJ in his first year in Gotham. Short yardage situations were painful to watch as he was only able to muster one paltry TD. But there is a bright side.
Bill Callahan has been added to the coaching staff to specifically work with the O-line and running game. Any help they can get, the better. The O-line is young (and the Jets will most likely bring in a free agent tackle as well as look to the draft to improve it). I don't believe the early McFadden to New York hype currently simmering on message boards and radio shows. Thomas Jones is the Batman in NY and Leon is his Robin. There are way more pressing needs than to add a third back.
As far as Edge goes, Wisenhunt is already on record questioning how he fits into the offensive scheme. He wants a power back to go alongside Edge, but what good would an expensive Edge be in that role when you can just plug in an improving JJ Arrington? With a 5 million owed the next two years and 6.75 mil cap charge, it should be an interesting off-season for the Cards and their plans for their backfield.
Posted by: royaltee | February 7, 2008 05:06 PM
Personally, I would go Thomas Jones. I think the Jets realize they dropped the ball by not getting THE ball to their best offensive player. I think they will rectify this next season.
Edge, on the other hand, will more likely see less of the ball. Even with Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald banged up for much of the season, he was still underwhelming.
It's one thing for a back to fall off statistically because of age, as I believe Edge has. But, I believe in Thomas Jones' case, it was because he was never given the chance...perhaps the Jets felt that with no chance to do anything this year, why waste whatever Jones had left in the tank?
I think Jones has a huge season, in the mold of Curtis Martin's last hurrah before the knee injury ended his career too soon.
Posted by: Bart | February 7, 2008 09:12 PM
17 weeks. 2 TDs. Jets fans can spin it all they want, but Thomas Jones is D-O-N-E. Go with E. James.
Posted by: Josh | February 7, 2008 09:42 PM
Hey Gregg, where are the onion articles making fun of the Patriots? Like the one I linked, "Patriots' Season Perfect For Rest Of Nation".
Funny Stuff.
I only ask because you had no problem pouring it on when it was the Cowboys getting made fun of. In the name of honest reporting, I figure you just "missed" this article.
Posted by: Andres Rodriguez | February 8, 2008 09:32 AM
T Jones.
Posted by: scott l. | February 8, 2008 10:59 AM