The media will be at the Jets OTA session on Wednesday and we will follow the Green & White's mid-week workout on all of our media outlets. Then on Thursday, "Jets Talk LIVE"will air in our usual 3:00 p.m. time slot.
Paul N.Queens, NYQ: As we have heard repeatedly this year, "free agency is about need while the draft is about talent." Now that (David) Garrard is retiring and (Mike) Goodson is going to jail, free agency has not gone well for (John) Idzik. How much "need" have we lost with these two?
EA: Last week was a challenging one for the Jets. In less than 48 hours, David Garrard went public with his retirement plans and Goodson was arrested.
Goodson was charged with five counts of drug and gun possession last week, but I'm not a lawyer and thus I don't have a prediction for his legal future. Goodson is a member of this football club and Jets CEO Woody Johnson told USA Today and NFL Network that the Jets are still in "fact-finding" mode regarding their new RB.
I loved the signing of Garrard and when I spoke to the veteran — he was giddy about his opportunity here. Garrard had a legitimate chance to start, but the skeptics wondered if he could stay healthy. And Garrard, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery last year, said he couldn't get through spring workouts without the knee swelling up. One thing to keep in mind about Garrard's departure is at least it's not August.
Now that Garrard has departed, are the Jets in the market for a veteran quarterback? Perhaps, but there aren't a lot of guys floating about on the street. They might let OTAs play out a little bit and see how their four signal callers perform before making a move. Nobody is talking about Greg McElroy either and I know he will put his best foot forward this spring.
The Jets signed Goodson because he adds explosiveness to the offense. A 4.4 guy, Goodson can make things happen in space and he finishes runs. There is good depth at the position regardless with Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell and Joe McKnight.
JessDelemont, SwitzerlandQ:We've heard a lot about the draft picks and how they're progressing though minicamp. How about the undrafted rookies? Which under-the-radar guys have impressed you the most?
EA:Good question. Zach Rogers, a Tennessee product, caught a lot of balls in the slot at rookie camp and impressed Rex Ryan with his special teams work. Center Dalton Freeman, a two-time All-ACC first-team selection and 2012 AP All-America second-teamer, was solid and could challenge Caleb Schlauderhaff for the backup center spot. Outside linebacker Troy Davis, a Central Florida alum who led the Knights with eight sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss as a senior, is an intriguing pass rushing prospect. The Jets are also awfully young at safety and Rontez Miles, a player who collected nine interceptions the past two seasons at California PA, could jump right into that mix.
You also have to consider K Brett Maher (Nebraska), OLB Sean Progar-Jackson (Northern Illinois) and DT Lanier Coleman (Louisiana-Lafayette)because they were tryout players who flashed enough to earn contracts.
JonathanAarhus, Denmark
Q: Are the Jets training Joe McKnight to be a receiver?
EA:OTAs just started and we won't be out there until Wednesday, so I really don't know the answer to that. As of now, McKnight is still in the mix at running back and it will be interesting to see how reps are divided up there this spring. McKnight could line up at WR at times, but we will have to see. He also has experience on the other side of the ball at defensive back.
Lex ShillingfordIrvington, NJ
Q: With the Jets offensive weapons still lacking and receiver Brandon Lloyd on the market, do you think he would be a viable option for the Jets to help whoever plays quarterback come the start of the season?
EA: It is somewhat of a surprise to see Lloyd still on the market. The 31-year-old wideout is coming off one of his best statistical campaigns last year in New England as Tom Brady hit him 74 times for 911 yards for a 12.3-yard average. Yes I think Lloyd would be a viable option for a number of clubs and you would expect he will find a new home soon.
Frankie D.Long Island, NY
Q: How would you grade our defense overall from what you have seen on the field? (Be completely honest F to A ). Is there any new update on Geno? Which QB has the advantage to start?
EA:The defense gets an INC (Incomplete) because I have yet to see the squad together at OTAs. I have heard good things from the defenders about a number of things including Rex Ryan's involvement, Dennis Thurman's new role as coordinator, the talent and depth at CB and the speed and athleticism of the front seven. What young safety is going to step up and play alongside Dawan Landry? Is Demario Davis ready for prime time and how do the OLBs look?
No new update on rookie QB Geno Smith. He has impressed his teammates with his work ethic and now he is facing all NFL quality players during OTAs. I truly don't think anyone has an advantage to start at this point.
Victor Star, ID
Q: Will Kyle Wilson be the No. 2 at Cornerback or Dee Milliner?
EA: Antonio Cromartie raved about Wilson's offseason and the latter hasn't let the selection of Milliner bother him. Wilson is a pro's pro and he is going to battle like hell to win that No. 2 job. But with that being said, Milliner is a special talent. When you draft someone No. 9 overall, they are going to be on the field. The Jets consider their top three CBs all starters anyway and you have to play a ton of nickel in this league, so bring on the competition. The Green & White love their talent and depth that they have assembled at the cornerback position. It's their most loaded position on the roster and that is with D. Revis down in Tampa.
Jimmy HollidaySailsbury, MDQ:Will Ryan Spadola get his shot?
EA:Yes.* *The Jets are thin at receiver and they were happy to sign Spadola to a deal out of Lehigh. The 6'3", 200-pounder, a Howell, NJ native, had an ultra-productive collegiate career with 232 receptions and 24 TDs. He had the typical ups and downs at rookie camp. Guys like Spadola have to make some noise now in OTAs, so they get some confidence heading into Cortland.
