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With the 30th Pick, the Jets Select...
4/26/08
4/26/08
Saturday, April 26, 2008
7:54:00 PM EDT
Dustin Keller, TE from Purdue
I was in the midst of writing a second round wish list when the Jets traded with the Packers to move up to pick 30 of the first round. New York gave up its second round pick and the fourth rounder acquired for Jonathan Vilma to select Keller, the tight end from Purdue. This pick leaves significantly more to be desired than did the selection of Vernon Gholston.
Chris Baker made it known in the past week that he is unhappy with his contract status and demanded a trade. The question is why the Jets decided to cut the cord with the disgruntled tight end so soon. The team did not allow for a cooling off period or try to quietly work something out. It seemed awfully soon to declare the relationship between team and player over.
Even if the Jets were done with Baker, the team signed Bubba Franks not only as a blocker but also for insurance in case Baker missed considerable time. Franks is a viable starter. There was also no reason to burn a fourth round pick to move up to pick Keller. The teams between 30 and 36 either lacked a need for a tight end or had more pressing needs.
There was no issue with the Jets trading up. They could have landed Devin Thomas, considered the most complete wide receiver in the Draft. He would have provided a significant upgrade in the slot, an area where the Jets have no proven player. A Coles-Cotchery-Thomas trio would have comprised a complete receiving corps. The Jets also could have landed Limas Sweed, who would have become the big target down by the goalline the team has missed since the Keyshawn Johnson trade or DeSean Jackson, who would have been a sorely-needed deep threat.
The Jets also could have had one of the Draft's top free safeties, either Kenny Phillips or Tyrell Johnson. Either would have provided an instant upgrade at the position. The Jets would have owned an elite young secondary with either safety joining Kerry Rhodes and Darrelle Revis for the forseeable future. The Jets have bigger deficiencies at safety and receiver than at tight end even if Baker is gone.
Keller might be athletic with good receiving skills and the ability to exploit a defense at the seams, but Chris Baker, a converted receiver, could do that almost as well if the Jets were able to properly utilize him. He has shown all the skills necessary. The team just has not been able to exploit his strengths. Keller will likely suffer the same fate, and considering his subpar blocking skills, he could become a liability.
Only time will truly tell. Keller could become the next Antonio Gates, but at this point, there is not much to like about this selection. Gang Green overreached for a one-dimensional tight end in a weak year for the position.
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7:54:00 PM EDT
With the 30th Pick, the Jets Select...
I was in the midst of writing a second round wish list when the Jets traded with the Packers to move up to pick 30 of the first round. New York gave up its second round pick and the fourth rounder acquired for Jonathan Vilma to select Keller, the tight end from Purdue. This pick leaves significantly more to be desired than did the selection of Vernon Gholston.
Chris Baker made it known in the past week that he is unhappy with his contract status and demanded a trade. The question is why the Jets decided to cut the cord with the disgruntled tight end so soon. The team did not allow for a cooling off period or try to quietly work something out. It seemed awfully soon to declare the relationship between team and player over.
Even if the Jets were done with Baker, the team signed Bubba Franks not only as a blocker but also for insurance in case Baker missed considerable time. Franks is a viable starter. There was also no reason to burn a fourth round pick to move up to pick Keller. The teams between 30 and 36 either lacked a need for a tight end or had more pressing needs.
There was no issue with the Jets trading up. They could have landed Devin Thomas, considered the most complete wide receiver in the Draft. He would have provided a significant upgrade in the slot, an area where the Jets have no proven player. A Coles-Cotchery-Thomas trio would have comprised a complete receiving corps. The Jets also could have landed Limas Sweed, who would have become the big target down by the goalline the team has missed since the Keyshawn Johnson trade or DeSean Jackson, who would have been a sorely-needed deep threat.
The Jets also could have had one of the Draft's top free safeties, either Kenny Phillips or Tyrell Johnson. Either would have provided an instant upgrade at the position. The Jets would have owned an elite young secondary with either safety joining Kerry Rhodes and Darrelle Revis for the forseeable future. The Jets have bigger deficiencies at safety and receiver than at tight end even if Baker is gone.
Keller might be athletic with good receiving skills and the ability to exploit a defense at the seams, but Chris Baker, a converted receiver, could do that almost as well if the Jets were able to properly utilize him. He has shown all the skills necessary. The team just has not been able to exploit his strengths. Keller will likely suffer the same fate, and considering his subpar blocking skills, he could become a liability.
Only time will truly tell. Keller could become the next Antonio Gates, but at this point, there is not much to like about this selection. Gang Green overreached for a one-dimensional tight end in a weak year for the position.
Written by georgecoztanza Blog about this entry |
Add to del.icio.us | digg this
