Rich Cimini

  (1:02 PM)

greetings. Sorry I'm late, I was reading the SI swimsuit issue. Fascinating Q and A by Dan Patrick with Alex Morgan. Yeah, right. Ok, let's get to some Jets questions.

IRA (Staten Island)

Rich, Juts looking over last years team overall rankings in different catagories. The defense is not getting enough of the blame for last years 8-8 record. In almost every defensive catagory they finished in the bottom 3rd of the league. Why hasn't Pettine taken as much heat as the former OC did? Its time for Rex to get take back the D play calling. Thoughts?

Rich Cimini

  (1:04 PM)

The first question to arrive comes from my man Ira. I think Rex is definitely going to get more involved in the defense again. He stated that at the Super Bowl and he mentioned that he's already discussed it with Pettine.

Gary (York, Pa)

Good Afternoon, It's my opinion that if Trent Richardson somehow fall to around #10, the Jets should go get him. Your thoughts?

Rich Cimini

  (1:05 PM)

I'm a Richardson guy, Gary. I think the Jets should make every effort to get him. They need a dynamic back to complement Greene, who is more of a 1a than a true 1. I could see TR falling to 10, but not much further.

George (NY)

Rich, do you think the Jets will be active in free agency? I just don't see how they can be. They are really close to the cap and that is even with the unused cap money rolling over from last season.

Rich Cimini

  (1:07 PM)

as of the other day, they were only $464k under the PROJECTED cap. But lemme tell you something about the cap: It's a myth. There are so many ways to gain flexibility. If a team really wants a guy, they can make it happen. Teams only use the cap as as excuse when they cut players or ask players to take a pay cut.

Dom (NY)

Once again Rex was quoted as saying " I plan on getting another ring and I plan on getting it quickly? Take a step back and look at the squad he has. Offense -Elite QB- no, Elite RB- no, O Line- better than average could move to good, WR- better than average , TE- 1 can catch and not block 1 can block but not catch,though I do think Kellar isn't used enough in the passing game.Defense - DLine- better than Average but they generate little if any pass rush- LB - good middle linebacker but OLB's Pace and Scott have seen better days are are avg at best, secondary- excellent corner- horrible at safety. When you look at the contracts and the salary cap ramifications they have because of mistakes Tannebaum has made in trying to win now how is this team a Super Bowl contender? Your thoughts?

Rich Cimini

  (1:09 PM)

All legitimate points, Dom, but this is the NFL and things change quickly. Teams can change in a month (see the Giants), let alone a year. If they're smart in the offseason, and they can get Sanchez back on track, they can get back into contention.

Bill (NY)

Hey Rich, how do you think the Jets will go about solidifying the offensive line. The OT position is pretty weak in free agency. Plus with the new info of Slauson's injury and B. Moore getting up their in age I feel it has to be addressed immediately. I know that it is't smart for teams to invest huge money in the guard position in free agency but I think the offensive line has become a much bigger question mark than it was at the end of the season.

Rich Cimini

  (1:10 PM)

It had, Bill. I can see them signing an OL in free agency (maybe a Vernon Carey), but I don't think they'll throw around big money. This is a deep draft for OLM. Their best bet is the draft ... as long as they don't draft another Ducasse.

Ben (NY)

Rich, in your opinion is Santonio Holmes a number 1 receiver? Also with the lack of depth at the position, do you see them drafting one with their first round pick?

Rich Cimini

  (1:12 PM)

I don't think Holmes is a No. 1 WR. Look, I know last season wasn't all his fault and he's probably taking too much blame because of the blow-up in the huddle, but let's face facts: Only 1 1,000-yard season and 25 straight games without a 100-yd game. He's a No. 1 WR in the final 2 mins of games, a No. 2 WR for the first 58.

Danny C (NY)

Any chance of the Jets getting Colston?

Rich Cimini

  (1:14 PM)

You mean the WR who was in their own backyard (Hofstra) and got away? I'd be surprised if they pursued him. He will command big money and they already have a lot invested in Holmes. I see Colston as a system WR and I wonder how he'd adapt in a cold-weather, run-oriented offense.

Bob (NY)

Rich, I'm not advocating the signing of Peyton Manning. However I know if he becomes available Mr. Johnson and Rex will make a run at him. My question is how will they be able to afford him? They are near the cap right now. The only players they could cut to make room is Sanchez and Smith. That would be real risky going all in with Manning because you know Sanchez won't want to take a pay cut or back up Manning.

Rich Cimini

  (1:16 PM)

Well, they'd save $5M in cap space by cutting or trading Sanchez. They could create a lot of room by restucturing contracts (Brick, Harris, Revis, Mangold). Maybe they let Cro walk instead of paying a $3M roster bonus. There are ways to create room.

Mike (NY)

Rich, if you were starting to build a defense which player would you build around? You can only pick one. Jason Pierre Paul or Darrelle Revis?

Rich Cimini

  (1:17 PM)

It's funny, I was having this conversation yesterday with a friend of mine. I'd take JPP. As great as Revis is, JPP is younger and he puts the QB on the ground. That's what this league is about.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

What do you think that the Jets need to address in the 2012 NFL Draft?

Rich Cimini

  (1:19 PM)

Right now, I'd say OLB and T/G are the strongest first-round considerations. After that, there's WR, S, ILB and RB.

Matt (NY)

Rich, what is your honest opinion of Mark Sanchez? Do you think he has reached his ceiling? I compared his first three seasons to Eli's and they are very similar. However Eli can throw the deep ball and I feel Sanchez cannot. What is your take?

Rich Cimini

  (1:22 PM)

No, I don't think he has reached his ceiling. But he has reached a crossroads. This is it for him. He needs to elevate his game and those around him. I recently mentioned the Sanchez-Eli comparison to a personnel guy. He said even though their numbers are strikingly similar, Sanchez doesn't have Eli's ceiling because of arm strength and ability to be a pocket passer.

Brian Sommer (Minneapolis mn)

I was wondering what pick in the draft we are getting for the Dwight Lowery trade and what pick we give up for Caleb Schauderlaff. Or when we will find out. Thanks

Rich Cimini

  (1:23 PM)

Good question. I wrote this a while back. Basically it was a wash: Gave up a 7 for Schlauderaff, got a 7 for Lowery.

Stephen (North Carolina)

Why was Wayne Hunter retained?????

Rich Cimini

  (1:26 PM)

He's $2.45M insurance. Even if he's not a starter, every team needs a swing tackle. I can't imagine they want to keep him as the starting RT, but he has value because of his versatility and familiarity with the system. Plus, they would've taken a lot of heat if they released Hunter -- a great team guy -- the same day they kept Holmes.

Scott (Connecticut)

Rich. Any idea when Sanchez may show up in Florham Park and address the media? Until he does so, the story from last season will not totally go away. It seems on the surface he and Santonio have made some headway, and I think he has to get this story behind everyone so they can start to focus on the upcoming year. What are your thoughts?

Rich Cimini

  (1:27 PM)

At some point, he will have to address it. Regardless, it will be a story all year. He and Holmes can patch things up in the offseason and say all the right things, but how will they react during the season, when they hit some adversity? That's when true colors come out.

Scott (Connecticut)

Rich. What are your thoughts on the Jets using free agency not to get big names, but to get more value players to help with depth. I think they should try to get starter level players through the draft and use free agency to upgrade their depth a bit by finding some less expensive options with some upside. I know they are up against it a bit cap-wise, but I think getting some quality depth is what they should try to accomplish.

Rich Cimini

  (1:29 PM)

You mean they should approach it like the Giants. I agree, there's definitely something to be said for that philosophy, but it's not the Jets' way. They're all about splash and quick fix. But I think it's time they take a step back and look for cost-effective value.

Scott (Connecticut)

Rich. Thanks as always for the great coverage. I read your blog today and saw that Mel Kiper had the Jets taking a guard in the first round of the draft. I have seen some other draft experts agree with that assumption. While I undertand the rationale with the Slauson surgery and Moore's age, I wanted your feelings on going with a safety in the first round as opposed to an offensive lineman. This seems to be a deep line draft, so getting one or two in other rounds seems like a possibility; while the saftey draft is poor this year with only Mark Barron projected as a first round pick. Seeing the problems the Jets hadcovering the middle of the field, do you think it's wiser to go with the saftey in the first round if available as getting a good one in free agency would be expensive?

Rich Cimini

  (1:32 PM)

Safety is a definite need, Scott. Barron is a good one, but he recently underwent double hernia surgery. He's not attending the combine and probably won't be able to work out for teams until just before the draft. Reminds me of TE Heath Miller back in '05 (??). He dropped to the bottom of Round 1 because he couldn't work out, but turned into a good player. I could see the Jets signing a safety in FA.

Jim (Columbus, OH)

Mel Kiper, in all his wisdom, has us taking Cordy Glenn at 16. I would hate this. Would you? And, do you think trading back for an extra pick in the middle rounds is likely?

Rich Cimini

  (1:34 PM)

I'm not a fan of taking guards in first round. (Some think Glenn could be a tackle.) But some feel the game is changing and guards have more value. By that I mean, to stop these prolific passing attacks, teams wants pass-rushing DTs to push the pocket -- shortest route to QB is up the middle. If you have athletic DTs, you need big-time Gs to block them.

Derek Hamilton (The Great White North)

Can Patrick Turner replace Plaxico as a dangerous red zone target. He has the size, better speed and separation, but is he strong enough.

Rich Cimini

  (1:35 PM)

Make no mistake, they will miss Plax in the red zone. PT has everything you say, but I don't think his ball skills are as good as Plax.

Anthony (Philadelphia)

One player I'll be paying attention to at the combine is Nick Toon. I'd be lying if I said I watched a lot of Wisconsin football, but it seems like he runs solid routes and has reliable hands. He's got good size too, which makes me think he could be a good replacement for Burress down the road. If he runs well at the combine, I think Jets fans everywhere would love to be able to chant "Toooon" again for Al's kid. Any possible interest from the Jets if he's available in the 2nd-3rd round?

Rich Cimini

  (1:37 PM)

I feel old because I covered Al during his latter years with the Jets. Nick needs to run a good time at the combine. I don't think he's as good as his dad, but you're right, he could have value in the 2nd or 3rd round. I hear he's a great kid.

Jimmy (Huntington)

There are so many confusing articles out there discussing the Jets' cap situation. Rich, where do you see the Jets heading into free agency? Are they going to have any $ to spend on a pass rush,safety, or both?

Rich Cimini

  (1:39 PM)

No offense, Jimmy, but I think fans spend too much time worrying about the cap. Unless your team is $20M over the cap and needs to dump salary, I wouldn't worry too much about it. If a team really wants a player, they can make it happen. Trust me, the Jets will have money to spend by the start of FA.

Anthony (Philadelphia)

I may be in the minority here, but I want Mark Sanchez back as the starting QB for the New York Jets next year and beyond. He's only 25 years old, and I think it's ludicrous that some have suggested that he has hit his ceiling already. Sparano's arrival as OC makes the QB situation a little interesting; his goal will obviously be to develop more consistency from Sanchez, but what will be able to do that differs from Schotty?

Rich Cimini

  (1:41 PM)

Sparano is committed to the running game. He also places a premium on pass protection, especially from the TE. Instead of five-man routes, you will see more three- and four-man routes, keeping extra guys in to block. In theory, that should allow them to be more vertical in the passing game.

Oz (CT)

Hi Rich,Do you see the Jets bringing in a QB that can realistically take the starting job away from Sanchez either from the start or sometime during the season ( and I don't mean Manning )? Just wondering how someone can come in and give him competition if there's no real chance they'd start. Thanks.

Rich Cimini

  (1:44 PM)

To me, Oz, this will be the most fascinating question. The Jets aren't going to get Manning -- no way, no how -- but I could see them signing Henne. You might also hear some Jason Campbell buzz, but he could get expensive. They need a guy who could go in for a 2 or 3-game stretch, if necessary -- a guy that can make Sanchez feel threatened. If he doesn't like it, too bad.

Ron (Philly)

Leonhard, Pouha, Thomas, Folk, Turner, Strickland... all should be brought back .... Pouha without a doubt, what are your thoughts to bring back the rest within reasonable $ considerations... they all add to the team, agree???

Rich Cimini

  (1:46 PM)

Except for Pouha, you're talking about all minimum-salary guys. Even so, it'll be hard to keep all of them. I don't see Thomas, Turner and Strickland back here. Those spots should be filled by younger, cheaper players. Leonhard is a tough call.

Brian (Ridgewood)

Rich, should we assume any big ticket free agents are out of the question this winter, such as a Mario Williams, etc? due to cap space?

Rich Cimini

  (1:47 PM)

I wouldn't rule out anybody. Everybody is in play. They had cap issues last summer and it didn't prevent them from throwing themselves at Asomugha.

Wayne (oceanside)

There is a big issue that seem to be ignored by the Jets. The Head Coach admittedly had no idea what was going on last season. No idea there was a major problem during the final game. No idea why his "star" receiver was benched. Rex ran Kerry Rhodes out of town for being too "hollywood". Rex gets to do commercials, a movie, write a book and no one questions it. Why?

Rich Cimini

  (1:49 PM)

For one thing, he's the boss, so he can do what he wants. But you raise a valid point. If I were Rex, I'd skip the extracurricular stuff and just coach the team.

IRA (Staten Island)

Rich, You know trading away picks has finally caught up to the Jets. With all that said do you see them trading up at all to get Richardson if he is still around at 9 or 10? Wouldn't that make trading up for Greene a huge mistake?

Rich Cimini

  (1:50 PM)

One thing to keep in mind, Ira: Greene is entering the last year of his contract. You have to think ahead.

Melissa (Syracuse, NY)

With all the Jets other needs (safety, OLB, WR), why would they spend their first pick on a running back, especially when you can get starting running backs (which I'm not convinced they need- I still believe in Greene) in the later rounds.

Rich Cimini

  (1:52 PM)

Fair point, Melissa. I don't think RB is a huge, but if Richardson is the best available player, you have to take him. He'd add a different dimension to the offense. Sanchez would be sending him Valentines instead of Holmes.

goldy (woodbury)

Rich you are the best on the jet beat, keep up the work you are doing. Do you think this is possible Tannebaum's last draft. Shouldn't hire some one who knows how to evaluate talent and can draft?

Rich Cimini

  (1:56 PM)

Thanks for the kind words, Goldy. Lemme explain how the Jets draft: Joey Clinkscales and his scouts, with some input from the coaches, grade the players. Obviously, Rex has more input than the others. Tannenbaum is the CEO, so to speak. He makes the decision with the information presented to him. Tanny isn't on the road, scouting players. If there's a conflict in the draft room, Tanny breaks the tie.

Darsh (CT)

Hey Rich, do you think the Jets are actually going to draft a pass rusher this year? Or is that just a bunch of hype that isn't gonna happen?

Rich Cimini

  (1:56 PM)

They'd better. It has been ignored for too long.

GIANTS (NJ)

We will trade you Osi and our second round pick for your first round pick. Whaddaya say?

Rich Cimini

  (1:57 PM)

Tempting, but Osi doesn't fit the 3-4 and he's too pricey.

Jay (NY)

Any idea if Bart Scott will be back yet? Reports right after the season were, he'd be a goner, but I haven't heard anything since.

Rich Cimini

  (1:57 PM)

My gut tells me he's a goner. Coming off elbow scope, by the way. I think he hurt it when he flipped off reporters.

R (in CT)

Rich -- thanks for taking the time, as always. Other than Pouha, is there any other of the team's own impending free agents that you can see them bringing back?

Rich Cimini

  (1:58 PM)

It's Sione and everybody else. Maybe Folk, maybe Leonhard. They can live without the rest.

alex (miami)

with sporano on board . do you see jets bribing in any Miami Dallas free agents??

Rich Cimini

  (1:59 PM)

You'll be reading a lot about Henne and Vernon Carey in the coming weeks. Sparano also loves Colombo, but I don't think the Jets would be dumb enough to go there.

Mark (Storrs, CT)

Thoughts on Jets pursuing Mario Williams? You just said they could make the cap work, and Rex would have to love having a premier stand-up rusher, would take heat off of Crom and Wilson, and help cover up the safety issues.

Rich Cimini

  (2:00 PM)

yep, I could see the Jets going after Super Mario.

Carey (NY)

Rich, do you have any information of what offensive system, Sparano will run ? He comes from under Parcells which ran Erhardt-Perkins system, which believes in clock management, play-action, and smash-mouthing running. Which sounds like perfect system for Sanchez. Your thoughts ?

Rich Cimini

  (2:00 PM)

You said it better than I could.

Paul (Erie)

Do you think that Pouha resigns?

Rich Cimini

  (2:01 PM)

yes.

Joe (NJ)

Hey Rich, Nice work at the SB. Loved the story on the scout who found Cruz. If the Jets had a chance to sign Ray Rice or Mario Williams, whom do you think they should sign?

Rich Cimini

  (2:01 PM)

Rice will be tagged. Mario could re-sign in Houston. If not, always take the pass rusher.

Amanda (NY)

If michael floyd is available at 16, will we pass him up?

Rich Cimini

  (2:02 PM)

Wouldn't rule it out, but can't see the Jets investing in a WR that high with so many other needs.

Jay (NY)

What's your assessment on the Jets '11 rookie class?

Rich Cimini

  (2:03 PM)

Wilkerson, solid, blue collar. Kerley will be a player, just watch. Ellis ... long way to go. Keep an eye on McElroy; he has something. Maybe he'll be the Jets' version of Jeremy Lin. You read it here first.

Rich Cimini

  (2:06 PM)

Unfortunately, I'm out of time. Thanks for all the great questions, as usual. Believe it or not, I'm going to take a few days off. The Jets' blog will be updated daily with fresh stuff, so keep reading. Our man Ohm Youngmisuk will be at the combine next week, keeping you posted on Jets and Giants developments. I'm gonna take some R&R. Maybe I'll take part in some team-building activities. (lol) Anyway, be well and have a great weekend.