Rich Cimini

  (1:08 PM)

Sorry about the delay, folks. Technical difficulty. Flag me for 5 yards. Let's get started.

Steven (Atlanta)

I'm very upset with our draft. We had chances to pick Melvin Ingram, Dont'a Hightower, Courtney Upshaw etc., but we chose a bust-in-the-making Quinton Coples. What was the Jets reasoning in this pick? Where are they going with this pick?

Rich Cimini

  (1:09 PM)

Relax, Steven, it's early. The Jets passed on player with more production (Ingram, Upshaw) to pick a guy with high potential, Coples. They feel his ceiling is higher than Ingram, Upshaw because he has prototypical size, speed for the position. We'll see.

Kristie Nanuet NY [via mobile]

Hi Rich: not overly enthused about draft and DeCastro would have been a better selection and solidified the line. Slauson is pedestrian, injured and talks too much. This will be a major problem again this year.

Rich Cimini

  (1:10 PM)

Slauson doesn't talk too much; that has nothing to do with performance. If anything, you should be concerned about his surgically repaired shoulder, although Slauson said recently he's ahead of schedule.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Even though you Cover the Jets, Did you Know Junior Seau who Passed Away on May 2 at the age of 43?

Rich Cimini

  (1:12 PM)

I never met Seau personally. I'm sure I interviewed him during the Chargers' Super Bowl run in '94, but I didn't know the man. However, his death hit like a ton of bricks. It was a profoundly sad day for the NFL.

mike pearl river ny [via mobile]

Hopwe the release of Pitouta is related to Revis contract. If not it sends yet another bad message and again makes rex look follish for raging about the guy.woody is a bottom line guy.

Rich Cimini

  (1:13 PM)

Has nothing to do with the Revis contract. We're talking two different universes. Pitoitua had a $1M+ cap figure, and that's a little on the pricey size for a 5th or 6th DLM. This is another classic case of Rex overhyping a player.

IRA (Staten Island)

Rich, Well the draft is over and they will fill the RT and FS spots at some point. We all know that this team will play good hard defense and run the ball well. But i just can't get a feel for this team and thats a first since 1996. I quess i should wait until camp starts in Cortland. Your thoughts?

Rich Cimini

  (1:15 PM)

Ira, I don't think they're going to sign a RT. Publicly and privately, they're backing Hunter. Gotta think they will add a veteran S, maybe Leonhard. You can't go into camp with no experienced backups. And, yes, wait until Cortland. Too early for predictions.

Derek Hamilton (The Great White North)

Hey Rich. Do you think the 2012 Jets are going to be in 4-3 formation more then 3-4? Wouldn?t Devito, Mo, Couples and Pouha be a formidable front? If they put the 7 best front 7 on the feld, then LB?s should only represent 3. Also I no Bart is 100% guaranteed for 2012, but couldn?t we trade him to the Colts. Think about it, they want to move to a 3-4 under coach Pagono, they are undersized and fast for a 3-4 and Scott is oversized and slow. Seems like a perfect marriage to me. He could help them transition as he did for us 3 years ago. Take a 7th rounder and pay a percentage of his salary.

Rich Cimini

  (1:17 PM)

They played a lot of 4-3 last year. The Jets aren't exclusively a 3-4 front. They mix it up. I'm sure you'll see more of the same, but they're not scrapping the 3-4. Bart is here for 1 more year.

dave from westchester (westchester)

Last year a major issue was the OL lack of depth, especially at the center position when mangold was injured. I don't see that the Jets added depth except for RG...what will it take for the OL to be "major league" 'Brick has to pick up his game also!

Rich Cimini

  (1:19 PM)

You're right, OL depth still an issue. They're talking up Schlauderaff like he's the next John Hannah. Fact, he, Ducasse and Howard have played very little. They need a vet. You'd have to think Tanny won't make the same mistake twice.

Matt (River Plaza, NJ)

Hey Rich,First, the Jets basically had their crack at any pass rusher in the draft (Since they stated Irvin was not happening) were you surprised they went with Coples? I thought we had some depth on the line, no superstars, but guys who could stuff the run, I thought drafting Ingram would have enhanced the OLB position which is thin in my opinion, your thoughts? Though if Coples pans out and they can develop Ellis that would be a great young core for a d-line. Also, is the Rookie Mini this weekend open to the public?Thanks!

Rich Cimini

  (1:20 PM)

Not open to public this weekend, but keep it here because I'll be tweeting and blogging from camp. yes, I was surprised they took Coples. Ingram would've filled a need. The Jets fell in love with Coples' measureables and that can be dangerous.

Sean (NYC)

Rich - Great work, as always. I think we had a GREAT draft (although I would have liked to see Ingram in green). What is your outlook on Davis and Bush - can they beat out Scott and Smith? Or were they truly brought in for "depth"? I also think Allen may turn some heads in run support.Also, I think we goofed by not taking Chris Polk. I think he'll have a better career than Ganaway. Aside from the injury side of things, what are your thoughts on Polk vs. Ganaway?

Rich Cimini

  (1:23 PM)

Thanks, Sean. Initially, I was critical of the Davis pick, but I've heard good things about him. He'll help in a specialty role, but one opposing scout told he doesn't think Davis has the instincts to play ILB. Bush is a mystery man; some teams didn't even have reports on him. In the 6th round, I know they considered Poln and Ganaway, decided to go with the healthy RB.

westcoastjetfan (Los Angeles)

Rich, do you see a Vernon Carey/Tony Sparano reunion happening in the next few weeks. I just can't believe the Jets think Wayne Hunter is the answer at RT. And we should just cut our losses with Ducasse, the only thing that guy has accomplished is winning "King Ugly" in his rookie year

Rich Cimini

  (1:24 PM)

Carey played guard last year, so there's some flexibility. It would be hard to make him a tackle again -- tough transition. But I wouldn't rule him out.

Sean (NYC)

I for one think Hill was the steal of the draft. Do you see him being our go to for years to come? Also, with Greene and Ganaway leading the way, and McKinght as a scat back - my guess is that we cut Powell. I don't see him fitting in and from what I remember he brings Westie next to nothing on specials. Small, slow, average hands - I think that was a bad pick.

Rich Cimini

  (1:25 PM)

I agree, Sean. From watching Powell last summer, I didn't see anything special -- no 'wow' moments. We know what McKnight is. Let's see what they have in Ganaway. He's big and productive, but I want to see the speed. He won't be able to run over guys like he did in college.

Vin (Long Island)

Hey Rich, what do you think Of the 2 safetys we took in the draft? Bush remInds me of Dwight Lowry, being a CB-FS mix and Allen should have gone in the 4th round and I think he has a chance to start in a couple years at SS but could be a dime rusher in certain packages. What do you think?

Rich Cimini

  (1:27 PM)

I'll be honest, I don't know a lot about Bush. He was an off-the-radar pick. On paper, he sounds like a fit because of his speed and versatility. Love the Allen pick. Not sure how a guy that productive could drop. His issue is pass coverage; let's see if he has wheels.

Dec (Ireland)

Hey Rich, I'm hearing some buzz that the team is very high on OT Austin Howard. What's your take?

Rich Cimini

  (1:28 PM)

Well, I think he needs to lose some weight. He's down to 347, according to Rex, who made it sound like he's got a ways to go.

Bill H (NYC)

Hi Rich... I read that a possible contributing factor to the Jets passing on Bobby Massie was that his agents are Schwartz/Feinsod. Would something like that ever factor into a drafting decision? Between Revis, Pete Kendall, C. Baker and Murrell, there seems to be a lot of acrimony on both sides, but would that really factor into drafting a player, particularly one that could fill a need. Thanks as always!

Rich Cimini

  (1:30 PM)

Yes, Massie is repped by Revis' agents. I'm going to give Tanny the benefit of the doubt here and say it was no factor in the decision to pass in the third round. I find it hard to believe he'd do something to hurt the team out of disdain for two agents.

Sean (NYC)

Just saw your tweet about Coleman! We'd be crazy to not take him back! Great blitzer and great on specials. Do you see that happening?

Rich Cimini

  (1:32 PM)

Seems like a natural fit, doesn't it? There are a couple of factors: Jets want to see rookie camp (Steed from Furman has some upside) and Coleman would have to play for less than the $1.5M he was due from the Jags. If Mangini still were coaching, he'd be all over DC. He almost traded for him before the 2010 season.

James (Geneseo, NY)

I'll be in my last undergraduate final ever during your chat. Then I'm off to Newhouse in July. Any recommendations on professors? Oh and Wayne Hunter can't possible start, right?

Rich Cimini

  (1:34 PM)

Uh, James, shouldn't you be focused on your final and not this chat? But, hey, I'm honored and good luck at Newhouse. You picked the best place and you will be surrounded by the best. Too many good profs to name. And yes Hunter could start. Now get back to work.

Gary (York, Pa)

Good Afternoon, I love the Hill pick but isn't it asking to much for a guy coming out of an option offense to make a significant impact? I'm not a big Edwards fan but it does make sense.

Rich Cimini

  (1:35 PM)

Great point, Gary. The Jets could be overselling Hill. It is a huge transition. Doesn't matter how fast you are, if you're not in the right place, you're useless. The Jets love to hype, don't they?

Bill H (NYC)

Assuming Coples plays motivated, is he (or can he be) a dominant difference maker on the defense? I here comparisons of Shaun Ellis, but aside from 04-05 (with Abraham on the other side), I would describe Ellis as very good, not dominant. Thanks.

Rich Cimini

  (1:37 PM)

You're right, Ellis was very good, never elite. Coples isn't going to be a double-digit sack guy. He'll get 6 to 8 per year and, if he's what they think he is, be solid against the run.

Bob (Newark, NJ)

Given the lack of help they have aquired on the offensive line so far this offseason, is there anyone that may soon become available to help fill the hole at RT. Do you really think it is Wanye and Vlad or bust?

Rich Cimini

  (1:38 PM)

Unless they trade for a front-line player, unlikely, they'll go with the current cast.

Ryan (So Flo)

Does Quinton Coples have a verified twitter account?

Rich Cimini

  (1:38 PM)

He says no.

Bob (London)

Hey Rich, the Jets worked out Chris Johnson and Yeremiah Bell- any chance of either of them joining the team?

Rich Cimini

  (1:38 PM)

They still need a 4th CB and a backup S, so I'd say yes.

Joe (NJ)

Hey Rich, I saw Pettine's comments that the Jets wanted to get better at defending Gronkowski and Hernandez. In my opinion, it doesn't seem like any of their offseason additions will improve their ability to cover TEs. Do you think they have better personnel to cover TEs now?

Rich Cimini

  (1:40 PM)

They added Landry, D. Davis, Bush and Allen ... all can cover the TE. Can they cover Gronk? Uh, I don't think so. But who can?

Bob (London)

Does the drafting of Hill rule out a return for Braylon?

Rich Cimini

  (1:41 PM)

Signing Braylon now would stunt Hill's growth. He needs to get as many reps as he can. If they feel uncomfortable with Hill going into camp, then, yes, I could see Braylon in the mix.

Oz (CT)

Hi Rich,I heard a quote from Rex and possibly Tannenbaum about how some of the past rooks didn't get a full off season program and training camp. Thing is, I think he was talking about Ducasse. I understand about last years draftees because of the lockout, but why do they keep saying it about Ducasse ?

Rich Cimini

  (1:43 PM)

Because he was drafted in 10 and missed a chunk of that off-season program.

John (Hillsdale NJ)

Hey Rich. Do you see Bush or Allen giving Eric Smith a legit challenge for the starting Free Safety spot. Can they even learn the defense that quickly?

Rich Cimini

  (1:44 PM)

No, I don't. It's a very difficult position to learn in this defense. Smith is a cerebral player and has a big jump on them.

Ryan (So Flo)

Who will be the starting receiver opposite Holmes? Kerley or Hill?

Rich Cimini

  (1:45 PM)

Probably Hill. Kerley better in the slot.

Tiger Telesford (New York)

Do the JETS really deserve all of the bashing for their draft picks? Do you think we've closed the gap between us and the Pats?Thank you, for your devotion to the JETS you are doing an amazing job.

Rich Cimini

  (1:46 PM)

Have the Jets been getting bashed? I don't think the criticism has been that harsh. This has the potential to be a very good draft. By '13, you could have a bunch of starters -- Coples, Hill, Davis, Griffin ... in theory, anyway.

kman (NYC)

Rich,Anyone who has watched a Jets game can see that Wayne Hunter is overmatched at RT. You know it, I know it, we all know it. How can Rex not see this? Is he just blowing smoke again with his support? He may be a great guy, but he cannot block.

Rich Cimini

  (1:47 PM)

They evidently feel that Sparano's system will protect Hunter. I'm with you, I'll believe it when I see it.

richard (ireland)

who is your under the radar guy to make the jets team this year ?

Rich Cimini

  (1:48 PM)

Ryan Steed, CB, Furman -- one of the highest rated undrafted players.

Mitchell (Bannon)

With all the hype about Tebow coming to the Jets, How many games will he realistically get to play in this year?

Rich Cimini

  (1:48 PM)

He'll play in every game, without a doubt. How much is the question.

Matt (White Plains)

Do you think Coples or Devito will be starting game 1 and who will be starting at the end of the season? I know Rex said Coples will be starting and then backtracked.

Rich Cimini

  (1:49 PM)

Obviously, their plan is to start Coples. I can't say if he's going to be in there on the first snap of the first game. But, yes, for all intents and purposes, he'll be the starter.

Otto (CA)

Did the Jets like AJ Jenkins better than Hill?

Rich Cimini

  (1:50 PM)

Yes, I believe so. They had a solid first-round grade on Hill.

Jake (Syracuse)

Who will be the starting safety's this year?

Rich Cimini

  (1:50 PM)

Landry and Smith.

@mike85431 (staten island)

Thanks for doing this rich. I'm happy we got faster with the draft, I just don't like hearing guys don't love football, or take plays off. Concerned with coples? Also ropati out of shape? Why give up on his size.

Rich Cimini

  (1:52 PM)

You have to be a little concerned with Coples. Mike Mayock, one of the best draft gurus in the biz, said he wouldn't have drafted Coples in the first round. He perked up for the Sr. Bowl, but he was on his money drive then.

IRA (Staten Island)

Rich, I thought Hunter was going to be fine. What do you really think happened to his game last year? Was he just in over his head as a fulltime starter or do you think his best role is as a backup?

Rich Cimini

  (1:54 PM)

Wayne has the physical ability, but he tends to get really down on himself when he makes a mistake. He gets into a funk. He has to get through that because at that position, you need a short memory.

Alex (Anaheim)

Is this going to be a true quarterback battle, or is Sanchez almost certainly the starter?

Rich Cimini

  (1:54 PM)

Not "almost" certainly. He is the starter.

Kevin (NYC)

Hi Rich...which Jets player that we didn't see much of last season do you expect to step up this year?

Rich Cimini

  (1:55 PM)

Good question, Kevin. I'd say more Kerley, Bellore, Cumberland (if healthy) and K. Ellis.

Bob (Newark, NJ)

What is your opinion of the linebacker they took out of Arkansas State? I heard Kiper had him as the #5 OLB on his board. Could this guy be a steal for Mike T and JEts or another reach for an undersized LB?

Rich Cimini

  (1:56 PM)

Yes, he is undersized for a 3-4 ILB, but the league is evolving toward passing and you need LBs that can play in space.

MUGATO (NEVALAND)

Rex and Mike T mentioned that Terrance Ganaway would play the A- back behind Greene and Mcknight and Powell would be the B- backs in Sparanos Offense. Can you explain the difference of both positions. thanks love the chats!

Rich Cimini

  (1:57 PM)

Good question. We'll be speaking to Sparano in a few mins on a conf call, so we'll ask. But I suspect A backs are bigger, between-the-tackle RBs, while Bs are faster, perimeter runners.

Dave (NJ)

A Five Guys opened up near Florham Park, so the question of the day is: Smashburger, 5 Guys or Chipotle?

Rich Cimini

  (1:58 PM)

There's a 5 Guys in Madison. I should know, been there way too much.

Jon (New York)

Rich, is there a reason why antonio allen fell to the 7th round?

Rich Cimini

  (1:59 PM)

Concerns about pass coverage.

Kevin (NYC)

Hey Rich. I'm I crazy for believing that a year from now Upshaw will end up being the most productive defensive player the Jets had the chance to take at 16? I loved what I saw from him on tape and really believe he'll be a force on the Raven's D.

Rich Cimini

  (1:59 PM)

with Suggs out, Upshaw is going to get a huge chance.

Mario (Providence, RI)

Rich, is it possible that there is a Victor Cruz at OLB currently on the Jets roster?

Rich Cimini

  (2:00 PM)

If they have a Cruz at LB, I'd move him to WR.

Oz (CT)

Hi Rich, The Jets also signed UDFA G.J. Kinne as a 4th QB. Would they really keep 4 at the start of the season (assuming all stay healthy ) or will he or McElroy go ?

Rich Cimini

  (2:00 PM)

McElroy not going anywhere. Kinne would be practice squad.

Rich Cimini

  (2:01 PM)

I'm outta time, folks. Thanks for the great questions. Like I said earlier, check the website Fri and Sat. We'll have constant updates from rookie camp. Have a great day. Rich