Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
New general manager John Idzik entered the 2013 NFL Draft having cleared Obstacle 1: Unload Darrelle Revis and all contract weight needed for the rebuild — credit to Prime Sports Network’s David Tuchman of supplying the “Titanic” analogy for taking over the New York Jets.
Obstacle 2 was locking Rex Ryan in a cleaning supply closet Thursday or Friday night, but that didn’t happen, though as Tuchman told me Obstacles 2 and 3 could be unloading Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow on June 1. This be may set in motion thanks to the selection of West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith with the No. 7 pick of Round 2 to a mix of cheers and boos at Radio City Music Hall.
It’s rather clear that the time has come to move on from both aforementioned incumbent quarterbacks, but it would come at a huge price in the short-term. According to NFL Network’s Albert Breer, “If Jets cut Mark Sanchez, cap charge would be $8,903,125, plus (depending on timing) a $500K workout bonus. Keep him, and charge is $8.75M.”
Ugh, killjoy.
Let’s focus on Gang Green’s other selections for now then and not think about all the salary-cap horrors wrought by the Mike Tannenbaum (and Ryan) regime; water Idzik is still trying to poor over the side of the boat.
The Jets came in stacked with draft picks and addressed an immediate need with Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner at pick No. 9. Considering some had him going as high as three, love the value/need combo here. Sheldon Richardson at No. 13 is, interesting, considering most had him pegged as more a 4-3, one-gap defensive tackle but perhaps Ryan has out-of-the-box plans for him and the front seven. Brian Winters adds a versatile piece to an offensive line weak at both guard spots and right tackle.
Picks: Milliner (1-9), Richardson (1-13), Smith (2-7), Winters (3-10)
Grade: A-
Thomas Emerick is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ThomasEmerick, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
