The McCareins Files: Unleashed

Like last year, the New York Jets find themselves in need of a wide receiver. Lavernaues Coles, who is still an exceptional receiver, is gone. Jerricho Cotchery is not a number one receiver. Chansi Stuckey lacks size and breakaway speed. Brad Smith could still be good, but hasn’t begun to approach his ceiling yet, and I don’t know if he ever will. And David Clowney is a perfect third receiver.

The Jets Quarterback, whoever that ends up being, needs a big time receiving threat, going forward. Acceptable selections are available through free agency, trade and the NFL Draft.

Free Agency

Antonio Bryant
6’1”, 205lbs, 27 years old
Unrestricted Free Agent (Tampa Bay)
83 rec. – 1248 yds. – 15.0 avg. – 7 tds.

Bryant had a breakout year, in 2008. That was his first season over 70 receptions, second over 1000 yards and set a career-high in touchdowns. He has a big body and can get physical with defensive backs, but also has some speed. Bryant has consistent hands and could be a number one receiver. 27 years old is pretty enticing as well. However, he is a career journeyman, which may say something about his skill or character. Bryant will probably command a high contract for a receiver with one good season, so I might avoid him for that.


TJ Houshmandzadeh
6’1”, 199lbs, 31 years old
UFA (Cincinnati)
92 rec. – 904 yds. – 9.8 avg. – 4 tds.

Houshmandzadeh fell off significantly. He declined in every receiving category from 2007 to 2008, which is most likely due to Chad Johnson’s declined performance. Ocho Cinco’s flashiness and insurmountable skill took a great amount of attention and pressure off of Houshmandzadeh. When Johnson went down, so did Housh. So if he is on the Jets, he will need someone else to step up and be a playmaker, to be able to produce, but that’s something they don’t have.

In addition to Houshmandzadeh not being a number one receiver, he is 31 years old and will want a big contract. New York should probably not touch this guy, but still, another threat could spread opposing defenses out.


Amani Toomer
6’3”, 202lbs, 34 years old
UFA (NY Giants)
48 rec. – 580 yds. – 12.1 avg. – 4 tds.

This is interesting. Toomer is solid and was probably hurt by Plaxico Burress’absence, but 34 years old is up there. Also, I don’t think he’s a number one, at this point. But if Mike Tannenbaum can convince him to sign for 1 year at a relatively low amount, I see signing Toomer as doable.


Trades

Andre Johnson
6’3”, 223lbs, 27 years old
Signed with Houston (8-year, $60 million deal in March of 2007)
115 rec. – 1575 yds. – 13.7 avg. – 8 tds.

Johnson is undoubtedly a top 5 receiver in football and arguably the best. He is coming off of his best season; doing it with Matt Schaub and Sage Rosenfels throwing to him. That’s talent. He’s has a great combination of size and speed; something every team would enjoy.

While he is reportedly being shopped by his agent, the Texans have not posted an asking price for Johnson. It would most definitely cost a team two first round picks and possibly more. For the Jets, it’s not the best move. While Johnson is incredible, why would New York spend several draft picks on him when they are not a win now team? I would hold on to the picks.

But if he did go to the Jets, I wouldn’t be mad.

Roy Williams
6’3”, 211lbs, 27 years old
Signed with Dallas (5-year, $45 million extension)
36 rec. – 480 yds. – 11.9 avg. – 2 tds. (Overall)
19 rec. – 198 yds. – 10.4 avg. – 1 td. (10 games w/Cowboys)

Right off the bat, you notice that Roy Williams has been inexplicably inconsistent. A man with that size and athleticism has no excuse to perform as streaky as Jamal Crawford. Jerry Jones has to be regretting the extension gave Williams. To only catch 19 passes in ten games is unacceptable for a starting receiver.

So why should the Jets get him? If you can trade a lower round pick – which is possible – and have the Cowboys pick up some of the money on his deal – less likely, but still possible – Williams is a no brainer. He has too much upside to pass up. He can still catch, run and jump at an above average level, which can open a lot up for Cotchery.

The last big (in terms of size) receiving threat the Jets had was Keyshawn Johnson. When he got to the Jets in 1996, he allowed Wayne Chrebet to have one of the best seasons of his career, and Jeff Graham to have a solid season.

Terrell Owens
6’3”, 218lbs, 35 years old
Signed with Dallas (4-year, $34 million deal in summer of 2008)
69 rec. – 1052 yds. – 15.2 avg. – 10 tds.

Although declining, Terrell Owens is still one of the best receivers in football. At his advanced age, he can still display his superiority; being one of the fastest, strongest and most cunning wide outs, on the field. Aside from his on-field attributes is his off-field work ethic. His teammates often describe Owens as the hardest worker on the squad. His workout regimen is unmatched; evidenced by his physique, which doesn’t look like any other 35 year old wide receiver. That drive to be better would be extremely beneficial for any team.

The one obvious knock on Owens is his attitude. He is known to be abrasive with the media, coaches and teammates, but work ethic is contagious. For that, he is priceless for any team to have. On the other hand, he is another guy who will set his sights on a big contract with years. The Jets definitely don’t want a 38 year old diva on their hands. Regardless, he is still one of the best pound-for-pound athletes, if not THE best, in the NFL

If the Jets can get him for no more than a 2nd round draft pick, Terrell Owens would be a good fit.

Chad Ocho Cinco
6’1”, 195lbs, 31 years old
Signed with Bengals (6-year, $35.5 million deal in April 2006)
53 rec. – 540 yds. – 10.2 avg. – 4 tds.

Ocho is interesting. The rumored deal for him is two 3rd round picks and a fourth, a very low asking price for a 5-time (5-time, 5-time, 5-time, 5-time) Pro Bowler who is coming off of his first bad season. Ocho Cinco deserves the benefit of the doubt. He is still one of the biggest names in the NFL, but one can’t help but wonder what he can do after he had an extremely underwhelming season in 2008.

Ocho may be due for a bounce back year, but the overriding aspect with him is his ego and outspokenness. I know Rex Ryan will run a much looser locker room than Eric Mangini did, but Ocho Cinco’s tendency to request the ball from his quarterback is not worth having on the team. With a young quarterback set to start, it would be an awful idea to subject him to Ocho Cinco, especially if the season goes awry.

Plus, Mike Tannenbaum will most likely turn those draft picks into valuable players.



Anquan Boldin
6’1”, 217lbs, 28 years old
Signed with Arizona (Signed 4-year, $22 million extension in 2005 – will be free agent after 2010 season)
89 rec. – 1038 yds. – 11.7 avg. – 11 tds.

Getting Boldin has just about no downside. He’s relatively young, he’s quick, and has proven that he has the capability to be a team’s top wide receiver. He is a top 15, arguably top 10, receiver in the NFL. While he only played 12 regular season games in 2008, he still caught 89 passes in an offense where Larry Fitzgerald caught 96 and Steve Breaston caught 77. Even if he is not as great a playmaker as Fitzgerald, you must get the ball in his hands. That’s about that.

He’s dissatisfied with his role in Arizona, with the emergence of Larry Fitzgerald as the best wide receiver in the league.

The downside is the compensation. It will probably be a first round pick, and while worth it, relinquishing that pick could take a stud away from the team. Boldin has come out to state that his chances of returning to the Cardinals are slim. "It takes more than, 'Well, we did you wrong and we'll pay you this,'" said Boldin. "It's not about the money. It was always about the principle.” That causes Arizona to lose a great deal of leverage in trade discussions.

Even if a first round pick is warranted, GM Mike Tannenbaum has drafted in the later rounds. The Jets could almost certainly afford to make this move.


NFL Draft

Darrius Heyward-Bey
6’2”, 210lbs
Maryland
42 rec. – 609 yds. – 14.5 avg. – 5 tds.

Heyward-Bey had a huge combine, launching himself into a first round projection. With a 4.30 in the 40 Yard Dash and a 38.5 inch vertical, he has cemented himself as the third best receiver in the draft, behind Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin. While he is a great athlete and vertical threat, Heyward-Bey may not know how to use his stature to his advantage, in the middle of the field. He reportedly lacks the will to catch the ball in traffic and his inexperience in that situation, along with his average sized hands, could lead to dropped passes. Still, the Jets could always use a pure athlete.

He ran for 202 yards and 1 touchdown on 15 carries, in 2008. New York runs will most likely run a lot more wide receiver reverses under Brian Schottenheimer, especially since his play-calling will not be heavily influenced by the conservative Eric Mangini, so Heyward-Bey would be another effective option to run, other than Brad Smith.

However, Heyward-Bey is probably not worth the 17th overall pick, and will most likely not be there at #52, in the second round.


Hakeem Nicks
6’1”, 212lbs
North Carolina
68 rec. – 1222 yds. – 18.0 avg. – 12 tds.

Nicks is a guy who can impose on a defense with his size and exceptional athleticism. Although he did not stand out in any particular combine workout, he can get open and make plays. His 4.50 40-yard dash is just slightly above average and may be a testament to a lack of downfield speed, but he is quick off the line of scrimmage. He is solid in just about all areas of the field. Also, if he is hit, don’t expect Nicks to drop the pass. He is extremely aware of his surroundings and has freakishly large hands.

The Jets could definitely use Nicks, but he is similar in size to Jerricho Cotchery. Nicks is certainly a different type of player, but unless they play him differently, the Jets should deviate from him. Also, like Heyward-Bey, Nicks is not worth the 17th selection and will most likely not be available when the Jets pick in the second round.


Kenny Britt
6’3”, 218lbs
Rutgers
87 rec. – 1371 yds. – 15.8 avg. – 7 tds.

Anthony De Franco of WCWP Sports and 3rd String Safety compared Britt to Plaxico Burress, and after watch Britt’s highlights, I would agree 100%. Britt is able to get separation and use his height to his advantage. After the catch, he is elusive and hard to bring down. Playing like Burress is never a bad thing. His 40 time of 4.47 is great for a man his size. So he has the speed and the height, all he needs is a few extra pounds. He is very close to being an above average NFL receiver.
Like Nicks, he probably won’t be around at Pick #52, and may not be worth the 17th overall pick, so the Jets are in a dilemma.


Ramses Barden
6’6”, 230lbs
Cal Poly
67 rec. – 1257 yds. – 18.8 avg. – 18 tds.

Barden is the most intriguing receiver in the Draft. He is the tallest and also has the biggest hands, which measured in at 10 ¾ inches. Barden can reach over any defender and can get separation. One knock on him is the level of competition he played against at Cal Poly. Regardless, he displayed a barely reachable amount of talent.

Barden is the only receiver who may very well be available at Pick #52. He seems like a perfect fit, as he can get just about any ball thrown to him and make the Jets’ young quarterback look and feel good with attainable success.


The Jets need to trade down in the draft. The two receivers who fit their team the best are not worth the 17th pick. If they can move down a few slots, while gaining some more picks, that would put the Jets in the best position to succeed. But assuming they do not swap draft picks with anybody, Ramses Barden is the most logical pick for the Jets.

If they choose free agency, Antonio Bryant would be the guy, and trade would be Roy Williams, being that he wouldn't warrant several high draft picks like an Anquan Boldin would. Nevertheless, Boldin would be a great pickup if Arizona is indeed shopping him. But in my research, given that the Jets make no moves with draft picks, Ramses Barden is the best choice.

--Max Caster