In steps Douglas who spent 15 seasons in the scouting department for the Ravens under Ozzie Newsome and Eric Decosta. He moved on to Chicago for the 2015 season as the director of college scouting under Ryan Pace, and then was hired as the Vice President of Player Personnel for Philadelphia as Howie Roseman's right hand man. Clearly after 20 years in a front office all of them spent with franchises that were known for frequent playoff trips, Gase was gaining an ally he could rely on to build a team the right way.
Douglas spared no time implementing a strategy that would seem familiar to any Raven or Eagle fan. Unfortunately his first year with the Jets he didn't get to partake in the draft and instead was handed the draft and free agency class of the previous regime. This included players like LeVeon Bell, Jamison Crowder, Brian Poole, and Cj Mosley, as well as rookies Quinnen Williams, Jachai Polite, and Blake Cashman. However quickly this class began to look bad.
LeVeon Bell has since been released after recording exactly 0 100 yard rushing performances in a little over a year. Not exactly what they expected when they handed him over $50 million...
Cj Mosley played in just 2 games in 2019 recording 9 tackles, 1 pass deflection, and 1 int for a td. Then he would hit injured reserve for the rest of the season. As if that wasn't bad enough, Mosley then opted out of the 2020 season meaning out of a possible 32 games Mosley will have played in 2 over 2 seasons.
Jachai Polite their 2019 3rd round pick?? The guy they touted as the pass rush help they so desperately needed? He wound up being waived in final cuts. Ultimately signing with Seattle's practice squad for the 2019 season. Eventually late in the year he landed with the Rams who wanted him back in 2020 so he signed a futures deal with them. He wound up making the roster this season, he has appeared in all 8 games recording 3 tackles and 1 sack.
It wasn't all terrible though. Crowder and Poole have been able to contribute in a manner that held up with their expected production, Quinnen Williams has flashed signs of being the dominant d tackle they wanted when selected. Chuma Edoga played in 13 games the past two years and is the top backup tackle on the roster. Blake Cashman has developed into a starter at ILB due to Avery Williamson and Cj Mosley's absence.
Throughout the year the team dealt with a lot of turmoil.
Beginning at the quarterback position where Sam Darnold contracted mono. Resulting in him missing 3 weeks. When this happened it seemed as though the Jets were prepared admirably. Behind Darnold they had signed Trevor Siemian. Not exactly an inspiring option for the starting spot, but a capable backup and spot starter in a pinch. His downfall? His long injury history which came back to bite the Jets. On a brutal hit by Myles Garrett in his first start Siemian was injured and wouldn't appear in another game for the Jets. Behind Siemian was their former practice squad qb Luke Falk. Not an ideal option but Falk had spent the previous season under Adam Gase in Miami, and knew the offense. He went on to play the 3 games Darnold missed but produced 0 tds, 3 ints, and fumbled twice losing one. Darnold returned and put up similar but slightly improved statistics in 2019 in Gase's system for the second year. He recorded more yards, more tds, less ints, but an alarming amount of fumbles. This however led to some optimism among fans for his future and understsndably so.
The rushing attack if you can call it that led by LeVeon Bell, and rounded out with Bilal Powell, and Ty Montgomery produced just 1,128 yards and 3 tds. Bell and Montgomery produced just 3.2 yards per carry while Powell managed 3.9.
The receiving group seemed to be a group of guys who should be lining up as second or third options in other offenses. Jamison Crowder is one of those high volume slot receivers who can survive on the outside but belongs in the slot fulltime. Robbie Anderson was second in receptions and looked to be to be a great player to be a number 2 option in an offense next to a dominant number 1 receiver. Demaryius Thomas was the third option but it was clear he was far from being the once dominant player he was in Denver. Ryan Griffen is no one's version of a great tight end, and even LeVeon Bell and Ty Montgomery regarded for their prowess as receivers weren't much to inspire fear in any defense. It doesn't get any better from here.
The special teams unit cycled through kickers so fast I'm shocked they didn't ask Lac Edward's to start kicking field goals. First they decided to move on from Jason Meyers a probowl level kicker due to contract demands. They had signed Chandler Cantazaro an accomplished but inconsistent kicker who came in, kicked in one terrible preseason game and decided he was better off retiring. Then came the Taylor Bertolet experience. He struggled mightily in the final preseason game and was cut in favor of Kaare Vedvik who played in week 1 where he missed his only 2 kicks, a field goal attempt and an extra point attempt. Finally they settled on Sam Ficken who had gone 6-6 on his preseason attempts with the Packers. He would finish the season with a 70% success rate on field goals having missed 8 adding 3 missed extra points. Gase admitted his kickers' struggles led to him altering his play calling to avoid kicking field goals even if it would result in a win because he simply couldn't trust that they would convert the attempt. The kick return game was about average with just over 21 yards per kick return, while Braxton Berrios found success on punts averaging 11 yards per return. They produced zero tds, while having an average starting position of the 23 yard line while allowing opponents to start at the 31 yard line on average.
As you can see this team was struggling in every way you could imagine. Bot an ideal start for Douglas. However when you start to separate his moves from Maccagnan's moves I believe his plan becomes more clear.
One of his first moves was to resign Bilal Powell. Powell had been a solid role player for New York and would provide depth behind Bell for the 2019 season. As I pointed out Powell went on to be the most efficient back on the roster in terms of per carry average.
His next move was to add a tight end that could compete for a starting role, while Chris Herndon served a 4 game suspension. Former Texan Ryan Griffin became that man for a few reasons. Griffin is not an athletic freak by any stretch but he is a solid NFL tight end especially if he is expected to be your second tight end as was the case here. However plan B quickly became plan A and Griffin delivered replacement level talent. 34 receptions 320 yards and 5 tds.
Douglas then talked center Ryan Kalil out of retirement although the former probowl center managed to play in just 10 games he solidified a position that was a tremendous weakness.
He then tapped his background and struck a trade with Baltimore to acquire Alex Lewis who remains the starting guard for the team, and later CB Nate Hairston. He also signed LB Albert McClellan, S Bennett Jackson, from Baltimore, RB Josh Adam's, S Godwin Igwebuike, and CB Alex Brown from Philly. Typical of most GM new hires they like to acquire players from familar teams.
WR Braxton Berrios who served as the team's punt returner claimed from New England LB/DL John Franklin-Meyers claimed from Carolina, WR Vyncint Smith signed from Houston's practice squad all were brought in and have stuck with the team since.
Next he swung a trade with New England for Demaryius Thomas added for a 6th round pick in the 2021 draft Thomas would go on to play in 11 games and catch 36 passes for 433 yards and 1 td. Not bad production for a 6th round pick in return.
He tried to further add depth at quarterback bringing in David Fales another qb that Gase had experience with from Chicago, and Miami.
He also signed DL Steve McClendon, LS Thomas Hennessy, and TE Ryan Griffin to contract extensions.
He continued to shed the scars of the past regime. Trading away Leonard Williams who was expected to leave via free agency in 2020 anyway, and waiving Kelechi Osemele.
He again tapped Baltimore roots bringing in CB Maurice Canady, RB Kenneth Dixon, and S Bennet Jackson once again.
Compared to the moves made by GM'S past Douglas was already improving the roster.
In 2020 we began to see more signs of his background with Baltimore and Philadelphia. One hallmark of both of these front offices is they invest heavily in the offensive line. Douglas definitely showed that by spending his first pick with the organization on a left tackle.
In round one they selected Mekhi Becton a safe and well rounded prospect who will take over their left tackle spot for years to come.
In round 2 59th overall they got a steal in Denzel Mims a height, weight, speed type prospect who could develop into an absolute beast out wide in the X position.
In round 3 they focused on defense and drafted safety Ashtyn Davis a special teams stand out and future starting prospect who was expected to serve as the third safety for the team. He may have been a big reason the Jets ultimately decided to part with Jamal Adams. More on that later.
Jabari Zuniga played defensive end in college but at 6'2 246 lbs will play outside linebacker in the Jets 3-4 system. He will help aid a pass rush that has been lacking lately.
In round 4 they had four picks all of which were used to improve depth on offense.
RB Lamical Perrine is a dual threat running back who isn't an incredible athlete but at 5'11 218 lbs and solid hands he was a great pick and a guy who will benefit from learning behind Frank Gore.
QB James Morgan from Florida International is regarded as a gunslinger in the mold of Brett Favre who needs to learn touch at the next level. He is regarded as a guy who should expect to be a career backup.
With their final fourth round pick they again addressed the offensive line drafting Cameron Clark a tackle. Clark is now penciled in as their backup left guard behind Alex Lewis another former tackle.
In round 5 CB Bryce Hall was the selection. Hall is a guy who once fully recovered from a serious injury suffered as a senior projects as an NFL starter. At 6'1 205 lbs he has solid size, and after a junior year in college that saw him knock down 24 passes he clearly has a knack for being around the ball. I loved this pick before and still think he can be a future star.
Round 6 their final pick was spent on punter Braden Mann. Mann was regarded as the top punter and went on to replace Lac Edwards who was solid in 2019. Many people were surprised to see a pick spent on punter and not kicker where they struggled however, Douglas showed faith in Sam Ficken and so far it has paid off. Ficken has hit 9 of 10 field goals, and 6-6 on extra points until he got hurt. Since then former CFL, XFL, and even AAF kicker/punter Sergio Castillo who has been signed to the practice squad a week before stepped in and made 4 of 5 attempts showing obvious improvement for a position that helped sink the 2019 squad.
Outside of the draft the Jets were able to add key free agents at a few positions:
Right Tackle George Fant was signed from Seattle. Fant was an interesting player having spent 4 years in Seattle after going undrafted. Fant played just one year of college ball at tight end. At the time he stood 6'5 270 lbs, however he must have received some good advice because prior to the combine Fant packed on 26 lbs working out as an offensive lineman, tight end, linebacker and defensive lineman. Seattle converted him to tackle and within 2 years he was starting at left tackle for the team. In 2018-2019 after they added Duane Brown via trade Fant began to serve as a 6th offensive lineman who would report as an eligible receiver. He served in this capacity and as a swing tackle for two years before Douglas brought him in as a starting right tackle. Behind Fant they have 2019 3rd round pick Chuma Edoga who is their designated swing tackle.
After losing Robbie Anderson to Carolina the Jets replaced the deep threat with Breshard Perriman another former Raven draft pick. This former first round pick had flamed out in Baltimore, before signing a one year deal in Tampa Bay where he suddenly looked like a viable NFL receiver. So far he has logged 11 catches in 8 games.
Guard Greg Van Roten started for the Panthers for two seasons earning himself a three year deal to compete as the left guard in New York. He is something of a journeyman but Douglas sees something in him and they liked him from the start of free agency.
Connor McGovern is a converted guard who now plays center. The former Broncos player is something of a safe signing despite his higher price tag. As mentioned he can play guard or center but spent the 2019 season as Denver's starting center. He played all 16 games and didnt commit a single penalty not bad for his first year playing the position. From what I have heard about McGovern he likes playing center and believes it to be his calling in the NFL. Douglas is hoping he can solidify the position for the next 3 years after receiving $18 million in guaranteed money.
Alex Lewis was an impending free agent when added via trade last season he wound up starting 12 games replacing Kelechi Osemele and outplaying him in dramatic fashion. Lewis is a solid starting guard with room to continue developing.
C Josh Andrews is relatively inexperienced but was signed to backup McGovern at center. Despite Jonathon Harrison still being on the roster at the time.
CB Brian Poole played well in 2019, well enough that Douglas invited him back for 2020. Poole is a solid slot cornerback who actually logged the most snaps of any cornerback for New York last season.
LB Neville Hewitt was another player retained after a solid season in 2019. Starting at ILB after injuries to Cj Mosley, Avery Williamson, and Blake Cashman. He has since had to again step in as a starter after Mosley opted out and Williamson was traded. He again is leading the team in tackles in 2020.
CB Arthur Mautlet was a role player in 2019 who wound up starting 6 games, and playing special teams. Playing in 12 games last year he had 38 tackles, 2 pass deflections, 1 int, and 1 blocked punt that resulted in a td. He was retained as depth for a position that desperately needed it.
CB Pierre Desir is a 7 year veteran who finally broke out in 2018 with the Colts under up and coming coordinator Matt Eburflus a man quickly making a name for himself when it comes to developing players. Desir became a starter in 2018 and displayed his physicality and willingness to make a tackle with 74 stops, 8 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles, 1 recovery and 1 int. He came back and started 12 games in 2019 recording 45 tackles, 11 passes deflected, and 3 ints. Solid stats for a second tier starting cornerback. The Jets agreed and so far despite a benching for a game Desir has rewarded them playing in every game, racking up 44 tackles, 7 passes deflected, 3 ints, 58 yards and 1 td, adding 1 forced fumble. The 6'1 192 lb cornerback is exactly the type of guy Gregg Williams likes.
LB James Burgess is another inside linebacker smartly retained for depth concerns following a 2019 season that saw 3 players at ILB end the season on IR as Burgess, and Hewitt picked up the slack. This move becomes extremely important after Mosley opted out and the team moved on from Williamson.
LB Jordan Jenkins resigning with the team is another value signing much like that of Desir. Jenkins had 8 sacks as a starter for New York last season and expected to see double digit millions on his next contract per season but instead didn't find the offers he expected and opted to sign a 1 year $5 million contract. Smart move by the linebacker who ensures he gets another crack at free agency after 2020. However through 8 games Jenkins has looked pedestrian with 9 tackles and 1 sack. With little known Tarrell Basham a backup out performing him so far.
Qb David Fales was originally retained to provide experienced depth behind Darnold after the Jets let Siemian walk. He has spent the 2015, 2017-2018, parts of 2019, and now 2020 with Adam Gase on three separate teams and is essentially hoping this is year to make it past 3rd on the depth chart. However Fales did what he dies best and Failed, to make the 53 man roster. He landed on the practice squad until October 28th when he was let go.
Joe Flacco another former Raven...I see a pattern here. Flacco was originally signed by Denver to groom Drew Lock but played horribly. He was replaced by Lock with 5 weeks to go and ultimately released allowing him to land in New York as the backup to Darnold. Quite an improvement over Trevor Siemian. Especially in terms of durability. He has played in 2 games and performed poorly. Completing just over half his attempts for 1 td and 1 int.
LB Patrick Onwuasor was signed to be the third inside linebacker for the Jets and the first off the bench in time of injury or opt out I guess. Only this plan backfired when he landed on IR and missed the first 6 weeks of the season. He has finally returned to practice last week and could be line to start going forward. I would imagine he starts over Cashman and Burgess next to Hewitt. He is undersized, but has shown a knack for getting to the passer racking up 8.5 sacks over the past two years. Although he played ILB when Mosley signed with the Jets he can play weak side linebacker as well, and should add some much welcomed depth.
RB Frank Gore was added as well after a stint with Buffalo. After the release of Bell he began splitting Carries with rookie Perine. Gore is in his 16th season as a running back in the NFL and he just keeps racking up yards. Just 2 years ago in 2018 Gore was the lead back for Adam Gase's Dolphins averaging 4.6 yards per carry on his way to over 700 rushing yards.
RB Kalen Ballage another former Miami Dolphin who was drafted while Gase was coach. He originally added via trade only for it to be nullified via a failed physical. Ballage wound up cut and signed by the Jets instead.
We can't forget the trades involving prominent players.
Jamal Adams requested a trade after contract negotiations didn't go his way. So the Jets happily dealt him and a 4th round pick to Seattle. In return they acquired Bradley McDougald a solid starting safety, along with 2021, and 2022 first round picks as well as a 2021 3rd round pick. An incredible haul for a great player but a player who doesn't play a position you would typically see this type of trade for. Safeties don't normally cost teams multiple first round picks but the Jets were happy to oblige.
Avery Williamson was listed as a cap casualty all offseason especially after Douglas retained Burgess, Hewitt, and signed Onwuasor. However due to attrition the Jets were forced to keep him until the trade deadline giving Onwuasor 8 weeks to get healthy. Now Williamson was shipped out along with a 7th round pick for a 5th round pick.
Taking a look at the moves Douglas has made he has completely rebuilt the offensive line, He is responsible for every player but Chuma Edoga the swing tackle.
Leaving them with this line up:
LT: Mekhi Becton, Chuma Edoga
LG: Alex Lewis, Cameron Clark
C:Connor McGovern, Josh Andrew's
RG:Greg Van Roten, Conor McDermott
RT:George Fant, Chuma Edoga
What I like about it is most of these players are younger and have years ahead of them in terms of development and could potentially grow as starters long term while still serving as an improvement over the past two seasons.
He addressed the backup quarterback spot, brought in another deep threat wide receiver, buried Gregg Williams in fringe starters at LB, and provided depth at running back and cornerback. He didn't break the bank for any one player, and ultimately managed to sculpt a decently talented roster despite the challenges he has faced in losing several players to covid opt outs. Along the way he traded away Jamal Adams, Avery Williamson, Parry Nickerson, Leonard Williams, Jordan Willis, Steve McLendon and cut players like Brian Winters, Quincy Enunwa, Kelechi Osemele, and LeVeon Bell. All of these moves freed up cap space, and two of them added significant draft capitol to a team trying to make this a quick rebuild. He heads into the 2021 and 2022 draft with the potential to have 7 picks in the first four rounds of 2021, and another 4 in the first three rounds of 2022. Overall they have a total of 9 picks in 2021, and 9 picks in 2022. Numbers that could increase prior to the 2021 draft. Another potential boon for Douglas is the fact that his team is on pace for the top pick in the draft which if my hunch is correct will result in a trade down to accumulate more picks while allowing a team like Las Vegas, Jacksonville, New England, Minnesota, Washington, Indy or another qb hungry team trades up to select Trevor Lawerence. There have been rumors that the Jets might select Lawrence but I think we can safely say this is the Jets playing the draft day trade game. Talk up rumors to increase demand in the pick allowing you to further build toward the future knowing you already have a young franchise qb in place.
I think Joe Douglas is smart enough to see his qb has been given little to no help since being drafted and until they can provide him with talent at every level they can't possibly know if he is a bust. That's why this 2021 offseason is crucial..in all likelihood the Jets will be replacing Adam Gase after 3 disappointing seasons. They will hand a new head coach a team with a few building blocks in place, plenty of draft picks, and plenty of cap space to turn it around fast. I could see a scenario where the Jets wind up netting more picks in the first 3 rounds over the next two years after trading down from the top pick. Resulting in over 20 draft picks the next two seasons that they can use to fill holes on this roster. It's my hope they can parlay the top pick into a additional first round pick in 2022, a lower first round pick in 2021, and still gain a 2nd or 3rd in both years as well. This would allow the Jets to secure a WR, CB, RB, and more help on the offensive line heading into the 2021 season which should help the development of Darnold.
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