Three Jets’ Suspicions Confirmed at NFL Owners’ Meeting
The National Football League Owners’ Meeting gave reporters a chance to speak with head coaches and general managers from all 32 teams and New York Jets’ brass provided some insightful soundbites.
First, the Jets made head coach Robert Saleh available for a 30-minute press conference on Monday morning in Arizona.
Later in the day, general manager Joe Douglas entertained a media scrum and spoke for roughly eight minutes.
Here are three things we learned from their comments...
Gang Green Wants Its No. 13 Pick
If the Jets have to give up draft capital as part of a trade for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, they would prefer it to not include this year’s first-round pick.
Giving the impression that Gang Green highly values the No. 13 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, Douglas spoke about the importance of picking that early in Round 1.
“Where I’m from, every pick is important. Obviously, the 13th pick is a high pick in the round, so you really have a great opportunity to bring in a strong player,” said Douglas. “Picking in the top 15, picking in the top 20, the odds of hitting on those guys usually go up.”
In 2022, the Jets had two top-10 selections and hit on both. Douglas and Co. selected Cincinnati cornerback Sauce Gardner at No. 4 overall before making Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson the No. 10 pick.
As for the timetable of agreeing to a trade deal for Rodgers, Douglas did not indicate imminence.
“I would say there's no hard deadline,” said Douglas to a throng of reporters on Monday. “There's not a ton of urgency from our standpoint right now but still very optimistic.”
No Need for Zeke
Running back Ezekiel Elliott apparently named the Jets as one of three teams he would like to join, according to a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The problem for Elliott is the interest does not appear to be mutual. Gang Green leadership has expressed confidence in the ball carriers it currently has under contract.
“We love our running back room. I'll leave it at that,” said Saleh in response to the idea of adding Elliott, who was released by the Dallas Cowboys on March 15.
The Jets’ running backs group has three key members playing on rookie contracts.
It’s been reported that electrifying running back Breece Hall, who averaged 5.8 yards per rush last year, is on schedule in his recovery from the ACL injury that prematurely ended his rookie season.
Jets' RB Breece Hall
Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Meanwhile, former fourth-round pick Michael Carter (2021) and undrafted Zonovan Knight (2022) have produced when given the opportunity.
Carter has rushed for 1,041 yards and seven touchdowns in 30 games since being the No. 107 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft. Knight totaled 400 yards from scrimmage in seven appearances as a rookie.
Recently re-signed Ty Johnson has worked mostly as a special teamer, but he provides backfield insurance as well.
It's possible that the Jets turn to the Draft to secure another capable ball carrier. Douglas has selected a running back each of his four years at the helm.
Calais Campbell’s Coming to Town
Douglas confirmed what Atlanta-based Tiffany Blackmon recently reported.
Veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell is scheduled for a free-agent visit with the Jets.
“I can confirm Calais is going to be coming in for a visit,” said Douglas. “He’s going to travel in Wednesday, visit us on Thursday. Excited to have him come and visit with our staff.”
Campbell, who has made 99.0 sacks over 227 career games, played the last three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. The six-time Pro Bowl selection has a lot to offer his next team, according to Douglas.
“Obviously, a great veteran presence and leader, Walter Payton Man of the Year, and an outstanding person and player,” said Douglas when describing Campbell, who was drafted in 2008.
The Jets’ defensive line will already have a different look in 2023 with interior lineman Sheldon Rankins leaving for the Houston Texans in free agency.
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