Judge Offers Up Some Draft Deliberations
Posted by on April 13, 2009 – 4:12 pmIt’s unusual for me to fly solo on our "Jets Two-Minute Drive" webcasts, but with my partner Eric Allen not back in the saddle until Tuesday morning and Clark Judge of CBSSports.com ready to roll, it was time for me to step up to the microphone and Paul Marsh to ride shotgun on the board.
Judge is a man with great information on the draft for the Internet entity that used to go by the name CBSSportsline. I’m sure I embarrassed him for a two-year old accomplishment — his phenomenal mock draft in the days before the 2007 NFL Draft.
It was merely the best mock draft I’d ever seen turned in by a football writer. He tabbed 29 of 32 first-round picks, which sounds easy until you try it. And he had 11 bull’s-eyes — player going to the right team at the right spot in the round.
Two years later, Judge is still crunching the numbers and pounding out the stories on this year’s draft. He saw the Lions struggling with the choice among Georgia QB Matthew Stafford, Baylor T Jason Smith and Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry and thought they’d go with Smith. But he loves Curry, perhaps to go to the Chiefs at No. 3 and doesn’t think, as some mock drafters do, that if Stafford doesn’t go to Detroit, he might slip past Southern Cal’s Mark Sanchez to perhaps San Francisco at No. 10.
"I’ve seen Stafford play," Judge said. "He can make every throw. He’s definitely the best quarterback in this draft."
As for the Jets at No. 17, Clark was viewing the same three offensive spots — QB (read: Josh Freeman), WR and RB. I’ll leave his observation and prognostication for you to hear on the radio broadcast, but he had some insight when I told him that head coach Rex Ryan might just throw all the dratniks and experts a curve by staying with the defensive side of the ball with the top pick.
"I hadn’t even been thinking defense for the Jets," Judge said. "Defensive coaches tend to draft defense with the top pick in their first draft and offensive coaches tend to draft offense. But Rex Ryan has filled holes on the Jets’ defense. The holes that are left are on offense."
Judge also wisely was not ready to send Vernon Gholston away, saying that the Ohio State LB, used sparingly as a rookie, could be considered in some ways an extra first-round pick this year. He echoed the sentiment that Ryan and coordinator Mike Pettine have already offered about VG: "If it’s in there, we’ll get it out."
My chat with Judge will go live Tuesday morning. We’ll also have Real Football’s first Round 2 mock draft of the spring. A hint on whom Real likes for the Jets to select with their 52nd pick: Think Patrick Henry.
Ask Kerry Rhodes
You still have time to go to NFL.com and add a comment or question to the queue for the website’s live chat with Jets S Kerry Rhodes. The session begins in less than a half-hour at 5:45 p.m. EDT.
Another Epic NFL Voice Silenced
Word just came in over NFL.com that Harry Kalas has died.
Kalas, best-known as the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies, and John Facenda weren’t the only "voices of God" for NFL Films but they were the most famous. Facenda, also a Philadelphian, died in 1984 at the age of 71. Kalas was 73 when he was found unconscious in the broadcast booth at 12:30 p.m. before this afternoon’s Phillies-Washington Nationals game.
I met Kalas a few times back in the early Seventies, when I was a young sportswriter just starting out, covering a few Phillies games to go along with a year on the Eagles beat and another year on the Sixers for a small South Jersey newspaper. Harry was a friendly man with a fantastic voice — is it the cheesesteaks? — who, in the few times I spoke with him, made me feel comfortable as a kid just out of college dropping in at the old Vet and covering the City of Brotherly Love’s pro sports.
It was great to hear that familiar voice then crossing over from diamond to gridiron to narrate many NFL Films productions, including his lyrical "Inside the NFL" commentary for many years on HBO.
"We lost our voice today," Phillies president David Montgomery, his own voice cracking, said today. I second that emotion.
Tags: Eric Allen, Mark Sanchez, Matthew Stafford, Mike Pettine, Rex Ryan, Vernon Gholston
Posted in Randy Lange | 41 Comments »
By Ira on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply
Randy, Judge’s Mock Draft was very impressive and with all due respect lucky. I can’t see how anybody of these experts can say the Jets will draft a WR with the Austin talk still out there. Guess we will all just have to wait until this plays itself out. It doesn’t matter if i am right or wrong so i will stay with Jackson as my pick no matter what.
By Marv on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply
Muck , Merck, MOCK your all guessing. Expect the unexpected.
By Alan on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply
If anyone read that article on gavin in the clippings section…. He ran a 4.24 i know hes 5″8 but the kid can play in special packages, hes not the only small guy who plays corner.
By Vaughn on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply
Just saw Kerry on total access. Randy, I have to tell you I’m pretty juiced about the defense this year. I think we’re maybe 1 player away on defense from being a top contender….depending on how VG grows. My only concerns on the offense is the passing game. The Jets can play the short game, they can run the screen, but can they get the receivers involved this year? Will Kellen cut it?
By Row on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply
I’m still hoping we pick Arian Foster at RB. I can see him taking 10+ carries a game from TJ, prolonging his career. I look to see us focus on offense 1st round, must be a WR unless we want to settle for a 4th rounder like last year. Take a look at Desean Jackson, smaller WR, lightening fast, was a play maker last year. We gotta find our guy, maybe two, lets work out Reggie Williams & L. Moore!
By Damone on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply
We need to draft a WR in the first round but he has to be at least 6’2!!Our Qb’s dont have that killer accuracy to have all these 5’11,6’0 guys running around trying to catch footballs.I think we have to give the QB’s some bigger targets.
By MIKE on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply
If Jets do decide to go WR in the first round, than lets go with with Kenny Britt. Maclin and Crabtree will for sure be gone, so that leaves Britt, DHB, and Harvin. Now DHB and Harvin do have big time speed but we already have that with Clowney, who hasn’t really been used at all. I think a bigger target like Britt would suit the offense better.
By The Rick on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply
Please don’t take Freeman. PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
By MIKE on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply
What teams have had a top D every year in last 10 years? Pitt, Balt, Pats. They spend every draft building D and when they finally are happy they pull the trigger on a QB. These teams are always in contention. We haven’t even seen our D play in this new system. Lets go with a DE our CB in 1st round and RB in 2nd. And lets surprise everybody by not doing something crazy on draft, maybe trade back.
By Jetsman on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply
Mangini didn’t ever let Gholston have a chance! He was hoping Bryan Thomas could have a breakout year like in ’06, but he didn’t. If Gholston starts and gets time this offseason to study the defense and the playbook, and maybe even get a little better in his technique (last offseason he couldn’t attend due to Ohio State’s late graduation day) he can become a very good plate. He has all the skills.
By Anonymous on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply
I WANT OUR QUARTERBACK TO BE MICHAEL VICK. LETS TRADE OUR FIRST ROUNDER FOR HIM. THEN LETS GET PLAXICO BURRESS AS OUR WIDE RECIEVER. TRADE DARRELLE REVIS, DAVID HARRIS, AND KERRY RHODES FOR A SECOND ROUND PICK. THEN DRAFT TYSON JACKSON IN THE SECOND ROUND AND MATTHEW STAFFORD IN THE SECOND ROUND. TRADE THOMAS JONES FOR A 7TH ROUND PICK AND DRAFT KNOWSHOWN MORENO IN THE 7TH ROUND.
DECLINED: REPEAT FROM EARLIER ANONYMOUS COMMENT
By ira on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply
Randy go lose some weight, and grow some hair. You look awful in your picture. Anyways, I think Rex Ryan will fail this year. He is a terrible offensive coach and is going to screw up our offense this offseason. And by the way, I think we trade Darrelle Revis to the Lions along with our first round pick for the 1st overall pick. Then lets draft Stafford, and get Darius Butler in the second round.
By 35 year fan on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
I hope to god josh freeman is smoke and mirrors. Please, Haven’t we been through enough? Jets fans better pray rex takes a defender or reciever. Not Freeman. Please get real !
By 35 year fan on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
Still like beanie Wells if they could trade up for him. He’s got enough size for the AFC East. No matter who is running , if they dont get some deep threats all the teams will just stack up on the run like they do every year. And without Chris Baker and Bubba Franks blocking… I’m frankly concerned about our lack of tight ends? So lets recap; we got clemens, rookie recievers, no tight ends.
By uncle joe on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
Ira,The Miles Austin thing is over.I originally liked the idea,but a 2nd round pick is way too high.I think Jets would pounce on Jackson if he was there but I think He’ll be gone at 17 & I also think there are alot of thin (280)DTs later on in this draft that could probably be good 3-4 Ends.Ricky Something-Frances from LSU.
By uncle joe on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
I don’t want another QB,but watching WR Brit’s highlights I can’t help but notice Rutgers’ QB,I think his name is Teels.He looks good to me!
By uncle joe on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
And on Robert Ayers highlights,DT Demonte Bolden or something looked good at 280lbs for 3-4 DE,but Check out #55,Dan Williams I think.Hes not out of college yet,but he’s like 305 lbs & he’s all over the place!He is in on half Ayers’ highlight tackles!
By Ira on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
Seems like the Austin deal wll not happen according to reports. Oh well back to the drawing board. I still am leaning toward Jackson but i would love if they drafted Britt in rd #1. I would be ecstatic if they drafted jennings in rd #2. His size gives them a big RB and he would be perfect for a team like the Jets who want to focus on running the ball. GO JETS!!!!!
By uncle joe on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
What’s up with Ainge not showing up for Voluntary Workouts?If Ratliff beats out Clemens,Clemens will definetly look to switch teams next year.Wouldn’t you wanna take advantage of every chance you get,or is he hiding from a drug test?
By rickie new york on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
I’m reading that Jax desperately wants to trade out of the 8 overall pick – Mr. T do your thing! We HAVE to trade up and get Jeremy Maclin at any cost, he is a true home run threat on every play. Nicks and Britt are both good but maclin could be great.Heyward Bey’s lack of scoring is alarming (only 3tds last yr). No disrespect to Ira . but we need offense badly.If Maclin is gone take RB K. Moreno
By Ray on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
ira (not Ira) is obviously a Pats or Fish fan in sheeps clothing.
By Alexander on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
Don’t be surprised if WRs slip. DK was technically the first pass catcher taken last year. We might be able to pull away with Maclin. If not, I don’t think any other receiver left would really compliment JC. Britt may be a good pick, but he is so raw I don’t think he’ll have a smooth NFL transition. We do need a DE within the first 3 rounds though. WR and RB need to be addressed early as well.
By scjoe on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
My wish list for the 17th pick in this order. Percy Harvin, Heyward Bey, Beanie Wells, (Trade Jones) or Tyson Jackson. A trade up for Crabtree or Maclin would be nice too.
By Ira on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
35 year old fan, relax man. They will be fine and will address all their needs. And chill out on Kellen. He was thrown into the lions den with no o-line and came away with a 3-5 record that should’ve been 5-3 without some of those drops. Everybody forget all the players highlights. they all look good because they never show bad plays on highlights. Evaluate off of full games and scouting reports.
By wayne on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
Glad Jets are keeping their heads.If Austin was so ******** good, why wouldn’t the Cowboys be falling all over themselves to sign him.His name hasn’t even coming up in conversation as being the heir apparent to T.O. Remember the Pats won SBs without a gamebreaking WR.Baltimore won without one.Colts had a bunch and couldn’t get it done until #21 came along.Air Coryell had a bunch and failed.
By Ira on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
richie new york,
Early on i would agree with you about Maclin and the Jets trading up to get him. But the Raiders will take Maclin at #7 and by any chance Sanchez is available at #8 the temptation to trade up will be there. I wouldn’t and if anything i would love to trade down a few spots if possible and pick up an extra pick or two.And i do agree the Jets do need a WR,TE and RB.
By Bigpete on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
Guys you have to be kidding me to not want Miles Austin over a 52nd pick. I have worked with his positon coach ray sherman and all he had to say was watch out for this kid!!!! none of the guys in the draft can hold his jockstrap… yes even Crabtree, he has flaws too like route running but noones talking bout that! get moreno with 17 and use the rest on D
By MikeMc on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
Ray I don’t think ira(not Ira)is a fish fan, his words were spelled correctly.Why pick on our main man Randy, if it was a crime to be fat and bald alot of us would be in trouble.I have a feeling we will be very surprised on draft day.Mr. T has been unusually quiet.
By Row on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
I can’t believe all you guys want to trade away TJ and his 14 TD’s.. How many did Leon have ? Coles ? No one comes close, how about a receiving threat for once? I’m ready for the draft now, tired of disappointing trade rumors and QB workouts I’d rather not hear of.. Go Jets TJ, I’m on your side!
By Alan on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
No RB’s First round stop talking about it, why would we even think that. and Ira i like the idea of Britt, but theyre is alot of WR’s this draft, i think we should still go Jackson if hes there, depends who is, but i really like Louis Murphy from UF whos an underdog.
By 35 year fan on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
In regards to” dancing with the stars boy” not wanting to play for the jets; good. He’s the type of faggolla that probably wears a dress when no ones around! If he’s not tough enough for the fish he’s certainly not tough enough for NY.
DECLINED: NAMECALLING, VULGARITY (FAGGOLLA)
By jetfan74 on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
Somewhere in this draft we will see the unthinkable and Mr. T will trade down instead of up! I see most of this yrs crop being 3rd round material as an average. Just remember that #57 was an undrafted FA and Rex was able to help mold him into the player he is today! There will be plenty of work to do after Mr. Irrelevant is drafted. Pettigrew, Gilbert, Barden are some of the names I like for 1,2,3
By MikeMc on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
Row, how could you be on TJ’s side? The man got big $$ up front, the jets didn’t complain when he had only 1 TD. The man has a contract, I know its not required he be at these OTA’s but his behavior is devisive and cannot be condoned. Draft a RB and bury TJ on the bench, that would send a message. I’m all for renegotiating but not the way TJ is doing it.
By MikeMc on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
jetfan74, I think you will see us stay at 17 & draft depending on who is there. If Freeman is there I think he’s the pick followed by RB Wells or WR Bey. Alan I feel WR could be gotten in later rounds also, but if we could get a 240 lb bruiser like Beanie it could pay big dividends.Freeman is a big guy with mobility, let him sit a year & see if Clemmens can get it done in his last year.
By Christopher on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
Randy, I couldn’t comment on the mock draft, so I’ll do it here. I love that 2nd round pick. I was calling for him much earlier. I hope that works out.
By Randy Lange on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
Christopher, sorry we don’t have a comment function on our news stories, but you can offer a comment on anything on our site at the end of any Radar entry.
By jojojett on Apr 15, 2009 | Reply
Randy, What about Greg Paulus? I heard the Packers have worked him out. Didn’t he play football in New York? He was a pretty good player. You think the Jets might take a look at him?
By Randy Lange on Apr 15, 2009 | Reply
You are correct, jojojett, that Greg Paulus, the Duke pointguard, grew up in Manlius, a suburb of Syracuse. I don’t know if the Jets will visit with Paulus.
By 35 year fan on Apr 15, 2009 | Reply
Ira, sorry . I’m just being honest.This offense is almost pitifull the way it stands now. Sans T.J. And the few small recievers we have. Hope our small tight end can start blocking monster linebackers or we’re finished.
By jetzfan2000 on Apr 15, 2009 | Reply
Randy,
I wrote to you last year commenting how the JETS manage to play the PATS either the 1st or 2nd game of the year…Could you give me the last 8 years stats on that again…..BTW, I’m sure I’ll be writing to you next year at this time… Goodell will be hearing from me via e-mail regarding this.
By Randy Lange on Apr 15, 2009 | Reply
Are these the stats you refer to, jetzfan? In an 11-season span from 1999 through Game 2 of the upcoming season, the Jets will have played the Patriots in the first two weeks of the season seven times. The Jets’ record in those games: 2-5 (wins in 2000 at home and 2001 at Foxboro).