Draft ‘09, Thomas Jones edition
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- April
- 18
Yesterday, Mike Tannenbaum came into the interview room to talk a little about the Jets and their philosophy when it comes to the draft, about all the meticulous preparation and interviewing that goes in to making a pick.
Last year, it didn’t work out so well with Ohio State’s Vernon Gholston, although he may still develop into a decent DE, but that was who the Jets went with at No. 6 overall last season.
Fact is, even the top players in the draft are a crap shoot.
Which brings me to Thomas Jones. The AFC’s top rusher last year is a proven commodity. He will return to an intact running game with RB Leon Washington and FB Tony Richardson. So before the Jets go out and sign contracts with rookies who have never played a down in the NFL, they should end this standoff with Jones.
Tannenbaum was asked about Jones and made the ridiculous argument that he was happy with the running backs here, including Jehuu Caulcrick, Marcus Mason and Danny Woodhead. No disrespect to those guys, but Jets coach Rex Ryan wants to run the ball, and they are unproven in the day-to-day role.
The last two seasons, the Jets have had holdouts in C Pete Kendall and TE Chris Baker. The first time, losing Kendall contributed to a blown season. Last year the Jets came to terms with Baker but only after so much ill will had built up that Baker felt pretty alienated even though he was frequently used. He went to the Patriots soon after the last game of the year.
The Jets should avoid that with Jones.
Making the laughable argument that he is a replaceable cog in the Jets machine just makes all the other statements Tannenbaum makes ring hollow. Mason, huh? And I see you claim to like the in-house quarterbacks, too.
(Translation: Watch for Mark Sanchez in the first round.)
Finding an undervalued gem in the draft is hard. Compensating a guy who has played hard for you every time he gets the ball, that’s easy. If Tannenbaum is a cap genius, he should be able to find a way to make Jones feel valued and get him under the cap. This isn’t just numbers, it’s about people and team chemistry.
It’s about not making the same mistake.
Two other things: I’m planning to tweet the Jets draft via Twitter, you can follow me by searching for Janesports. And Jets Journal now has a Facebook presence through NetworkedBlogs.
This entry was posted
on Saturday, April 18th, 2009 at 1:13 pm by Jane McManus.
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Jane McManus 
Nice points, Jane. This is the way Tanny risks outsmarting himself time and time again. I hope the media keeps pushing him on this, because they definitely don’t have a reliable corps, after Jones, Washington and Richardson. Those three guys do completely different things, so losing any one of them (particularly Jones & Washington) leaves them with a suspect running attack.
Disagree, Jane. Leon needs to be signed long term; his numbers project better than Brian Westbrook & Darren Sproles, and he’s been a total team-first, last & always guy. You want to focus on preventing holdout issues that hurt the team… what message do you think signing L-Dubya to a solid contract would make? It tells them that their efforts and sacrifices will not go unnoticed.
Plus, Jones is entering 3rd year of 4 year contract; he likely will not be around for year four. I’ve read on other blogs that he’s cashed in about 13 million of the 20+ mil contract he signed… i’m sure he’s certain that last year’s performance merits a bump; does he also believe that the money he’s earned so far is also supported by his first season here where he scored only 1 TD?
He’s a solid back, don’t get me wrong, but the main reason for his success was the six guys blocking for him (Richardson & the OL).
Nope, Jane, above are my reasons why I disagree. Money is limited resource, and we have holes to fill at WR, passrushing & youth needed on DL edge, depth at OL, blocking TE… and can get a good value RB in the 3rd round this year.
T I M
We need to resign Jones. Not to the richest contract in the league, just enough to make him happy. Jane is right. He is a proven commodity. Leon is a great player, but would not be nearly as effective if her were asked to be an every down back.
Iron Marshall makes some nice counter-points and maybe the Jets don’t need to do anything at all with his contract, because what are his realistic options?
I do know this; this team needs Thomas Jones next season or they will not have a fully effective ground game. I love Leon Washington, but I don’t think he will ever be a grind it out, between the tackles kind of back and they have to have that.
This is becoming a very sticky situation. Each year we have somebody who wants more money. And I am sure it will happen again next year. I don’t believe we are in hold-out mold just yet. Training camp doesn’t open until late July. Lets get through the draft, see who we get and than in July we can have an bitter all-out he said she said and they said BLOG. I actually can’t wait for those words. “We have a trade, with the ? pick in the draft going to the NY Jets for their ? and ? pick and they select ??????????” BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO from the balcony!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jones really isn’t that good of a RB. Give him a hole, and he can run through it. He can’t create for himself at all. Over two years, his 2,431 yards, 14 TD’s, 4.05 yards per carry, is very replaceable, especially considering Leon needs a bigger role. I say we draft a Deuce-like player to pound it up the middle and use Leon in a Reggie Bush role (and watch him fourish).
As for the QB’s, I like Clemens. He showed some flashes in 2007. You have to remember that he didn’t have much experience at that point, and he played behind a miserable offensive line. I say let him run with it and draft another weapon at WR in the first round.
Nice article Jane, but like Tim I have to disagree. Jones was paid a lot of money up front and has definitely been compensated fairly. Also, the Jets mean a lot more to Thomas Jones the Thomas Jones means to the Jets. Jones is not in a position where he can afford to sit out the season if the Jets don’t grant his wishes. It would raise extreme character issues, and he is essentially playing for a contract with a new team this year, as the Jets will not resign him next year. Although I like his as a player, he could easily be replaced in the draft by someone like Knowshon Moreno, Rashad Jennings, or Andre Brown. It would be in Thomas Jones best interests to stop complaining, have another great season, and sign a nice 1 or 2 year deal with another team next year.
Has anybody read an article or heard an interview that said TJ personally said he was a hold-out. We are over reacting to this.
WR is more of a need than RB. We can’t draft a back when we have someone good back there right now. We’re banking on Cotchery and Clowney to lead the receivng corps right now….I’m skepticle.
Jane – Seriously with this? His contract was totally front loaded – he got paid already and he needs to ride it out. He lead the AFC in rushing with the lowest total in like 15 years and was 5th in the league. He was nothing without Woody, Faneca and Richardson in year 1. He was terrible – like 1 touchdown terrible. Kevin Smith on the Lions had 8 TD’s last year… 8!
Like most running backs in the league, Jones’ production is largely a function of the passing game and offensive line. He is entirely replacable.
I don’t think the team should refuse to re-negotiate contracts on principle, the Kendall situation argues for pragmatism. Jones isn’t such a case, however. His annual compensation over the life of his contract is more than fair and he isn’t a good enough player to risk more contract headaches in the future.
[...] gave my take on Thomas Jones way back on April 18. Rather than tell you what a genius I am, I will merely give an excerpt of [...]