As a football team the NY Jets have never had a premiere WR. Even when we picked Keyshawn Johnson as the #1 overall pick in the draft, he never really panned out as an elite wideout. We have had some great players at the WR position... guys like Maynard, Walker, Toon Chrebet, Coles and Cotchery were/are all great contributors. They have all helped the Jets win games. None of the afore mentioned players are elite receivers.
Today the Jets have traded for a true elite receiver, Braylon Edwards. So, if he's so amazing, why was he available via trade? His production has dropped, he has had a few off the field issues, and he was one of many players that are unhappy with the new coach of the Cleveland Browns. We gave up a player who was an amazing value. Chansi Stuckey has a very bright future in the NFL. He was a 7th round pick who has shown he is capable of playing at a high level. That being said, there is no question that Edwards is a far superior WR.
With a guy like Stuckey you know exactly what he brings to the table. He's very professional in his preparation, and has conducted him self off the field equally as professional. He is a B- receiver and won't ever be more than a 1,000 yard 5-7 TD a year guy. Edwards has the potential to be an A+++ wideout. Over the next few years, as he enters his prime and he and Sanchez develop chemistry, he could be a 1300+ yard and 15+ TD WR. There's still a lot of question marks about this player, but the basic philosophy regarding risk and reward dictates the benefits of taking a chance and the reality that there are no guarantees in life as well as football.
On March 5th 2009 I explored the possibility of trading for Edwards (The veteran wideout carousel). Even before the blockbuster draft day trade in April, I identified the relationship between Mangini and Tannenbaum and how it was not damaged when Eric was fired earlier this year. I knew their was the potential for some swapping of players and draft picks. I love Braylon's upside. His recent slump that followed a fantastic 2007 season (1,289 yards 16TD's) is due in large part to the lack of stability at the QB position for the Browns.
I was interested in Edwards because I am a believer in the idea of buying low. We gave up Stuckey and a useless special teams player. There was also something mentioned that always sends chills up my spine, especially when your GM is Mr T... "undisclosed draft pick(s)". It is impossible to know if this trade has the potential to be a good value for the NY Jets until we know exactly what we gave up.
I am not thrilled about losing a guy like Stuckey, and the only way the timing of this move makes sense is if we gave up a couple of mid-round picks to go with Stuckey. If there is a first round pick involved with this trade I have to ask one question: Why didn't we do this during the offseason so Mark and Braylon could have had time to work together? Realistically I don't see much of an impact from Edwards until week 7 or 8.
Welcome to the green and white #17! Edwards, Cotchery, Keller, Washinton and Sanchez could really make some waves in the NFL in the coming decade.
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