The future...

The Jets have scored some players via free agency and the trading block that have received a ton of attention. LT, JT, Cromartie, Holmes... yada yada yada. These players may all be playing in a different uniform in 2011... or retired. I wanted to focus on some of the new faces (mostly rookies) that may develop into future starters for our beloved NYJ.

I have commented on our new CB and offensive linemen that were taken in the first 2 rounds of last weekends draft. I haven't said much about John Conner from kentucky, who was picked up on day three. He shows some real potential, and he is named after the main character from the Terminator series... cool! He is 5'11" and 246lbs. He was a top performer at the combine, bench pressing 225lbs 24 times.

He has strength and a nice big chip on his shoulder when he lines up across from opposing LB's. He is an excellent lead blocker and his only real weakness in in the passing game. He is not a natural pass catcher, but he is a natural athlete, so he should be able to be coached up.

Another player who stands out in my eyes is Josh Mauga. He is an extremely talented ILB who can make plays all over the field. He has adequate speed and shows all the signs of a youngster with the potential to become a playmaker in this league. I wouldn't be shocked if he ended up in the Probowl in years to come.

He was an undrafted free agent that Mr. T and Rex snatched up as soon as the draft ended. There is a reason why he wasn't drafted. He has had a few very significant injuries while in school. His durability is a major league issue. If he can kick the injury bug and stay healthy for a while he could end up replacing Bart Scott down the road.

S.J. Green is a big, fast WR out of south Florida who started making noise last year in the CFL. He has some huge upside, and not every great receiver comes from the NFL Draft. Ask Wes Welker, Jimmy Smith, Rod Smith, and Mr. Wayne Chrebet (7,300 yards and over 40 TD's in his career.)

Nick Folk was a bright shining young star in this league 12 months ago. He went into the 2009 offseason in great standing after 2 excellent seasons and a Probowl nod. In 2009 he simply crashed and burned. No one can really put their finger on why he fell apart, and frankly, no one probaly knows but Folk himself. It could be personal issues, it could even be a drug problem. He might be a sex addict or maybe he has depression issues.

The fact remains that this guy showed that he could hit 90% of his FG's and has never missed an extra point for two straight years. Last year was very out of character and I hope that Jets were able to get an answer on why he struggled. I also hope they know how to fix whatever the problem is. Considering what was available, I think Folk was the best choice.

Lastly, safety Brodney Pool was a top 40 draft pick and has a ton of talent. When he is healthy he is a force to be reckoned with. He came with a very high recommendation from Rex's brother Rob, who is the defensive coordinator in Cleveland. There is no doubt that he can play at an all-pro level in the NFL.

He was released because it was just two expensive to hold onto considering his injury history. He has had 4 concussions in 5 seasons and the next one could very well end his career. We have rolled the dice on this one and have little to lose. Another good pick up.