New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles and GM Mike Maccagnan have done some seriously heavy lifting thus far in the newest NFL league year in their efforts to turn around the formerly formidable Jets franchise.
They reunited All Pro/All World/All Everything Darrelle Revis and Robin to Revis' Batman, Antonio Cromartie and added the underrated Buster Skrine at cornerback, nabbed Marcus Gilchrist so safety didn't feel ignored, placed a second-round tender on Damon Harrison, the unsung hero - also known as "The Skrine" - of their defensive line, traded for mild headache, receiver Brandon Marshall, jettisoned migraine-personified Percy Harvin and brought guard James Carpenter on board in what is a clear effort to try and steal some of Pete Carroll's thunder.
And they even found time to throw a 2016 seventh-round pick that can become a sixth-rounder to the Houston Texans in exchange for neck-beard with an arm, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Despite the plethora of moves, the offseason still has plenty of time left with the 2015 NFL Draft looming as the next major step for the newest Jet regime.
New York currently holds the sixth overall pick in the first-round and it seems that with all the work already done by Bowles and Maccagnan, they enter the draft with plenty of flexibility. Of course, how the two view certain players already on the roster, like, say, quarterback Geno Smith, will drive much of the decision-making from here on out.
In his latest mock draft offering, Pete Schrager of FOX Sports reveals himself to be a non-Smith beleiver as he has the Jets taking former Oregon signal-caller and Heisman Trophy-winner, Marcus Mariota, though he also claims that a move down is on the table as well.
"I'm told that the Jets could be in the market to trade down, here, too. Or, they can just go with the other franchise quarterback in this draft. As it stands now, I think a pass rusher is their first priority, but Mariota could still very well end up as the next signal caller for Gang Green," writes Schrager.
Why does he think the Jets could target Mariota despite the need for a pass-rusher and the potential for a trade down?
"There was a large Jets contingent at Mariota's pro day in Eugene, Ore., including the team's general manager, offensive coordinator, and quarterbacks coach," Schrager reveals. "Taking Mariota would be consistent with bold moves like the Brandon Marshall trade, the Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie signings and even the trade for Ryan Fitzpatrick. Make a big splash, own the back pages and start anew."
The notion of starting anew will most likely be music to the ears of Jets fans forced to endure the souring and eventual disintegration of the Rex Ryan era - an era of boisterous bluster punctuated by failed Super Bowl promises.
No matter what first-round prospect Bowles and Maccagnan settle on, Jets fans can rest assured that a new regime means a new manner of thinking means a new, fresh plan for bringing a Lombardi Trophy to that "other" New York team.
Whether or not Todd and Mike can turn the Jets from an also-ran into a perennial contender, remains to be seen.
