Feb. 26, 2008

Like their division rivals in Miami and Buffalo, the Jets have considerable cap space to address glaring deficiencies. With coach Eric Mangini committed to making the 3-4 defense work, look for a revolving door of sorts throughout the front seven. The only box defender who fits well in the scheme is second-year ILB David Harris, as former first-round picks NT Dewayne Robertson, ILB Jonathan Vilma and OLB Bryan Thomas have proven ill-equipped to handle their roles. Although under contract for 2008, all could be suiting up elsewhere in the fall. Likewise, OLB Victor Hobson is likely off to the highest bidder, which only adds to their need. If Chad Pennington is traded, expect the Jets to bring in a veteran quarterback to provide insurance for (if not compete with) Kellen Clemens. But the line is the neediest of the offensive positions. The OLG and ORT spots are almost certain to see new faces in 2008, and it would come as no surprise if the Jets wind up sinking more money into these positions than anywhere else. While the Jets will be hesitant to shell out top dollar to D-linemen and linebackers unless they’re confident that these players fit the system, all the marquee free-agent names on the offensive line are sure to be fawned over in New York.