The pressure is on for New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas as he heads to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. This offseason is crucial for the Jets, who have yet to have a winning season under Douglas’s leadership. Owner Woody Johnson has made it clear that he expects things to be different this year, and Douglas’s seat is hotter than ever.
One of the key challenges for Douglas at the combine is evaluating draft prospects. The Jets are in need of a rebuild, particularly on their offensive line. It is expected that the team will draft a tackle with their first-round pick, so Douglas will be closely examining the top tackle prospects and conducting interviews with them. This is an early step in the draft process, but an important one as the Jets look to bolster their roster.
In addition to focusing on the draft, Douglas will also be attending to other business while at the combine. He has scheduled conversations with agents and fellow general managers as he prepares for free agency, which is just two weeks away. This is a crucial time for Douglas to gather information and make connections within the NFL community.
One key player that Douglas will be discussing with his agent is edge rusher Bryce Huff. Huff had an impressive 10 sacks last season and is set to become a free agent. The Jets don’t want to lose him, but the question is how much money he will command on the open market. This week at the combine should provide some clarity as Huff’s agent meets with teams and determines his market value. Some believe he could land a contract worth $17 million a year, which may be too steep for the Jets to match.
Trade talks will also be a focus for Douglas at the combine. The Jets previously tried to trade for Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams, but were unsuccessful. With a new general manager in place for the Raiders, Douglas will check in to see if there is any chance they will deal Adams. Despite public statements from the Raiders’ general manager that Adams is staying with the team, Douglas will explore trade possibilities privately.
The Jets are in desperate need of an impact wide receiver to play alongside Garrett Wilson. The wide receiver market should become clearer after the combine, and there is a possibility that a receiver becomes available via trade. One potential target for the Jets is Mike Evans, if he is unable to reach a long-term deal with the Buccaneers. The outcome of these situations will greatly impact the Jets’ offseason plans.
Finally, Douglas will also be gauging the trade market for quarterback Zach Wilson. The Jets are open to trading him but have yet to find a team willing to give up something of value. Wilson’s representatives have permission to speak to teams, but so far nothing has materialized. Douglas will continue to explore potential trades and check in with Wilson’s agent during the combine.
Overall, the combine poses numerous challenges for Joe Douglas and the Jets. From evaluating draft prospects to navigating trade talks and free agency, there is much work to be done. The outcome of these decisions will greatly impact the Jets’ success in the upcoming season, and Douglas’s seat as general manager is hotter than ever.
