Keyshawn Johnson is gone.
Jets fans, as disturbed and disillusioned as they might be, must come to grips with this. Now the focus is on the most crucial draft in Jets’ history.
With an unprecedented four picks in the first round of tomorrow’s NFL Draft, the Jets not only control the entire direction of the draft, but more importantly they’ll be completely shaping the near future of the franchise.
They improved their first-round draft positioning last night when they sent their No. 16 pick and a second-rounder to the 49ers for the No. 12 pick. That brings them closer to the wide receiver they will likely draft to take Johnson’s place.
It is not overly dramatic to say that what transpires in this weekend’s draft and how well the Jets do will have a tremendous impact on the future of Al Groh, who is yet to coach a game but is already feeling the wrath of New York sports fans based on the controversial trade (give-away?) of Johnson.
And speaking of Groh, there are many questions about who is in charge behind closed doors at Weeb Ewbank Hall.
With Bill Parcells still a commanding presence in the front office as director of football operations, it is difficult to determine who is calling the shots.
There’s clearly an impression being exuded by the Jets that things are far from in order at Hofstra. Fans want to know what direction this team is taking. Is it trying to win the Super Bowl? Is it rebuilding?
The Johnson trade would lead everyone to believe it is the latter.
The bottom line, despite Parcells’ presence, is that Groh will have the final word on whom to draft this weekend. Parcells, according to Groh, has been an adviser.
“I don’t think it’s possible to pick them by consensus,” Groh said last week, referring to draft picks. “Somebody’s got to pull the lever. I hope [Parcells and personnel director Dick Haley] would step in to prevent a grievious mistake.”
Fans remember another critical draft that shaped the Jets in a dramatically poor way. Picking second in 1990, they selected Blair Thomas, a supposed franchise running back. When Thomas failed to live up to expectations, it took the organization years to recover.
After drafting Thomas, the Jets went 6-10, 8-8, 4-12 and 8-8. Then Rich Kotite came in and the team went 3-13 and 1-15 prior to Parcells’ arrival in 1997.
So, with the No. 12, 13, 18 and 27 picks in tomorrow’s first round, the Jets have a chance to soothe fans’ anger over losing Johnson. To do that, they must begin by drafting a big-time receiver.
Florida State’s Peter Warrick is going to be gone by the fourth pick. So, unless the Jets leap up in the draft with another trade, he’ll be gone.
The next-best receiver is probably Florida’s Travis Taylor, a big-game player who entered the draft after his junior year.
According to sources, the Jets love Taylor and might try to move up even higher to secure him.
In an interview yesterday, Taylor said he would love coming to New York, and he believes he can help make fans forget about Johnson.
By the way, Taylor’s collegiate uniform number was 19, same as Johnson’s.
“I guarantee I can adjust to the big city easily,” Taylor said. “I’m a big-play receiver who always makes the first man miss, and I get a first down every time I catch the ball.
“I love the ball in my hands. I love to make something happen with the ball. You’ve got to want it. Keyshawn wanted the ball in his hands, and I think I’m the same type of player.”
Asked who he would pick as the best receiver in the draft, Taylor gave Warrick his due, but didn’t hesitate with his answer.
“Personally, I think I’m the best receiver out there,” Taylor said. “I think I bring a lot to the table; I’m a big receiver [nearly 6-1], I’m over 200 pounds … If I didn’t think I was the best I’d be cheating myself.”
Taylor said the Jets “have shown good interest” in him, adding, “It would be very exciting to come to New York and help bring the Jets to the next level. I had a great interview with them. Hopefully they’ll pick me.”
Taylor, who is married and has a child, is almost certain to be gone within the first 10 picks in this receiver-deep draft, so if the Jets are going to land him they’ll need to move up.
If they don’t, look for them to take Arizona receiver and punt returner Dennis Northcutt, whom they also love.
At 5-10 and 175 pounds, Northcutt is somewhat slight in stature, but has been durable in his collegiate career. He, too, is a prolific playmaker, having returned 23 punts for nearly a 20-yard average last year while also catching 88 passes for 1,422 yards and eight touchdowns.