Eric Mangini is the youngest head coach in the league and takes over the New York Jets from departed coach Herm Edwards. Edwards moved on to the Kansas City Chiefs after a disappointing tenure with the Jets. Mangini happens to be close friends of general manager Michael Tannenbaum and a former protégé of Bill Bilichick. Mangini will have several issues on its hands full in a clear rebuilding year in New York.
Chad Pennington will get the starting nod at quarterback for the New York Jets. Pennington is coming off a season ending shoulder injury so his endurance and arm strength are questioned going into the pre-season. Lee Suggs was shipped back to Cleveland after failing a physical so the running back duties will be given to an aging Curtis Martin. The Jets receivers are adequate with Laveranues Coles and Justin McCareins.
Bob Sutton will build the defense around the super fast linebacker Jonathan Vilma. Vilma led the team with 168 tackles in 2005. Mangini wants to install a completely new defensive scheme switching to a Patriots style 3-4. Vilma should thrive in the new system but the rest of the defense is still in question. The Jets lack great cover guys and they do not have an effective pass rush yet. This will be a rebuilding season for New York.
Head Coach: Eric Mangini
Offensive Coordinator: Brian Schottenheimer
Defensive Coordinator: Bob Sutton
Division: AFC East
2005 Record: 4 – 12
Field: Giants Stadium
2006 New England Patriots Draft Picks:
Round 1 – D’Brickshaw Ferguson – Offensive Tackle – Virginia
Round 1 – Nick Mangold – Center – Ohio State
Round 2 – Kellen Clemens – Quarterback – Oregon
Round 3 – Anthony Schlegel – Inside Line Backer – Ohio State
Round 3 – Eric Smith – Strong Safety – Michigan State
Round 4 – Brad Smith – Wide Receiver – Missouri
Round 4 – Leon Washington – Running Back – Florida State
Round 5 – Jason Pociask – Tight End – Wisconsin
Round 6 – Drew Coleman – Corner Back – Texas Christian
Round 7 – Titus Adams – Defensive Tackle – Nebraska
