Jockeying for Position Thursday, December 08, 2005

At this point in the season, the best thing the Jets can hope for is that the Houston Texans will somehow manage to win a game. That's because this is the only way they can hope to improve their current second-place position in the Reggie Bush/Matt Leinart/Vince Young sweepstakes (the 2006 draft). A team's position in the draft is determined by the reverse order of their overall win record, using strength-of-schedule to break ties. The top 4 positions after 12 weeks are as follows (source):

Pick Number	Team	Record	Win Pct	Opponents' Record	Win Pct
1.	Texans	1-11	.083	105-87	.547
2.	Jets	2-10	.166	101-91	.526
3.	49ers	2-10	.166	106-86	.552
4.	Packers	2-10	.166	106-86	.552

Of the three big names in the draft, two are quarterbacks, and according to an article in Newsday

The growing uncertainty surrounding [Jay] Fiedler's future with the team has only strengthened the organization's belief that it must get a veteran quarterback to compete for the starting job next season. Nothing is written in stone, but the Jets simply don't have the time or inclination to groom a rookie quarterback, according to a person with knowledge of their thinking.

This means that the only way to really capitalize on this disastrous season is to acquire Reggie Bush. And the only way the Jets can be sure of getting him is if they move up to #1. I'm not sure whether this reluctance to acquire a rookie QB means that they're still hoping Chad will return, or whether they're going to actually consider a loser like current Raider/former Giant Kerry Collins for the job. As said in the Post:

Don't be shocked to see Kerry Collins in a Jet uniform next season. He's almost certain to be available, since the Raiders could save some $12 million on the salary cap if they release him.

This guy can't win games throwing to Randy Moss. Think about what'll happen to him with Gang Green. As bad as this season is, given Bradway's history of suspect off-season moves, I can actually imagine it getting worse. Please, Mr. Bradway. Think of the future.