Eric Mangini as a genius? I’m not 100% sure on that one, but the Jets picked a good defensive mind and a strict leader when they chose the former defensive coordinator from the Patriots. This team will only go as far as Chad Pennington’s right shoulder can take them.

2006 Season: 10-6 2nd AFC East
Lost at New England in AFC Wild Card round

Running Back: Thomas Jones
Jones, acquired by the Bears for a 2nd round draft pick, is a great addition for the Jets. He is the workhorse that they missed without Curtis Martin last season. Grade: 4 out of 5

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Laveranues Coles
Coles is a great route runner who will be across the middle a lot while Cotchery as the deep threat in this offense. Tim Dwight will be the 3rd wide out. She is a clone of Wayne Chrebet and should be good in that offense. Grade: 3.5 out of 5

Offensive Line: Key Player-C Nick Mangold
I know that I put a lot of centers as the key player on the O-Line, but in this case he is. Anyone who is good enough to replace Kevin Mawae is the leader of the offensive line. He is a Jeff Saturday clone who was coached by the best at The Ohio State University. Grade: 3 out of 5

Defense:  3-4
Defensive Line: Key Player-Shaun Ellis
The 3-4 doesn’t need a lot of pressure from the line, but Ellis got 5 sacks from this group that includes Dwayne Robertson(he’s a big boy). Grade: 3 out of 5

Linebackers: Key Player-MLB Jonathan Vilma
Vilma is one of the best middle linebackers in the league and I think he may become the best MLB if he has another good season. Grade: 3.5 out of 5

Cornerbacks: Key Player-Andre Dyson
This isn’t the strongest part of the defense, but Dyson is an ok cover corner. The one player at this position is the rookie Darrelle Revis from Pittsburgh, who could be the starter after training camp. Grade: 3 out of 5

Safety: Key Player-Erik Coleman
Coleman had 107 tackles last season and should get over that because of the issues on defense. He will have to step up against the run for the Jets to be successful

Special Teams
K: Mike Nugent
P: Ben Graham
I would love to say that Mike Nugent is as clutch as he was at Ohio State, but I would be lying. He went 24-27 last season, which is a great year, but he hasn’t been in the pressure situations that prove if you are a great kicker. Grade: 3.5 out of 5

Overall
The Jets will go as far as Chad’s arm takes them. With Thomas Jones running the ball as much as he did in Chicago last season, he should be playing great. I think the Jets will be in that group with the Titans, Broncos, Chiefs, and Steelers for that final playoff spot.