Mike Tannenbaum Approval Rating

We are going to take stock of key members of the Jets on the bye. First up is general manager Mike Tannenbaum. Mike has come under some criticism due to his handling of the offseason. Was the job Mike did actually bad?

I do not think Tannenbaum gets the credit he deserves for the job he did. The Jets had a number of key free agents. David Harris and Santonio Holmes got locked up long term. The Jets tried to upgrade the cornerback position by signing Nnamdi Asomugha. When that fell through, they locked up Antonio Cromartie.

Who were the key guys the Jets let get away? Brad Smith signed with Buffalo for $3.75 million. The Jets have more than adequately replaced him with Jeremy Kerley and Joe McKnight. Shaun Ellis left for New England, where he has been underwhelming. Drew Coleman left and was replaced by the now excellent Kyle Wilson, who like the other members of the 2010 Draft class not named Vladmir Ducasse, is showing signs of growth. The Jets drafted his replacement in the first round. Jerricho Cotchery asked for his release. Given his production in Pittsburgh, that was not a mistake. The only mistake on that front was signing Derrick Mason instead of just going with Jeremy Kerley. After a rough first few weeks, Wayne Hunter has done much to justify signing him to play tackle.

In retrospect, the team probably should have signed Braylon Edwards instead of Plaxico Burress. Edwards is younger and had chemistry with Mark Sanchez. One must consider the circumstances, though. The Jets had plenty of roster spots to fill in a short time. Burress was willing to sign on the dotted line for cheap. Edwards was not at that point.

The other criticism is the lack of offensive line depth. There is some merit at tackle, but the Nick Mangold thing was a tough blow. Robert Turner was supposed to be the backup he got hurt. It is tough to find a third center as the Jets tried to do.

Tannenbaum is not perfect. His track record entitles him to the benefit of the doubt in my book, though. Even when I do not agree with his moves, I at least understand the thought process.

Do you agree?