JETS 101

The New York Jets have finally settled on a new general manager, as they have hired John Idzik away from the Seattle Seahawks. It hasn't been announced by the team, but it has been reported by multiple outlets, ending a longer-than-expected process that took some interesting twists and turns along the way. In the end the Jets have brought in an executive from a franchise that built a contender with young talent on both sides of the ball and found a quality quarterback in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft in Russell Wilson. It's been a busy day, as the Jets hired Marty Mornhinweg as offensive coordinator.

John Idzik had an extensive role as vice president of football administration in the Seattle Seahawks organization, handling many duties that are vital to being a successful NFL general manager. He played a role in player negotiations, helped manage the salary cap, had a part in player transactions and also had an active role in talent evaluation. The New York Jets needed to bring in a general manager who will be able to evaluate talent on his own and not rely solely on Rex Ryan or others in the organization. The general manager has one of the strongest voices in the war room on draft day, and that voice needs to be an educated one.

Just looking at the 2012 NFL Draft for the Seahawks, their first four selections all played a significant role for the team this season. The Seahawks lost a nailbiter to the Atlanta Falcons last weekend to be eliminated from the postseason, but beat the Washington Redskins in the first round. Bruce Irvin, their first round pick, finished the season with eight sacks. Bobby Wagner, their second round choice, started at middle linebacker, recording 140 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions. In the third round the team chose Russell Wilson, who threw for twice as many touchdowns (26) as Mark Sanchez (13) while throwing eight less interceptions with just 10 on the season. Wilson also rushed for four touchdowns, losing three fumbles on the year. Sanchez didn't score on the ground this season but lost eight fumbles. Robert Turbin, taken in the fourth round, rushed for 354 yards in relief of Marshawn Lynch over the course of the season.

John Idzik was part of an organization that had a very good 2012 NFL Draft, which helped push the team into the postseason. How much of that should be attributed to John Idzik is tough to say, but at least he brings that experience to the Jets, as the team needs to find some immediate contributors once again this year in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Before we get there, John Idzik has some salary cap work to do. Cuts are coming. The Jets will be looking for some cheap free agent help. There isn't much time to celebrate the hire – it's time to get some work done.

Jason LaCanfora had the first report:

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Tags: 2012 NFL Draft, 2013 NFL Draft, Bruce Irvin, Football, John Idzik, Mark Sanchez, New York, New York Jets, NFL, Rex Ryan, salary cap, Seattle Seahawks

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