By all accounts, the Jets hired a rising star in new general manager Joe Douglas.
Douglas worked under some of the brightest executives in the NFL, including Ozzie Newsome with the Ravens and Howie Roseman with the Eagles. He played a huge role in finding talented players that brought two Super Bowl championships to Baltimore and one to Philadelphia.
He's had a lot to catch up on.
Ahead of his interview two weeks ago, Douglas reportedly watched tape of four games of the Jets defense and six of the Jets offense from last year, so he could speak with some depth at his meeting with acting owner Christopher Johnson.
One of the main subjects of his viewings was second-year quarterback Sam Darnold. He saw a surprise on the tape, though, a better than expected group of skilled players. Robby Anderson, in particular, impressed Douglas, especially when the new GM popped in the Denver tape from October.
“He's a tough weapon for defenses to match up with, he can get behind you and he can challenge the defense vertically. That was a very pleasant surprise.”
He also came away with high impressions of tight end Chris Herndon, whom he reportedly also liked while in the Eagles' front office. Having worked in the AFC North and NFC East, as well, Douglas is also familiar with players like receiver Jamison Crowder and running back Le'Veon Bell, whom he called “probably one of the best running backs in football.”
One thing is clear, though. Douglas doesn't see this as a team in need of being rebuilt. He likes the defense, the quarterback and several of its skill position players. He wants to win with this team now.
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