Mike Tannenbaum Continutes To Transform New York Jets into Dynasty

The only word that comes to mind when reviewing the Jets' offseason moves up to this point is "dynasty."

The Jets are acting like the New York Yankees, loading up the team with stars and preparing for total domination in 2010.

I expected the Jets to keep building up the defense and run game, because those were their obvious strong suits this past year.

But I never expected Mike Tannenbaum to bring in a wide receiver as talented and as “high-caliber” as Santonio Holmes.

With every move the Jets make this offseason, I expect them to be losing steam as it progresses. Instead, the acquisitions keep getting better and better.

The trade for Antonio Cromartie was surprising enough. At that point, the Jets still needed to fill holes at running back, wide receiver, and either a defensive end or outside linebacker that can pick up sacks.

I expected them to fill each of those three positions using a combination of the free agency and the draft. I did not expect any of those positions to be filled with players as good as or better than Cromartie.

Then came LaDainian Tomlinson.

The veteran running back has struggled in recent years as San Diego has turned into a pass-heavy team, relying strongly on quarterback Philip Rivers. Tomlinson signed with the Jets just a few weeks ago, filling the void that was left when Thomas Jones was released.

Then came Jason Taylor.

The veteran defensive end (who has openly hated the Jets for years) will most likely be wearing green by Wednesday or Thursday. Taylor is definitely past his prime and on the decline, but expect to see a slight rejuvenation in his career when he joins the explosive Jets’ defense. His sack numbers (only seven last season) should be able to hit double digits with New York in 2010.

And when I was finally convinced the Jets would calm down until the draft, I got a call from a good friend and fellow Jets fan informing me that “SANTONIO HOLMES GOT TRADED TO THE JETS!!!” I turned on SportsCenter and ran to my computer, simultaneously confirming that the Jets had added the receiver for just a fifth-round draft pick.

Just like the Yankees have been able to do in recent years, the Jets have been piling on the all-stars for the last few months. Mark Sanchez now has an elite receiving corps that will make his sophomore season a lot easier than it would have been.

As for the defense, I expect big things next week in the draft. Who knows what Mike Tannenbaum has planned? Taylor Mays? Eric Berry? Ndamukong Suh?

I can dream, right?