A Cardinal Who Should Be on Tanny's Radar (and He Isn't Anquan Boldin)

Anquan Boldin and Braylon Edwards have been hogging headlines and sparking speculation of potential trades, with the New York Jets discussed as a possible beneficiary in a transaction to land one or the other to solidify their receiving corps and bolster their aerial attack.

After the selection of former USC QB Mark Sanchez the Jets are top receiver away from a playoff berth, and perhaps even title run. After collapsing down the stretch only a couple of months back, fans should have reason to be comfortable with the new regime and the state of the franchise.

Woody Johnson seems intent on winning now and isn't afraid to break bank to land guys the front office covets, dismissing Eric Mangini in the aftermath of a disappointing season finale and with general Mike Tannenbaum reeling in defense czar Rex Ryan to replace Mangini. 

Ryan would lasso in free agents Bart Scott, Jim Leonhard and Marques Douglas and trade for Lito Sheppard to revamp the defense and from that point it seemed the draft was going to be utilized to improve the offense, which it was.

The Jets hauled in their face of the franchise, future replacement for disgruntled Thomas Jones (Shonn Greene, Iowa) and added some offensive line depth after escaping the past season with no casualties up front (Matt Slauson, Nebraska).

The consensus opinion is the Jets are a piece away from the playoffs, and that the glaring need is a big target out wide for Sanchez going forward, a la Edwards or Anquan Boldin, while diverting attention from Jerricho Cotchery so he can do his thing.

I beg to differ, and I'm not implying that the Jets are safe and secure where they are right now and with who they have on the roster in terms of receiver, or that Jerricho Cotchery is the solution, because he's not a true No. 1, but that the Jets could use an upgrade at defensive end, and not receiver, to have a good shot at a playoff run. 

You'd think a more feasible transaction that would occur in the near future would involve receiver for the Jets, who haven't even ruled out making a play for Plaxico Burress, even while Burress is in the thick of a legal mess that ultimately led to his release from the Giants (not too long after signing an extension).

Personally, I think a trade for Braylon Edwards would be a mistake for a combination of things, and it wouldn't quite describe it as character issues but more of a focus, concentration type of problem and literally turning his back on the Browns (failing to join the huddle) last season in the dead rubber (I do recall that happening). 

Edwards also inquired about modelling and acting with defensive back Will Demps during a game and wanted to meet up after the game to chat.

While I wouldn't be opposed to a deal for Anquan Boldin and like what he brings to the table, similar playing qualities to Cotchery, I think the Jets would be more successful next year if they acquired a defensive end to complement the aging Shaun Ellis as a potential anchor for the line.

Apparently Shaun Rogers and Mangini have worked things out, after Rogers was angry that Mangini failed to acknowledge him at a public function (Mangini claimed he didn't notice; boy I'm glad we have motivator and genius like Rex Ryan as coach).

Mike Tannenbaum doesn't leave any stones unturned and the Browns could've selected B.J. Raji from Boston College, in which case Rogers would've been shifted over to end. He and Jenkins would be a formidable force and run clogging duo. 

However, a more intriguing option to fill the void left by Kenyon Coleman who was part of the deal to move up and take Mark Sanchez, would be Arizona's Darnell Dockett. 

Another Drew Rosenhaus client, who also represents not only Plaxico Burress but the unhappy Thomas Jones (and Anquan Boldin), didn't seem intent on participating in minicamp citing a hamstring injury (as did Anquan Boldin), and Ken Whisenhunt admitted he knew the reason, like most of us do, the pair sat out practices.

Dockett followed suite of Anquan Boldin not too long after sitting out minicamp in requesting a trade, evidently upset with his contract which he feels, like many other Cardinals, he has outplayed. Dockett, however, is at the cellar of the Cardinals' contract agenda that includes Adrian Wilson, Karlos Dansby, and Boldin (and Dockett).

In that order. More likely than not Dockett won't get his wish of a new contract, in Arizona at least, and the Jets future beyond the next few years, especially defensive end, looks foggy. Dockett, on the brink of his prime, could apply lots of pressure coming off the edge and slid inside to give Jenkins a breather when necessary. 

Getting a trade done is easier said than done, but the Jets may have some blue chips that would entice the Cardinals. How far Thomas Jones is willing to go with this contract issue remains unclear, but while it hasn't escalated Jones' value coming a Pro Bowl year, leading the AFC in rushing, is higher than ever.

The Cardinals just drafted Beanie Wells and while he could take some time to get the ball rolling, the Cardinals are at a point where they can still contend with Kurt Warner under center for at least another year and the pass blocking of Jones and ability to open up the field for the passing game is mouthwatering for the Cards, his first team.

Dockett is a stud and if the Jets can reel him in for Jones, and insurance for Boldin and Adrian Wilson like Eric Smith and Brad Smith, plus if and Tannenbaum can trim the roster and give the Jets some monetary breathing space, a long term deal for Dockett could get done.

I wouldn't be surprised if, assuming the Jets do pursue Dockett (which I hope they do), Shaun Ellis could be thrown into the mix as compensation for the Cards to give them some short term beef on the line and do some shuffling to make up for a potential loss of Dockett. 

That way Marques Douglas would get bumped up to start, and it was not too long ago Douglas made a living in the backfield and was thriving in his prime with San Francisco. If Ryan, who has worked with Douglas before, can get something out of him and backup Mike DeVito, who Rex is high on, the defensive line rotation would be phenomenal.

Just my opinion, could be a little far fetched, but looking into it I think it could happen and would be a great move for the Jets if it did. Hopefully Mike Tannenbaum has looked into it as well and is trying to whip something up for Dockett. 

And from a fantasy football standpoint, why not look into a deal for Dockett and Shaun Rogers? Jenkins, Dockett and Rogers would be an ideal crew of chaos

Somewhere along the line Shaun Ellis would have to be shipped, as well as Thomas Jones and perhaps some draft picks, but it would be worth it. The Jets certainly have the bargaining tools and a shrewd brass spearheaded by Tannenbaum and his wits. Food for thought, there are many possibilities to play with. 

But the main point being, with a beast like Dockett disgruntled and seeking a trade Mike Tannenbaum should do more than his "due diligence" and go out and get Dockett. The versatile Dockettwould thrive in Ryan's schemes and the Jets should definitely try hard to acquire this playmaker.

Feel free to comment below and share your opinion on where Gang Green should go from here and what the next move should be.