NFL New York Jets: Top 3 Personnel Moves Made This Season

Rex Ryan and Mike Tannenbaum have been molding together this roster for the past couple of years trying to get the New York Jets to the Super Bowl. They've made some great moves and some not-so-great moves during their time.

Offseason and mid-season moves can make or break a team. This is where general managers earn their money and head coaches get the players they need to form their team.

With only three games left in the regular season for the New York Jets, I thought we'd take a look at the top three personnel moves by the Jets this year. 

Trusting Joe McKnight

Not re-signing Brad Smith looked to be a subtle but big move by the Jets. Smith was second in the league in kickoff return average last year and a key part of their Wildcat offense. It seemed like the Jets were making a big mistake by not giving him a new deal; but maybe they knew something that we didn't.

Up stepped Joe McKnight whose Jets career started with a sputter when he threw up in his first minicamp. His versatility has had him playing running back, wide receiver and special teams. He's leading the NFL in kickoff return average at 32.4 yards per return, that included a 107-yard touchdown. 

McKnight showed he was ready to step up during the opening game in Dallas. When it seemed like the Jets were all but ready to lose the game, McKnight flew through a hole and blocked a punt. This led to the ball being taken back for a score and the Jets regaining momentum that led them to victory. 

I'm not saying McKnight has been flawless, because he has had some mistakes along the way. Two fumbles and one costly fumble in the Broncos game have made this an almost perfect move by the Jets. 

Signing Aaron "Mayhem" Maybin

The Jets have been lacking a pass rusher since John Abraham (when on the field), went to the Falcons. They've always had good run-stopping defensive ends like Shaun Ellis and the present Mike DeVito; but not many pass-rushing ends. All Jets fans thought that that was going to end when New York selected Vernon Gholston with the sixth pick in the 2008 draft. Now Gholston is considered one of the biggest draft busts in Jets history. 

So what's the harm in taking a chance on another so-called draft bust? Aaron Maybin, considered a bust in Buffalo, has been nothing short of remarkable for the Jets. He leads the Jets with six sacks and recording four forced fumbles. He's brought energy to this Jets pass rush that could only reach quarterbacks before with the blitz. 

This signing by the Jets' front office looks like a sure winner for taking a chance on a guy that looked to be a bust. 

Taking a Chance on Plaxico Burress

After two years removed for the game, Plaxico Burress was set to return to the game of football. No one really knew if he would return to his old self or if the time away from the game diminished his talent. With Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards becoming free agents, the Jets put all their effort into signing Holmes. Needing a tall receiver, the Jets decided to take a chance on Burress. 

So far, this has been a great pick up for the Jets. Burress has 512 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s been Mark Sanchez's favorite target in the red zone, and his big body gives Sanchez an easy target to capitalize on such a short field. If Burress keeps this up, it would be another great move by the Jets' front office this year.