The Jets’ guard tandem is a study in contrasts. Alan Faneca, a virtual lock Hall of Famer and elder statesman of the Jets gets a ton of attention from the media and is celebrated as one of the best guards of all time. Brandon Moore, on the other hand, is barely noticed and was very close to being an ex-Jet last off-season.

Moore was cut last February then resigned days later after the Jets failed to land Chris Kemoeatu from the Steelers. Kemoeatu, a huge, physical player was clearly the Jets’ preference but after he re-upped with Pittsburgh, the Jets settled on Moore.

OLB, TCU
6-2, 250, 4.7-40
Projection: 2nd round

Great burst off the line. Anticipates snap count well and gets across the line before lineman is out of his stance. Excellent quickness and closing speed to the QB.

Just one day after announcing he would pay Kerry Rhodes’ $2 million roster bonus, Mike Tannenbaum shipped the disgruntled safety to Arizona. The Jets will receive the Cardinals’ 4th round pick this year and its 7th rounder in 2011.

This is decent compensation. Rhodes’ talent justified a 3rd rounder but his inconsistent play, prima donna attitude and recent bonus payout diminished his market value.

Offensive tackle might be one of the most stable positions on the entire Jets’ roster, which is a good thing when you have a young quarterback. Protecting the edges is critical for the success of any QB, particularly one who is learning on the fly.

D’Brickashaw Ferguson took his game to another level this season and is already being mentioned among the top left tackles in the game. He was named to the Pro Bowl (after Jake Long went down with an injury) and could be a regular fixture at the annual all-star game for years to come.

There is never a dull moment during a Jets’ off-season and Mike Tannenbaum already is back to his wheeling and dealing ways. With significant restrictions in free agency, the Jets were not expected to be very active during the signing period but there is nothing preventing them from making trades and Tannenbaum wasted no time jumping into the action.

On Thursday he traded for disgruntled San Diego CB Antonio Cromartie for a conditional 2011 draft pick, likely to be a third rounder.