This is the second edition of the “Waiting For A Call” series, where I rank the best available free agents at each position. The Offensive Edition was done yesterday. Click Here to view the Offensive Edition.

Defensive End
Best Available: Terrell Suggs (Ravens)

Technically, the 2003 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Terrell Suggs is still a free agent, having not signed his tender yet when designated as the franchise player of the Baltimore Ravens. In just five seasons, Suggs has tallied 45.0 sacks and has yet to reach his 26th birthday. He is a non-exclusive franchise player, meaning he may negotiate with other NFL teams, but if he signs an offer sheet from another team, the Ravens have the right to match the terms of that offer or may opt to not match, forcing the other team to receive two first-round draft picks as compensation. Suggs, however, has reportedly been angry with his contract situation, and skipped the team’s mandatory mini camps. Odds are that he will remain a Raven for at least one more season.

Also available: Greg Spires (Buccaneers), Renaldo Wynn (Saints), Darrion Scott (Vikings)

Defensive Tackle
Best Available: Albert Haynesworth (Titans)

Again, like Suggs, Haynesworth is a non-exclusive rights free agent. The 6-6, 320 pound big man is a major part of what was one of the better defensive lines in football last season, that totaled 30 sacks from their four regular starters. Haynesworth recorded six of those sacks to go along with 40 tackles.

Also Available: Grady Jackson (Jaguars), Rod Coleman (Falcons), Anthony McFarland (Colts)

Outside Linebacker
Best Available: Takeo Spikes (Eagles)

Spikes was traded to the Eagles prior to the start of last season and played well until a torn rotator cuff ended his season with two games left to go. He had surgery on the shoulder and that appears to be the only reason that teams are being cautious with him. In 14 games last season, he recorded 85 tackles and one sack, averaging just over six tackles per game. He drew interest from the 49ers, Patriots, Browns, and Saints prior to the NFL Draft. The 49ers who had him in for a visit were unconcerned about his ability to recover from shoulder surgery and believe he’ll be ready for training camp if picked up.

Also Available: Rosevelt Colvin (Patriots), Ian Gold (Broncos), Kendrell Bell (Chiefs)

Inside Linebacker
Best Available: Al Wilson (Broncos)

The former five-time Pro Bowler suffered a neck injury during a punt return against the Seahawks and was carted off the field and immediately taken to the hospital. He was cleared by the Broncos to return the following week. Injuries and salary cap issues resulted in Wilson’s release from the Broncos prior to the 2007 season. He sat out the entire 2007 season and has drawn some interest from a couple of teams including the Lions and Browns this offseason. During the 2006 season, Wilson recorded 102 tackles and one sack for Denver.

Also Available: Lemar Marshall (Bengals), Jeremiah Trotter (Buccaneers), Brian Simmons (Saints)

Cornerback
Best Available: Ty Law (Chiefs)

The three-time Super Bowl winning cornerback with the Patriots has yet to find a team. At age 34, he’s still playing relatively well for his age. Last year with the Chiefs, Law recorded 47 tackles and two interceptions. In 189 career games, Law has 52 interceptions, which is just short of the top 20 all-time. Law has been talking with both the Patriots and the Jets this offseason, who are both in need of a cornerback.

Also Available: Andre Dyson (Jets), Terry Cousin (Jaguars), Chad Scott (Patriots)

Safety
Best Available: Mike Doss

Doss, 27, was a second-round pick by the Colts in the 2003 draft. He tore his ACL just six games into the 2006 season and it has had an effect on him ever since. He’s recorded 106 tackles and four interceptions between the 2005 and 2006 seasons. He returned to the Vikings on a one-year pact in 2007 and backed up safety Darren Sharper. Doss should catch on somewhere before the start of the season.

Also Available: Deke Cooper (Panthers), Adam Archuleta (Bears), Jim Leonhard (Bills)

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s “Waiting For A Call” Special Teams edition.

In an article for ESPN.com, John Clayton pegs the Jets as one of five potential teams who can surprise this upcoming season.

The Jets really don’t know what they have with Kellen Clemens at quarterback, but they are operating like a team trying to make a big move. Management put out $142.5 million in contracts for linebacker Calvin Pace, defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, guard Alan Faneca and right tackle Damien Woody. They hired Bill Callahan to coordinate the running offense. The schedule, using the .020 formula, is 3.3 games easier, going from a .523 to .457. The biggest hope for the Jets rides with the running offense and the defense. The Jets went 4-12 last year despite an 1,119-yard season from Thomas Jones.

If the Jets find a way to get into the top 10 in rushing, they have a chance for a three-game improvement. They finished 19th in rushing last year, averaging 106.3 yards a game on the ground. Top 10 rushing teams usually fall into that seven- to nine-win projection. Eric Mangini also hopes that Pace, Vernon Gholston and Jenkins can pull the Jets’ defense out of the bottom four in football.

Clayton also lists the Panthers, Rams, Raiders and Bills as four other teams who could surprise in 2008.

I think there is a very good chance that the Jets could pull out a 9-10 win season if everything clicks. Whether the starting quarterback is Chad Pennington or Kellen Clemens, the quarterback position will need consistency and remains the biggest question mark with this team heading forward. Shoring up the offensive line with Alan Faneca and Damien Woody, paired with Bill Callahan who will coordinator the running game, this team appears to be making the move to the run first-pass second offense. I believe that getting Leon Washington a little bit more involved in the running game would definitely help this team as he continues to be a home run threat when he gets the ball each time.

As far as the defense goes, Pace and Jenkins are obviously the huge risks here. The Jets are relying on these two guys to pull them out of a rut defensively, and while they are capable and have all the intangibles of doing so, it remains a risk.

There are a few interesting names still available on the free agent market. Here is who I believe is the best available for each offensive position.

Quarterback
Best Available: Daunte Culpepper (Raiders)

The three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro has been decimated with injuries throughout the past few seasons. Culpepper, 31, has played just 18 games in the past three seasons. Culpepper’s 2004 season alone (110.9 QB Rating, 4,717 yards, 39 touchdowns, 11 interceptions) warrants him consideration as the best available quarterback on the market. Chances are Culpepper will never reach those numbers again, but he obviously has the best track record of the few choices.

Also available: Byron Leftwich (Falcons), Marques Tuiasosopo (Jets), Tim Rattay (Cardinals)

Runningback
Best Available: Shaun Alexander (Seahawks)

The rushing champion and most valuable player of the 2005 season has been halted due to injuries, missing 9 games in the past two seasons. After signing an 8-year, $62 million contract to remain with the Seahawks, then fractured his toe in his left foot in Week 3 of the 2006 season. During Week 1 of the 2007 season, he sustained a fractured left wrist. Again in 2007, during Week 9, Alexander twisted both his knee and ankle.

Also Available: Ron Dayne (Texans), Kevin Jones (Lions), Anthony Thomas (Bills)

Wide Receiver
Best Available: Chris Henry (Bengals)

Henry, a third-round draft choice by the Bengals in 2005, seemed to be heading into a bright career in the NFL, tallying 67 receptions, 1027 yards and 15 touchdowns in just his first two seasons. Henry, however, found himself in trouble with the law. Pulled over in June of 2006, Henry He was suspended by the NFL for two games for violating the league’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies in 2006. In January of 2007, Henry pleaded guilty to charges of providing alcohol to minors, an incident that occurred in the spring of 2006. Due to his jail time, the NFL banned him for the first eight games of the 2007 season. Finally, Henry was charged with misdemeanor assault and property damage in early April of 2008, eventually leading to his release from the Bengals.

Also Available: David Givens (Titans), Marcus Robinson (Lions), Eric Moulds (Titans)

Tight End
Best Available: Jerramy Stevens (Buccaneers)

Despite getting on 40 receptions for 420 yards over the past two seasons combined, he still managed to come away with four touchdown receptions in each of the past two years. Just three years ago, while with the Seahawks in their run to the Super Bowl, Stevens recorded 41 receptions for 554 yards and 5 touchdowns. If he can get back on track and find his groove from 2005, Stevens could be a solid threat for a team.

Also available: Kyle Brady (Patriots), Jermaine Wiggins (Jaguars)

Offensive Line
Best Available: Shane Olivea (Chargers)

This one was tough. I’m going to have to go with Olivea here though, due to the youth. Shane Olivea, who is just 26 years old, was a seventh-round draft pick by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft. He started every game for San Diego in his rookie season. Overall, he has started 57 out of 64 games for the Chargers at right tackle over the past four seasons. He has had back troubles, but has became one of the better tackles on the free agent market.

Also Available: Fred Miller (Bears), Mike Flynn (Ravens), Barry Sims (Raiders)

The defensive edition will be available tomorrow right here on JetsCentral, while the special teams edition will be posted on Wednesday.

The New York Mets have announced that they have rescheduled the Jets Night at Shea, which was rained out earlier this year (April 28th), for July 8th against the San Francisco Giants.

Fans holding tickets from the April 28 game wishing to attend the July 8 Jets Night should follow standard rain-check ticket exchange policy on mets.com. Tickets for the April 28 game will NOT be valid for the July 8 game.

Former New York Jets pro bowlers Joe Klecko, Wesley Walker, linebacker Greg Buttle and Super Bowl III champions Emerson Boozer, Randy Beverly and John Schmitt will be in attendance. These players will appear at a 5:30 p.m. pregame fund-raiser in Shea’s picnic area to benefit area charities through the Mets and Jets foundations. A limited number of tickets will be available to the picnic area that will be $20 to meet and greet the former Jets. Those tickets are available on Mets.com.

The New York Jets Flight Crew will be on hand at the interactive Generation Jets Fest adjacent to Shea.

Former New York Times writer Clifton Brown, now of the Sporting News, has written an interesting article deeming seven veteran offensive players that will need bounce back seasons for their respective teams to have success. Among one of the seven that Brown lists is Jets wide receiver Laveranues Coles.

Laveranues Coles, WR, New York Jets. His 55 catches were the fewest since his rookie year in 2000. It wasn’t because lost a step. It was because the Jets’ sputtering attack could not get him the ball consistently. The Jets were one of the most aggressive teams in free agency, looking for a quick turnaround after a disappointing season. Coles returning to form would bring a serious lift to this team’s offense.

I think the 55 catches were more the nagging injuries that Laveranues was plagued with throughout the season that eventually led him to being placed on the injured reserve. Coles started in 11 games for the Jets last season, and ended up leaving after the first two plays in one of them. I agree with Brown in that if Coles returns to his old form that the Jets would have a dynamic offense, no matter who is behind center. Going out in free agency and filling your weak spots on the offensive line with Faneca and Woody while grabbing first-round tight end Dustin Keller in the draft, the Jets are definitely headed in the right direction. The running game will likely open up and give Thomas Jones more room to run. It’s just a matter of consistency at the quarterback position from here on out.

In a report out of Riviera Beach, Florida, the older brother of New York Jets safety Abram Elam was fatally shot, becoming the third sibling in the family to die by gunfire since 1987. After police arrived on the scene of the shooting about roughly 12:35 p.m. on Friday, Elam’s brother Donald was found with a bullet wound in the lower back. He was taken to the hospital and later pronounced dead.

Elam’s other brother was fatally shot in 1987 and his sister Christina was shot in 1999 at age 17.

Abram learned this afternoon of his brother’s death.

Unbelievable. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Elam family.

On the NFL Network show Total Access, a stat appeared on the screen showing the average ages for the NFL teams. Since the retirement of Brett Favre, the Packers have now become the youngest team in the league at 25 years and 300 days. The Jets checked in at No. 4 overall with an average age of 26 years and 115 days. The NFL Network only showed the top seven teams on the list.

1 - Green Bay Packers-25 years, 300 days
2 - Buffalo Bills-26 years, 66 days
3 - Atlanta Falcons-26 years, 96 days
4 - New York Jets-26 years, 115 days
5 - Indianapolis Colts-26 years, 125 days
6 - Miami Dolphins-26 years, 147 days
7 - San Diego Chargers-26 years, 190 days

Three teams in the AFC East are in the top seven. I would have liked to have seen where the Patriots ranked on this list.

In a recent article for NFL.com, Adam Schefter takes a look and names the top ten names available for 2009 free agency.

1. DE, Julius Peppers, Panthers
2. RB, Steven Jackson, Rams
3. DT, Tommie Harris, Bears
4. RB, Marion Barber, Cowboys
5. OG, Chris Snee, Giants
6. CB, Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders
7. DT, Albert Haynesworth, Titans
8. WR, Terrell Owens, Cowboys
9. DE, Will Smith, Saints
10. WR, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals

Schefter also notes Lions wide receiver Roy Williams, Bills wide receiver Lee Evans, Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman, Cowboys safety Ken Hamlin, Falcons linebacker Keith Brooking, Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson, Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby, Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia and Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer are all among other names that will be available pending an extension.

It’d be very interesting to see how many of these guys actually hit the market. It’d be hard to see Steven Jackson hit the open market. I don’t think there’s a chance the Rams let their face of the franchise leave. Marion Barber is an interesting case. When the Cowboys released runningback Julius Jones, it seemed as if Barber was going to finally get the chance to see 300 carries a year and get the full work load. Dallas ended up going out and grabbing a pair of running backs in the draft this year, Felix Jones in the first and Tashard Choice in the fourth.

Among some of the Jets that will look to be hitting the market include runningback Jesse Chatman, kicker Mike Nugent, nose tackle C.J. Mosley, linebacker Eric Barton, cornerback Justin Miller, and safety Abram Elam. Obviously, any of these players could reach an agreement on an extension prior to then.

John Clayton of ESPN has learned the rookie salary cap pool for each NFL team. Each team gets an allocated figure that they have to stay within in order to sign their rookies to contracts. Each selection in the draft is given a value, which is a predetermined cap number, which will eventually lead to the total cap figure that the team receives.

The Jets will get exactly $4,903,030 to sign all of their rookies during the 2008 season. They Jets selected six players in the draft. All rookies, including undrafted players must fit within the pool.

Herm’s Kansas City Chiefs received the largest rookie pool to pay their draft picks in the NFL, with a team high $8,221,790. They actually had six draft choices in the top 100 selections and two of them were in the top 15.

Matt Walsh, the former employee of the New England Patriots, has sent 8 video tapes to the NFL relating to Spygate according to ESPN.

The tapes include footage of offensive and defensive coaches in regular-season games against the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns and San Diego Chargers. In addition to those regular season tapes, their was a video of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2002 AFC Championship Game. However, there was no tape of the Rams’ final walkthrough before the 2002 Super Bowl

“Mr. Walsh has never claimed to have a tape of the walk-through,” said Walsh’s lawyer Michael Levy, according to the Times. “Mr. Walsh has never been the source of any of the media speculation about such a tape. Mr. Walsh was not the source for the Feb. 2 Boston Herald article.”

The New York Jets have announced that they have re-signed unrestricted free agent cornerback Hank Poteat.

Poteat (5’10”, 195) returns to the Jets after appearing in all 16 games in 2007. He started nine games, recording the first two interceptions of his eight-year career in consecutive games vs. Philadelphia’s Donovan McNabb and Cincinnati’s Carson Palmer. On the season, Poteat registered a career-high 45 tackles and five pass breakups.

In Peter King’s latest edition of Monday Morning QB at SI.com, he ranks each of the NFL teams in order and the Jets have checked in at No. 14 overall.

“If Eric Mangini learned one thing from all those years with Bill Belichick, it’s pressure or perish. Pressure the quarterback well or go 4-12. And the Jets’ pressure was pathetic last year. The guys who were supposed to rush the passer (Bryan Thomas, Shaun Ellis, Keyon Coleman and Victor Hobson) combined for 11 sacks.

This year the Jets should have three sacks a game, easy, with first-rounder Vernon Gholston and expensive free agent, Calvin Pace, coming from the edge and Kris Jenkins pushing the pile and drawing attention in the middle. (”I want to thank the Jets for getting that guy out of our division and out of my hair,” Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden said last month.) One other thing, Jets brass: Give Kellen Clemens a chance to be the quarterback; don’t put him through an eight-game trial. Don’t you know what you have in Chad Pennington by now?”

Obviously it was going to take more than a year or two to convert this team from a 4-3 base to a fully operational 3-4 defense. The chips are finally falling into place. The Jets now have the formidable front seven that Mangini has been looking for.

How would you feel if management decided to go back to Chad Pennington as the starter in 2008?

The New York Jets have announced that they have signed Hofstra offensive lineman Shawn McMackin, who was invited to Jets camp after going undrafted. The team also waived center Brett Byford out of Nebraska and cornerback Al Phillips out of Wagner.

There is just something that I liked about McMackin the first time I read about him. I don’t know if it was his unbelievable 40-time for a 295 pound offensive lineman at 4.79 or his 40 reps on the bench press or what. After being the top performer at the Hofstra Pro day, many projected him to be a big sleeper in this draft.

If you would be so kind to take this quick six question survey, I’d really appreciate it. I am doing this to get a better understanding of the average JetsCentral reader and find out what the readers would like to see more out of on this site.

After you complete the survey, just click done at the bottom of the page, and press the back button twice on your browser to return to JetsCentral.

Click Here to take survey.

Chris Muldoon of WHPC 90.3FM out of Long Island did a non-commercial lengthy interview with Newsday’s Jets reporter Erik Boland discussing various topics from the Jets and the draft this past weekend.

Click Here to head over to his website to listen to the conversation.

Very well done Chris.