Why I Want McFadden

Three hours ‘til the draft kicks off (this 3 pm start time is bullshit). Three hours ‘til the climax of Tankapalooza 2007. Back in November, I started campaigning for my Jets to continue losing so they could get Arkansas running back Darren McFadden. Of course, the Jets couldn’t even lose right and went on to beat the Steelers the next week and won the final game of their season. So they got stuck with the sixth pick. I had resigned myself to them at least getting some D line help. But here we are, April 26th, and there is a chance that McFadden could go to the Jets. Steve Serby had an excellent column in this mornings Post saying that the Jets need to pick McFadden. I will try and duplicate that by giving my own reasons why I want McFadden.

Getting McFadden has never been about filling a need. The Jets got their running back last year when they traded for Thomas Jones. What McFadden represents is a new face of the franchise. If you asked me right now, I’d say the backup fucking quarterback is still the first player that jumps into everyone’s heads when they think Jets. Quickly followed by a laugh that that player can only throw the ball 15 yards (More likely, they think of Jets fans: Annoying chant and yell at girls to take their tops off at halftime. Yet, I digress.). Pick McFadden, everyone will know who the franchise is.

Secondly, McFadden will give the Jets their first home run hitter since I’ve been following them. Wayne Chrebet was good, but he wasn’t taking it to the house. Even when they drafted Keyshawn number 1, he was still looked at as more of a possession receiver. McFadden instantly moves into that handful of players in the NFL who you pay attention every time they touch the football (Off the top of my head: Moss, Purple Jesus, Steve Smith, Reggie Bush (because no matter how many times you’ve seen him run 15 yards to get a 2 yard gain, you still think USC Reggie will emerge eventually), Chad Johnson, Jones-Drew, Tomlinson, Grandmama, Portis, Fast Willie, TO, Marion Barber, Maroney (only because I will yell out ‘KOOOOOOL-AID’ even if it is for only 3 yards), and Devin Hester, who forces you to watch all 3rd downs in Bears games hoping that the other team will have to punt. I’m probably leaving someone off, but that’s what you get from a guy with multiple concussions.). I’ve already accepted that as long as Brady and Belichick are in New England, the Jets will probably not win an AFC East crown. But dammit, at least give me some hope. Getting McFadden allows me to believe that he’ll bust off 80 yards at any given time to win the game. Picking a fucking offensive lineman does not. Is this about making the Jets a better team? Not really. It’s about getting a playmaker for the first time in awhile. So if they’re not going to win the whole thing, at least entertain me.

Finally, it would let me forget about this (This is my favorite youtube video of them all. I will laugh my ass of even after 100 viewings. This is so good, they played this on the radio the other day. You don’t even need to see the visuals. My favorite part is when every Jet fan starts groaning before they even announce the pick. Just the position was enough to set them off.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZxNeFLuY98. It would allow me for at least one year, not dread the Jets pick. I’ve been mentally preparing myself for picking Vernon Gholston all week so I don’t turn homicidal when they waste the sixth pick on a guy who has great combine stats, but played only one good game all year (and that was against Michigan, which doesn’t really count. In fact all good games against Big Ten should have an asterisk.) A month ago, I was convinced that they would be taking another fucking offensive lineman. I’d like to not have feelings of dread on one of my favorite days all year. It’s like being an 8 year old on Christmas with a creepy uncle. Sure, you get a bunch of presents, so you’re looking forward to that. But you know you’re going to have to go to grandma’s house, and your uncle will definitely be there. It’s not enough to ruin Christmas for you, but it does put a damper on what should be a tremendous day. Alright, 2 and a half hours left. I’m going to start removing all sharp objects from my apartment.