If the New York Jets haven’t established that they will aggressively pursue the players they covet most by now, then you haven’t been watching closely enough.

Where there’s smoke, there’s usually been fire as far as the Jets have been concerned.

With inquiries into Plaxico Burress hitting the news wires and rumors of a trade for Braylon Edwards floating around, it’s clear that the Jets aren’t willing to leave their passing game to chance.

Finding a receiver may be a priority for most fans, but Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum is willing to see what David Clowney and Brad Smith can do before making another offseason splash.

But if neither receiver establishes himself as a quality starter, fans should know that Tannenbaum will not hesitate to acquire talent from elsewhere. With Terrell Owens and Randy Moss claiming residence in the AFC East, New York will need a dynamic receiver who will level the playing field.

That could mean kicking over some rocks that would have been completely ignored by the previous regime.

How Would They Look in Green?

No Coke, Then a Smile — Matt Jones Fights for Redemption in New York

After being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars following drug-related incidents, Matt Jones failed to generate any interest in the offseason. And understandably so.

With the NFL taking a hard stance on off-field infractions, most teams are afraid of the risk Jones poses to their organization with bad press. But desperation could inspire leniency.

When reports surfaced regarding the Jets inquiries into Adam “Pacman” Jones, one thing became clear: New York ain’t scared.

At 6’6″, Jones is the tall receiver New York could utilize in the red zone. With four years in the NFL under his belt, he has shown more promise as a quarterback-turned-receiver than Brad Smith ever has with the Jets.

While Jones never established himself as an elite player, it would be in the Jets’ best interest to carefully evaluate his risk and reward factors. Signing him to a one-year, veteran minimum contract is probably a more generous offer than he’ll receive elsewhere.

Unfortunately, the gamble wouldn’t end with the evaluation of his personality. There’s likely a four-game suspension in his future that could be contributing to the hesitation for his services.

More Cameras Than He Can Smile At; Braylon Edwards to New York

When he’s at his best, Braylon Edwards is a top receiver in the NFL.

He commands a double team and can score 16 times in a season. At his worst, he leads the NFL in drops and becomes a liability rather than a sure-handed receiver.

Which No. 17 would the Jets be getting if they managed a deal for him?

If the Jets believe he’s worth the gamble, then finding the right compensation to free him from Cleveland becomes the problem. New York may have fleeced the Browns in the NFL Draft, but the chances of lightning striking twice this offseason are slim.

Cleveland has stockpiled receivers this offseason, but they still place a high price tag on Edwards. The Jets may not have enough ammunition to entice Mangini without mortgaging future draft picks, or offering up a key defensive player.

The New York Giants did back down after the Browns requested Mathias Kiwanuka and their first round pick for Edwards.

After the trade compensation is determined, the battle is only half finished. The Jets would have work out a new contract with Edwards, since the root of his unhappiness stems from his desire for a more lucrative commitment.

Then they have to make sure he’s more committed to football and not modeling opportunities.

Too Late to Reconcile, Anquan Boldin Flies the Coop

Reports from Arizona have been conflicting. Prior to the draft, Ken Whisenhunt told reporters that they would listen to offers for the disgruntled Anquan Boldin.

More recent reports say the Cardinals rejected two offers.

If the Jets can break through the Cardinals’ defenses and agree to compensation for Boldin, the new issue revolves around meeting his financial requirements. Much like Edwards, Boldin wants a new contract, and he wants a big one.

With Larry Fitzgerald’s contract paying him an average of $10 million a year, Boldin expects something comparable. Drew Rosenhaus has said Boldin could be re-signed for less, but how much less is unknown.

Despite the contract demands, Boldin wouldn’t be the best fit in New York anyway. He’s only played two full seasons in his career and is a similar receiver to Jerricho Cotchery, in style and build.

There’s no doubt that Boldin is an elite receiver. But he’d be an expensive addition to a Jets’ team that promises to run first.

Only a Flesh Wound — Plaxico Burress Moves Down the Hall

Jerricho Cotchery and Alan Faneca, two well-respected Jets veterans, have said they would welcome Burress to the team on the merit of what he brings to the field alone.

The significance of those sentiments should not be overlooked.

Cotchery became the Jets new No. 1 receiver after Laveranues Coles forced his release, but he respects the dynamics of Burress’ game enough to put the team before his well-deserved promotion.

Knowing what Burress brings to the field, the attention he demands every time he lines up, and his ability to be a trustworthy receiver, the Jets understand what he could mean for the offense and Mark Sanchez.

If celebrity justice (read: slap on the wrist) allows Burress to avoid prison, then a move to the other football locker room in the Meadowlands shouldn’t surprise anyone.

If the Jets Decide to Do Nothing

While the focus rests upon finding a traditional wide receiver to complement Jerricho Cotchery, the answer could rest with the untraditional player the Jets already have on the roster.

Despite being listed as a tight end, Dustin Keller established himself as a certifiable threat in the passing game with his versatility.

He emerged as one of Brett Favre’s favorite targets as a rookie, taking advantage of the mismatch he constantly presents.

There are no defenders who stack up favorably against Keller.

Keller exploited the soft spots in zone coverages at all distances. He was a big target in underneath routes, and he was able to slip past the secondary to get down field. He’s swift, fast, and a reliable target.

If utilized more effectively in 2009, Keller has the potential to become the centerpiece of the offensive passing game.

Angel Navedo is a contributing writer to  the Examiner for the New York Jets. He can be reached here, or you can follow him on Twitter.

There were no pads on and no one was knocked around, but everyone on the New York Jets’ offense was immediately dazzled by the defense Rex Ryan installed.

The Mad Scientist has officially arrived, bringing with him with his personal brand of organized chaos. And his new defensive players appear to be basking in all of it’s glory.

Running 11-on-11 drills, the Jets’ quarterbacks struggled to identify the looks the defense gave them, throwing errant passes, and failing to grasp who’s doing what at any given time.

The playbook Ryan brings is the most significant change for the team. He was hired for his knowledge of the 3-4 defense, allowing the Jets to maintain expensive personnel they’ve acquired over the last three years.

But limiting Ryan’s defense to the 3-4 label would be criminally negligent at this juncture.

Imagining the Jets taking the field with a 4-4 defensive front isn’t too far-fetched. And although the 46 defense was eventually countered by the West Coast offense, can anyone doubt Ryan’s desire to bring his father’s defense back from time to time?

“As far as trying to figure out a defense, I’ve never seen anything like it since I’ve been in the league,” said right tackle Damien Woody, an 11-year veteran.

“They do such a good job of disguising what they’re trying to do. They have looks that you just don’t see,” added Woody to the New Jersey Star-Ledger.

The principle concern for the defense heading into training camp revolved around how quickly the Jets would pick up the complexities of Ryan’s scheming. With Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard around to aide Jets veterans in the transition, it appears as if the unit is already in midseason form.

If a veteran offense was stunned by the formations alone, fans should only expect even more confusion when the Jets are allowed to hit as hard as they’ve promised.

Seeing a Jets’ defense utilizing multiple fronts is unfamiliar territory for some fans.

There was a brief spell in 2006, after Eric Mangini implemented his base 3-4 alignment, where there would be motion to confuse an offense before the snap. But that creativity eventually took a backseat to a more traditional, line-up and read approach.

What was once a luxury for Jets’ fans now comes standard with Ryan. With the defensive fronts converging on the offense with intricate blitz packages, the secondary has been able to take advantage.

With players like Drew Coleman and Donald Strickland creating turnovers, it makes the possibilities even more exciting for Darrelle Revis and Kerry Rhodes when the season starts.

In Ryan’s defense, every player will be in a position to succeed.

Yes, that means Vernon Gholston, too.

“The biggest thing is that last year at this time I wasn’t here. I was back at Ohio State,” said Gholston. ”Now, you get the chance to go through the defensive installs. You can work on it and work on your technique and the different ins and outs of the defense.

“I didn’t get the chance to do that last year. I think that’s pretty big.”

That’s very big, Vern.

Closing out the practice session with a sack, Gholston received praise from defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.

“You can tell this is important to him. He’s passionate about it,” said Pettine. “I think progression-wise, he’s right where he needs to be.

“I’m confident he’ll be better once we have the pads on.”

Angel Navedo is a contributing writer to  the Examiner for the New York Jets. He can be reached here, or you can follow him on Twitter.

There’s no need to play coy. The NFL offseason is all about the blockbuster transactions that generate the most headlines and pique the casual fan’s interest for longer than a day.

But the power moves aren’t always the most significant ones an organization can make to improve their team.

To know football is to know that games aren’t won by superstars alone.

The new head coach hired in January, the guy who’s overpaid at the start of free agency, and the kid drafted early on that April afternoon won’t define the season by themselves.

Finding the appropriate complements for the things a team does well is what establishes winning traditions. Acquiring the perfect personnel who can appreciate and apply their team’s philosophy on the field makes all the difference.

The Top Five

Oakland Raiders Re-sign KR/CB Justin Miller

At first glance it would appear to be an unimportant move, but the decision to re-sign Justin Miller could be a significant for the Oakland Raiders.

After joining the Raiders halfway through the 2008 season, Miller provided a spark on special teams that was lacking everywhere else on the field. He returned kickoffs for touchdowns and was named Special Teams Player of the Month in December.

Drafted in the second round out of Clemson, Miller never established himself as a true defensive back in his tenure with the New York Jets. But he was never given a real opportunity to develop either.

Miller is aggressive by nature and has elite NFL speed. He’s a fearless runner and never shies away from contact. With that skill set, he could emerge as a quality safety if the Raiders choose to use him outside of special teams.

If not, he’s always good for a 90-yard kick return to get points on the board if the offense stalls.

Cleveland Browns Hire Rob Ryan as Defensive Coordinator

Rumors of Eric Mangini and Rob Ryan teaming up first surfaced during the 2008 offseason, when Lane Kiffin was still coaching in Oakland.

Ryan was expected to be fired in favor of Lane’s father Monte Kiffin. There was supposed to be a deal waiting for Ryan to join the Jets as soon as Oakland made it official.

Then Al Davis interfered, and Mangini’s plan never came to fruition.

Now in Cleveland, Mangini has finally managed to team up with the defensive coordinator he needs to succeed.

Ryan brings the infamous defensive reputation established by his father, Buddy Ryan, to the Browns. His experience as a coordinator should help alleviate the pressure for Mangini, who sometimes seems overwhelmed as he overthinks his strategy.

While the defensive personnel Cleveland acquired throughout the offseason has Mangini’s stamp all over them, it’s going to be Ryan’s scheme that complements the discipline Mangini preaches.

It’s a welcome change for Ryan after spending so many seasons with an undisciplined Raiders team.

Cincinnati Bengals Sign WR Laveranues Coles

When it became clear that the Bengals would be unable to retain T.J. Houshmandzadeh, finding a suitable replacement became critical.

Last season, the Bengals’ passing game shifted from being centered on Chad Ocho Cinco to Houshmandzadeh becoming the primary target. It was important for Cincinnati to find someone who could bring a similar skill set to the offense.

After forcing his way out of New York in pursuit of a long-term commitment, Laveranues Coles found the ideal contract with an offense that could utilize him to perfection.

At 31, Coles’ speed is deceitful. He has a good burst off the line of scrimmage and is quick enough to extend a catch for extra yardage. Most importantly, he’s a fearless receiver who will cross the middle and can hang on to the ball after contact.

No longer a primary receiver, Coles can be the same complement to Ocho Cinco that Houshmandzadeh was. He was good enough with the Jets to command double teams, and he could pose an offensive mismatch while defenders focus on No. 85.

New York Jets Steal CB Lito Sheppard from the Philadelphia Eagles

The free agent pool was noticeably shallow for cornerbacks this offseason. With DeAngelo Hall and Domonique Foxworth setting the bar for exorbitant contracts, New York wasn’t going to overpay for marginal talent like the Redskins and Ravens did.

But the Jets still needed a cornerback to play opposite Darrelle Revis, and Philadelphia happened to be stacked at the position.

Sheppard slid down the depth chart and out of favor with the Eagles after injuries and contract disputes, respectively. The strain on their working relationship made the former All-Pro available to New York for a fifth-round draft choice and a conditional 2010 pick.

But it’s the terms of the deal Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum worked out that make this move so underrated.

Knowing that Sheppard’s history of injuries would be a concern, Tannenbaum protected the Jets in the scenario that Lito doesn’t pan out as expected. He also salvaged the conditional 2010 draft pick with a potential poison pill for the Eagles.

Philadelphia receives a 2010 draft pick if Sheppard is on the field for 85-percent of the snaps. That won’t be difficult if he remains healthy and returns to All-Pro form.

But the second half of that negotiation requires Sheppard to receive a four-year, $27.2M contract extension in March 2010 after the Jets pay out a $10M option bonus.

The conditional 2010 pick is contingent upon both things happening—and if anyone has paid attention to Tannenbaum over the last few seasons, they’d know that he’s more likely to release someone than pay them.

New York Giants Don’t Trade for WR Braylon Edwards

On the rarest of occasions, it’s the move that isn’t made that has the most significant impact.

Refusing to succumb to their obvious desperation at wide receiver, the Giants opted to use their draft picks to fill holes rather than mortgage them on disgruntled Browns receiver Braylon Edwards.

A deal for Edwards was seemingly imminent in the weeks leading up to the draft.

But Big Blue learned their lesson from Plaxico Burress and decided not to pull the trigger on another diva receiver.

When at the top of his game, Edwards is undoubtedly among the best in the NFL. A receiver who caught 16 touchdowns in one season should always be worth a gamble.

Unfortunately, every time the ball is thrown his way, it’s a gamble.

After leading the NFL in drops in 2008, taking a risk on a receiver who’s demanding a new contract would be counterproductive to the Super Bowl-winning chemistry the Giants hope to reestablish for Eli Manning.

Ultimately, the Giants were able to use their draft picks on players they could develop internally. Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden were selected to be long-term solutions, not immediate band-aids.

By not trading for Edwards, the Giants avoid a severe case of the Drop Flu and won’t have to deal with headaches from a player whose mind wouldn’t be focused on football.

Who’s interested in a player who asks his opponents about modeling opportunities in the middle of a game, anyway?

Honorable Mentions

Dallas Cowboys sign DE Igor Olshansky

Jerry Jones was given a lot of credit this offseason for stepping away from the headline-grabbing players. He severed ties with Pacman and lost $9M to not play with Terrell Owens. Signing Igor Olshansky stood as a testament to his commitment to bring pure football back to Dallas.

New Orleans Saints sign Darren Sharper

The Saints’ search for quality defensive backs continues. Signing Sharper isn’t the answer to all their prayers, but he brings his reputation and leadership skills to a secondary that’s lacked guidance for years.

Carolina Panthers re-sign Jordan Gross

When you have one of the best rush attacks in the NFL, you don’t play games with the men who open holes for them. Jordan Gross has done everything the Panthers asked of him since being drafted, and he has done it well. Sure, Julius Peppers’ whining made the decision to extend Gross’ contract easier. But Gross deserved it on his own merit too.

Angel Navedo is a contributing writer to  the Examiner for the New York Jets. He can be reached here, or you can follow him on Twitter.