Tebow won't change Jets' plans for draft

Tebow won't change Jets' plans for draft

William Philpott/AP

Tim Tebow has made a big impact on the Jets' popularity, but he won't change their draft plans, says GM Mike Tannenbaum.

There's little doubt that the Jets will deploy Tim Tebow in myriad ways: quarterback, running back, fullback, H-back and special teams wild card .

However, the Tebow Effect will also spill into the draft next week.

Although GM Mike Tannenbaum admitted Tebows ability to play several roles is a plus, he maintained that the talented third-year players versatility would only be a subtle tie-breaker when deciding which positions to draft.

Obviously, he has some versatility for us, Tannenbaum said at a pre-draft press conference on Thursday. Hes our backup quarterback. Thats how were listing him. Thats how were going to carry him on our roster... He has unique skill sets and athleticism, but in terms of how were looking at our strategy, hes clearly a quarterback for us.

The Jets apparently wont target specific types of players such as a blocking wide receiver to help tailor an offense around Tebows skill sets. Contrary to what left guard Matt Slauson believes, the Jets wont be running two separate offenses for Tebow and Mark Sanchez.

From an offensive standpoint, its important that w ere lining up in one offense. We have one Jet offense, said Jets VP of college scouting Joey Clinkscales. So that being said, we want the best wide receiver available, the best offensive guard available, the best tight end available. So, were not going to specifically draft a guy or not draft a guy because of what (Tebow) might do, especially if hes the backup.

Tannenbaum admitted that he would definitely not rule out drafting another quarterback despite having Sanchez, Tebow and Greg McElroy. Although the GM praised second-year running back Bilal Powells ability as a between-the-tackles runner, he didnt shut the door on adding another running back to bolster Gang Greens power running game that is expected to be the centerpiece of Tony Sparanos offense.

BRAYLON, PART II?
The News first reported in February that the Jets expressed interest in bringing back WR Braylon Edwards , who is rehabbing his surgically repaired knee. That interest hasnt waned. Tannenbaum praised Edwards practice habits on Thursday and left the door open for a possible return... Tannenbaum didnt want to discuss the possibility of re-working Darrelle Revis contract. The All-Pro cornerback has two years left on a four-year deal that was re-done in 2010.

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