Lange is editor-in-chief of newyorkjets.com. He covered the Jets for 13 years for The Record of Hackensack, N.J.
File Under: Kris Jenkins, Andre Woolfolk, Butch Daniel Graham
03/05 — A thread that has run through the Jets' acquisitions in the last five days is the player draft pedigrees. Of the five players brought in either as free agents or in trade, only one — DT Kris Jenkins — was not a first-rounder. He went in the second round of the 2001 draft to Carolina.
No. 5 was added Tuesday, and it's not a player who has been on media and fan radar screens.
CB Andre Woolfolk is the newest member of the Green & White.
Why do we know Andre? And why have we forgotten him? We know Woolfolk because he was Tennessee's first-round pick, 28th overall, in the 2003 draft. He came out of Oklahoma with fine size (6'2", 197) and speed (4.45 in the 40), but injuries over the years limited him to 39 games, 11 starts and three interceptions from 2003-06.
On the second question, Woolfolk was out of the NFL last season after the Titans released him from their IR in August. So he's not an unrestricted free agent.
As for some background, Woolfolk is one interesting guy. His Titans media guide bio reads like a feature story. For instance:
● Woolfolk’s wife, Jaime, played center field for the Sooners' softball team. The two first met in the OU weightroom in 1998. In March 2003 they were married on a yacht in Newport Beach, Calif., honeymooned on Bora Bora, then returned stateside in time for Andre to be drafted by the Titans.
● Woolfolk is an avid golfer who shoots in the high 70s to the mid 80s. He scored his first hole-in-one on St. Patrick's Day 2005, which was also Jaime's birthday. His wife routinely beats him on the golfcourse with rounds in the mid-70s.
● An artist since he was a kid, he has built his portfolio and aspires after his football career to develop his own comic strip. (Sound familiar, Darian Barnes fans?)
● He was a teammate of Denver TE Daniel Graham (another first-round pick, by New England) at Thomas Jefferson High in Denver.
● And for all of you who wondered if Andre is somehow related to another Woolfolk, former Giants RB Butch, he is. He and Butch are cousins.
I was familiar with Butch from his sensational career at Westfield HS in New Jersey, then at Michigan. He got the Woolfolk family's first first-round selection when the Giants took him 18th overall in 1982.
Butch's seven-year NFL career with the Giants, Oilers and Lions was underwhelming, but he was a nice guy and I even remember reaching out and touching him — literally.
The occasion was a Giants game after he retired and was in the Meadowlands pressbox. We said hello and got to talking. He told me about a rib injury that he suffered along the way that had left a reminder with him. I certainly believed him but he said, "Feel this here." Not in the habit of fondling athletes' ribcages, I was a little hesitant, but he took my hand and put it over his rib, which seemed to not be in the right place and made an angle that I had never known ribs to have.
It is hoped Andre doesn't need a similar laying on of hands some 20 years later. Here's to good football health for the latest Woolfolk of my acquaintance, and to the hope that he can delay that comic strip ambition for another couple of years.
Here is a chart showing the draft status of the five newest Jets:
| Player | Draft Team | Year | Round | Overall |
| G Alan Faneca | Pittsburgh | 1998 | 1st | 26th |
| OL Damien Woody | New England | 1999 | 1st | 17th |
| DT Kris Jenkins | Carolina | 2001 | 2nd | 44th |
| LB Calvin Pace | Arizona | 2003 | 1st | 18th |
| CB Andre Woolfolk | Tennessee | 2003 | 1st | 26th |
Fans Respond
Here's your chance to tell Randy what you think! Add a Comment | Hide All Show All (38)Hogan Said:
Wed, March 5, 2008 - 10:20am EDT"I said it before I'll say it again. Woolfolk and Hawkins give us some much needed depth to the roster. Keep it up boys 08 is our year!!!!!"
Drew Said:
Wed, March 5, 2008 - 10:31am EDT"Just stockpiling players. This mean very little to our roster. Who knows maybe we catch lighting in a bottle with one of these guys. They ar certainly rested..... Any word on our boy D-Rob??"
houston good Said:
Wed, March 5, 2008 - 11:03am EDT"I can see the vision Mangini has and it looks good on paper.I'm always rooting for my new york jets any how.I wish the players and coaches the best always.Go green go."
JOHNNYJET Said:
Wed, March 5, 2008 - 11:12am EDT"RANDY- I HOPE ANDRE WILL HELP US AND NOT HURT US!! WE NEED SOME MORE QUALITY CORNERS! HOW ABOUT EUGENE WILSON? DID HE SIGN YET?"
Chrissy poo Said:
Wed, March 5, 2008 - 12:02pm EDT"he sure as heck cant hurt us and just imagine thomas jones and leon washington piling up for 3,000 yards overall and pennington an clemens putting up 131 and on d we get a sack every game or every quarter even and imagine we intercept passes and score td's i mean this is the first free agent time where we have ever actaully improved oursleves"
Braeden Said:
Wed, March 5, 2008 - 12:43pm EDT"This is a good signing, it adds major depth to the roster. I still think we need a major corner like lito sheppard. I think we should still draft Gholston. I wouldnt disagree with trading down but i would rather have gholston if hes available. I think we should try to get Mario Manningham, he'll be a great wr for us. Go JETS!!!!!!!!!!"
jasper Said:
Wed, March 5, 2008 - 2:06pm EDT"I really like this signing. I believe we have enough depth in the cb position. I am really craving McFadden though. If he is available we should definitely draft him. Regardless I am looking for a great season. LETS GO JETSSS!!!!"
Troy Said:
Wed, March 5, 2008 - 3:09pm EDT"I think the jets have really done an excellent job in the free agent market this year, and it's only been 5 days and there is still time left, can't wait to see what other players come our way."
Alan Said:
Wed, March 5, 2008 - 3:37pm EDT"This is a good signing i think hes ready to make his stamp on nfl history and i hope nobody forgot about Justin Miller either i think Justin is gonna be a good corner comeing off that injury and pls stop with the Mcfadden stuff Jets dont need him especially if they sign Chatman anytime sooon most likely theyre gonna get Dorsey or Gholston or safety is Eugene doesnt sign"
shawn Said:
Wed, March 5, 2008 - 3:42pm EDT"we need a good WR and a young major corner "
liam Said:
Wed, March 5, 2008 - 4:12pm EDT"lets hope jerry jones and the cowboys dont trade with miami to get the #1 pick then mcfadden will be gone if the trade doesnt happen mcfadden will be ours bad idea drafting a cornerback (darrelle revis?) i dont think gholston will be that good tho"
Luciano Said:
Wed, March 5, 2008 - 4:43pm EDT"Now living 15 minutes from U of Arkansas, I must say this, if we can get McFadden, WOW! He is the real deal, the kid can absolutely fly. He would be the game breaker we have lacked. Great moves so far, GO JETS!!!"
scjoe Said:
Wed, March 5, 2008 - 5:31pm EDT"I don't know what his dollar amount would be, but with his size and speed he could turn out to be a real find. Randy, any news on the Chatem (rb from Miami) visit today, or was that canceled? I think that too would be a great signing."
Randy Lange Said:
"I have nothing to report, scjoe, on Jesse Chatman and the Jets."
major Said:
Wed, March 5, 2008 - 7:40pm EDT"OK who is Woolfolk? when he actually was not injured was he a good corner? Great Corner, or overrated 1st rounder. I really like the aquisitions but lets not forget to throw some of that money at our vets (Kerry Rhodes) so that we can lock the future. Last word on Coles. You have 2 years left on your contract with Millions guarenteed. Prove u r worth it this year and u will get yours next year."
Wayne Said:
Wed, March 5, 2008 - 7:46pm EDT"Randy, alot of great signings. Like what we've done so far! Woody is finally opening his wallet and trying to build a great team. Still need a receiver to stretch the field to go with JC & LC. Draft Gohlston. Never have too much D. Randy, What's you opinion, Will Andre be a shut down corner? Keep up the great work Randy! "
Kevin Said:
Wed, March 5, 2008 - 11:34pm EDT"Randy if we can't sign Wilson from the patriots at Safety what do you think of trading to get Ethan Kilmer from the Bengals he can play either S or WR and is very good on special teams"
John from Europe Said:
Thu, March 6, 2008 - 2:35am EDT"Well now all Jets fans have to be praying for two things: 1. Someone trades for DRob and we get rid of that ugly contract 2. Someone trades up for #6 in April and we can address CB, WR, and some young depth on the OL. "
Ray Said:
Thu, March 6, 2008 - 2:51am EDT"Liam I am not sure I am reading you right, are you implying Revis was a bad draft pick?!! Our poor pass defense was a direct reflection of how poor our pass rush was. Revis actually showed signs of being the cornerstone of our pass D for years to come. If our D Line is improved as much as it appears it may be, watch how much better our pass D is this year."
Ray Said:
Thu, March 6, 2008 - 2:57am EDT"Great point about the vets major, I have been waiting to see them start to work on extentions of these guys. When we played NE the second time, Belichek wouldn't say anything to Mangini, but I happened to catch a shot of him having a lengthy chat with Rhodes, and that made me sick. If the Jets mess around I guarantee the Pats will make a serious run at him and we don't want to lose him."
Die hard fan Said:
Thu, March 6, 2008 - 9:19am EDT"Lets be honest, Tom Brady couldn't be a good quarterback with the way our O-line played last year! Chad will have protection along with a running game that will open up the playaction fake. Our defense improved a heck of alot. We will be a contender this year, bet ont that!"
razmataz Said:
Thu, March 6, 2008 - 9:26am EDT"USA today rates us as LOSERS in FA market. We have overpaid, no question, but we insiders know OUR team needs. Now we need some extras( blocking back, special teamer) then comes the draft, and all optuions should be open. Gholston/Mcfadden we'll see, STRONG cases for both, and anyone who is ENTRENCHED on one vs the other is way off base, both are tantalizing, we NEED a bigtime playmaker on O."
Russell Said:
Thu, March 6, 2008 - 10:22am EDT"Enough already about the veteran players on the Jets before the free agency period began. Those players were responsible for a 4-12 record. Shut up and play. I would like the Jets to trade WR Coles and DT Robertson for draft picks. Next guy to get signed to a long term deal is DB Rhodes. Isn't Baker's contract up after the 2010 season? After 2008 season, say goodbye to LB Barton. "
mloria Said:
Thu, March 6, 2008 - 10:32am EDT"Just read that we signed Tony Richardson to a 1 year contract. Our running game is going to be nasty next year, be it Jones or McFadden(I hope Jones)!"
JOHNNYJET Said:
Thu, March 6, 2008 - 10:33am EDT"HEY RANDY- I JUST SAW THE JETS SIGNED FULLBACK TONY RICHARDSON FROM THE VIKINGS IS THAT TRUE? AND ANY OTHER SIGNINGS YET TO COME? EUGENE WILSON ETC?"
dorian lopez Said:
Thu, March 6, 2008 - 10:33am EDT"I'm still not sure about letting Vilma go. There should have been enough room in the starting 11 for both Vilma and Harris to have played LB. Now we need at least 2 receivers to complement Coles and Cotchery, a RB to complement Jones, and a future QB that will be content to wait in the wings for a year or two."
Mike Said:
Thu, March 6, 2008 - 2:03pm EDT"I guess everyone keeps forgetting how good Leon Washington can be. He has not been given the opportunities in the run game that he should have. Why draft McFadden? Not sensable to toss Leon off to the side. Give him more carries."
Harrison Said:
Thu, March 6, 2008 - 2:14pm EDT"I could see the jets trading Robertson and their pick to move up in the draft to get McFadden. Or if not that, drafting Gholston to line up on the opposite side of Ellis, especially since there is an abundance of defensive Vets, there's no rush for Gholston"
Scott Said:
Thu, March 6, 2008 - 4:18pm EDT"I like this move. He's a guy that has a lot of upside, but not much is expected out of him. If he stays healthy he can be great. As for the draft a very good possibility is if McFadden falls to us, the Cowboys will be willing to give up both of their 1st rounder's and a 1st next year. Then we can take Rodgers-Cromarte and maybe Groves or a OLB/DE and have an extra 1 next year. I would love that mo"
Different Harrison Said:
Thu, March 6, 2008 - 4:20pm EDT"Ok guys listen up. Statistically, the Jets are a great team. They have two great wide receivers and some young ones who could become something, two great running backs, a quarterback with a great arm and quick feet (needs to work on his accuracy and decision making, both of Chad's strong points), and a smart defense. Why have we been so bad? I'll tell you why."
Danny Said:
Fri, March 7, 2008 - 8:47pm EDT"I am so happy withall the moves so far, i still think we still need a receiver to strech the defenses. what about the receiver from Michigan, we can trade down a little pick up m ore picks and still get him."
frank risoli Said:
Sat, March 8, 2008 - 1:41pm EDT"i've been a jets fan since 1967, still have banner from 1967. i'm very optimistic about the free agents the JETS have picked up, now a good draft, and we could have a pretty good year. stay healthy, and play good football. i'll be a JETS fan for life, and i live in ft lauderdale fl. sorry to see parsells in miami. GO JETS. F RISOLI"
Jerry Cabbon Said:
Sun, March 9, 2008 - 4:54pm EDT"The Picks are of alot of money spent. Why couldn't we give pete kendall the extra million, he is better than Woody. We have a horrible quarterback situation. Our coach is infatuated with himself and his system. The new guys said they are excited about Mangini's plans . I think they are more excited about Woody Johnsons money. Mangini should be on a one year leash!!!"
Chris Said:
Tue, March 11, 2008 - 1:27pm EDT"I like there moitve, but whats with picking up guys that havent played for a season or who were injured constantly? "
shane Said:
Sat, March 15, 2008 - 11:59pm EDT"i like what the jets are doin,mangini has a great mind and good skeems,i would love to see matt ryan frm boston come qb for the jets,we would go very far!!!"
Steve Said:
Mon, March 17, 2008 - 6:25pm EDT"Let's get Brad Smith more involved. Good receiver and yards after the catch but he needs to throw once in awhile. Defense knows it's an end around or direct snap. Does anyone remember Lamont Jordan and his several touch down passes and he wasn't a QB. Let the kid throw if you really want the D of balance."
Morris Felders Said:
Mon, March 17, 2008 - 6:44pm EDT"This is a better move for the Jets than most people think. Andre is a good player that was hampered by injuries and playing for a team dessimated by free agency. While they were healthy and still loaded Andre shined. He took a lot of heat during their thin years. His first two seasons with the Titans he was 2nd in tackles behind Bulluck until game 10 (when e got hurt). Healthy a + for the Jets"
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JOHNNYJET Said:
Wed, March 5, 2008 - 10:10am EDT"HEY RANDY I HOPE ANDRE IS A GOOD FIT FOR THE JETS!! ANY OTHER NEWS ON OTHER ATHLETES SIGNING WITH US?"
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