As a young boy growing up in Tappahannock, Stacy Tutt watched his beloved Washington Redskins rock RFK Stadium on Sundays and dreamed of pursuing a career in the NFL.

Thanks to the New York Jets, the former Essex High School and University of Richmond quarterback is one step closer to making that dream a reality.

Tutt, who wasn't selected in last weekend's NFL draft, signed a free-agent contract with the Jets yesterday afternoon. He'll report to the Jets' first minicamp Friday and remain in the New York area while participating in the team's offseason conditioning program.

"It would've been nice to get drafted, but at the same time if you go undrafted you pretty much get to choose a situation that's good for you," Tutt said yesterday. "I think the Jets are a good fit."

Tutt amassed 3,047 yards of total offense and accounted for 28 touchdowns during his senior season at Richmond, leading the Spiders to the Division I-AA quarterfinals. But while he had the size--he's 6-foot-2 and weighs 235 pounds--and speed (4.4 in the 40-yard dash) to impress pro scouts, few projected him as a quarterback on the next level.

Six NFL teams--the Giants, Saints, Patriots, Bills, Panthers and Eagles--sent representatives to Richmond to watch Tutt work out.

Only one, the Jets, took the next step and invited Tutt to visit their Hempstead, N.Y., headquarters. He met with new head coach Eric Mangini and his staff, and immediately felt a high level of mutual interest.

There was only one catch: The Jets envisioned Tutt wreaking havoc on opposing defenses as an H-back, a hybrid position that incorporates responsibilities of the tight end and fullback.

Tutt has never played tight end or fullback on any level, but he wasn't about to let that fact stand between himself and a shot at the NFL.

"There are a lot of things I have to learn and get comfortable with, but I know enough going in so I won't be overwhelmed," he said. "Being a quarterback you have to know what everyone does. I think just being in this system with Coach [Dave] Clawson for the last couple years will definitely help me a lot in the future."

Tutt leaves Richmond as one of the most explosive offensive players in school history. His 6,872 yards of total offense rank him second all-time. He finished his career with 5,318 passing yards--good for third--while his 160 points are fourth on the Spiders' career list.

"I am extremely happy for Stacy," Clawson said. "He has worked extremely hard the past couple of years to get an opportunity like this. It is a great compliment to how hard he has worked. The entire Richmond football family is extremely happy for him and the opportunity he is getting."

1 - D'Brickashaw Ferguson, T, Virginia (6-6, 305); 1 - Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State (6-4, 300); 2 - Kellen Clemens, QB, Oregon (6-2, 219); 3 - Anthony Schlegel, ILB, Ohio State (6-0, 250); 3 - Eric Smith, SS, Michigan State (6-1, 209); 4 - Brad Smith, WR, Missouri (6-2, 213); 4 - Leon Washington, RB, Florida State (5-8, 201); 5 - Jason Pociask, TE, Wisconsin (6-3, 266); 6 - Drew Coleman, CB, Texas Christian (5-9, 173); 7 - Titus Adams, DT, Nebraska (6-3, 306)

Analysis: The Jets made two great picks in the first round, adding two immediate starters in Ferguson and Mangold. Whether one should consider Clemens a reach or a steal is a matter of perspective, since the QB was injured for much of 2005 but probably has a better upside than other first-day QBs like Charlie Whitehurst or Brodie Croyle. The two third-round picks, Schlegel and Eric Smith, were reaches and will have to develop. Brad Smith is an intriguing talent but the converted quarterback will be something of a project. Washington could help as a return specialist, and Pociask should have an opportunity to see the field early for a team that lacks a great tight end. The most significant need that went unfilled for the Jets was at defensive end or outside linebacker, where the team figures to have major trouble putting pressure on the QB following the departure of John Abraham.

Bottom Line: Didn't fill all of their needs by a long shot, but the two first- round o-linemen should at least ensure that the offense runs at a higher level.

The Jets announced late this afternoon that have signed unrestricted defensive lineman Monsanto Pope from the Denver Broncos.

 

Pope (6'3"-300), 27, was originally a 7th round pick of Denver in 2002 out of Virgina and is expected to add depth to the Jets defensive line. The move move means that veteran DT James Reed, who is an UFA will likely not be re-signed.

 

“Monsanto adds depth to our defensive line and will allow us to be more competitive at that position,” said Head Coach Eric Mangini in a released statement from the team. “He has a team-first mentality and has valuable experience on winning teams."

 

Jets Get Compensatory Pick: The NFL announced compensatory picks today with the Jets receiving an extra third round choice from last year's loss of RB Lamont Jordan, T Kareem McKenzie, TE Anthony Becht and DT Jason Ferguson.

 

Under terms of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement, a team losing more or better compensatory free agents than it acquires in a year is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks.

 

Jets Insider.com has learned that the Jets have reached agreement with former Seahawks CB Andre Dyson on a multi-year deal.

ESPN is confirming the signing and is also reporting the contract Dyson signed was a five year deal worth $11.5MM and $3MM in guaranteed money.

 

Dyson will replace the departed Ty Law who the Jets parted ways with earlier this month. The 26 year old 5’10” 183 LB CB is entering his sixth season in the NFL after being a 2nd round choice of the Titans in 2001. After four years in Tennessee, he played last season in Seattle and was released earlier this month in a salary cap move. According to ESPN, both Seattle and Tennessee were attempting to re-sign Dyson.

 

In five seasons, Dyson has played In 72 NFL games and has intercepted 17 passes. He only had one INT for Seattle last season and missed six games with a strained hamstring and a sprained ankle.

The NFL has announced its preseason schedule for the upcoming season. In Week 1 (August 10-14) the New York Jets will travel to Tampa to take on the Buccaneers. Then, in Week 2 (August 17-21) the Gang Green will be on the road again - this time against the Washington Redskins.

In Week 3 (August 24-28) the Jets will play the New York Giants in the annual preseason battle of New York. Finally, in week 4 (August 31 - September 2) the Jets will host the Philadelphia Eagles.

The exact dates of these games will be announced this month.