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http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/fo...p-347705c.html

Tannenbaum: Chad's still iffy

By RICH CIMINI
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Jets rookie GM Mike Tannenbaum looked and sounded like a man with a plan, appearing confident and relaxed yesterday as he discussed the upcoming draft and the direction of the team. The one thing he didn't seem too sure about was the status of Chad Pennington, he of the twice-surgically repaired throwing shoulder.

Tannenbaum, commenting on the quarterback's condition for the first time in a month, provided only a vague update, hinting that Pennington won't be at full throwing strength for the first veterans' minicamp. That's not until mid-June. By then, he will be eight months removed from surgery. A year ago, Pennington was throwing on a full-time basis six months after his first operation.

"I'm not sure how much he'll do right now," Tannenbaum said. "Ultimately, that will be something that will have to be worked out between the training staff and Eric (Mangini), with reps and things like that."

Asked if the best-case scenario for Pennington is limited participation in minicamp, Tannenbaum said, "I wouldn't feel comfortable characterizing exactly what he'll be doing."

There are two ways to read this: Pennington, who began light throwing March 1, is proceeding with extreme caution or he's finding the rehab harder the second time around. Tannenbaum did say that Pennington is making "good progress," but he added, "Whether or not he plays is ultimately going to be a coaching decision." Pennington will battle recently acquired Patrick Ramsey in training camp.

Tannenbaum praised Matt Leinart, Vince Young and Jay Cutler, saying they're all going to be successful NFL quarterbacks, but the Jets aren't likely to pick one at No. 4 in next weekend's draft. They're believed to be targeting tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and defensive end Mario Williams, with linebacker A.J. Hawk and tight end Vernon Davis as fallbacks. They may address the quarterback issue in the later rounds.

The GM didn't dismiss the idea of trading up from No. 4, although that seems unlikely. College scouting director Jesse Kaye said the draft "doesn't have as many outstanding prospects" as in recent years, but he believes there's solid depth in the middle rounds - an indication the Jets may try to stockpile picks.