According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the New York Jets have requested an interview with Ray Farmer, one of the Los Angeles Rams senior personnel executive.
Since clearing house late last year the Jets have cast nets far and wide to find their next head coach and general manager. So far their GM search has included Philadelphia Eagles’ assistant general manager Alec Halaby, Kansas City Chiefs’ assistant general manager Mike Borgonzi, ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, Senior Bowl Director, Jim Nagy, and former Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff.
New York Jets Request Interview With Los Angeles Rams Senior Personnel Executive
Schefter also reported that Farmer, “works closely with Rams GM Les Snead throughout their draft process.”
The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue wrote about Farmer’s role as a part of the Rams six-person ‘over-the-top’ (OTT) scouting team, which “builds profiles and evaluations of the players over multiple years, flying under the radar at games, practices and pro days.” in her excellent work in ‘Finding Rams’: One year behind the scenes of the NFL Draft scouting process, Part I
“From May to July, the scouting staff puts together an initial list of about 200 prospects for OTT scouts to “cross-check” from September through November — about 20 per week — to supplement the work of the area scouts,” Rodrigue wrote. “Other players are added as the process continues.”
Given the Rams recent success in the draft, seeking his expertise shouldn’t come as a surprise, especially since the Jets have retained the data analysis and football think tank, the 33rd Team to aid in this process.
Farmer has been with the team since 2020 and was promoted to his current role in 2021. Prior to joining the he worked as assistant general manager of the Cleveland Browns for three seasons. During his tenure in Cleveland, he oversaw the selection of notable players such as Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio, linebacker Christian Kirksey, defensive back Pierre Desir, defensive lineman Danny Shelton, offensive lineman Cameron Irving, and running back Duke Johnson.
Before his time in Cleveland, Farmer spent seven seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs as the director of pro personnel, following a four-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons as a scout and assistant director of pro personnel.
Farmer was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 1996 NFL Draft and played three seasons as a linebacker before his career was cut short by a knee injury. He appeared in 32 games (16 starts), recording 63 tackles (50 solo), 2.0 sacks, four fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble.
Following his playing career, Farmer returned to his alma mater, Duke University, where he served as an academic coordinator before embarking on his career in NFL front offices.