2011 New York Jets NFL Draft Needs
The New York Jets are on the clock with the 30th overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft. Let’s take a look at their biggest needs and how those needs might be addressed in the draft.
1. Defensive Tackle: Injuries to Kris Jenkins have hurt the New York defensive front the last two seasons, which opens the door for the Jets to grab his eventual replacement. It may be hard for New York to pass up a big defensive tackle like Baylor’s Phil Taylor. You just don’t find many nose tackles at his size (330-plus pounds) that can move the way he does. He has the potential to be the next anchor up front in the Jets’ 3-4 scheme. If New York decides to go in another direction, a player like Hampton’s Kenrick Ellis (6-foot-5, 346 pounds) may be worth a gamble in the third round.
2. Defensive End/Outside Linebacker: Rex Ryan likes to blitz but the Jets had to rely on the blitz too often at times to generate a pass rush in 2010. It is a luxury to be able to play your base defense because you know you have the guys who can put some heat on the quarterback. The Jets want to have that luxury. With Shaun Ellis entering free agency and Jason Taylor entering his 15th season, the Jets may want to think about adding a pass rusher. If they decide to target one with the 30th overall pick, they’ll likely take the best available outside linebacker or defensive end. At this stage of the game, Ohio State’s Cameron Heyward could be an option. Heyward has a nice pass-rushing skill set and also plays the run well. UCLA’s Akeem Ayers and Georgia’s Justin Houston may be other available options here.
3. Wide Receiver: Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards are both free agents and it may be asking too much for New York to pay both of them top dollar, which means one may not be back. It also means New York is in the market for a wide receiver. I can’t see New York reaching to fill this need in round one with a player like Kentucky’s Randall Cobb so it will most likely target players like Troy’s Jerrel Jernigan and North Carolina’s Greg Little in the third round.
4. Defensive Backfield: Offensive line may be a bigger need area, but coach Ryan loves the defensive side of the football and enjoys having one of the best secondaries in the NFL. He couldn’t resist taking Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson in the first round last year when there were larger needs and may not be able to pass up UCLA safety Rahim Moore this time around. Moore is the top safety in the class and is great when turned loose in blitz packages. He seems to fit the mold of the type of players Ryan likes.
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