2012 NFL Mock Draft: Mock Draft Round Up New York Jets
2012 N.F.L. mock drafts are now running rampant across the internet. Everyone has an opinion on what a team should do, often though it molds into one big consensus opinion. One of the teams that I think is in the most interesting position this year in terms of the slot they are drafting and what their needs are is the New York Jets. It could be argued that the Jets need two offensive linemen, two safeties, an inside linebacker, a WR, a better running back.
Matt Miller of New Era Scouting and Bleacher Report
The pick: Melvin Ingram, Outside Linebacker, South Carolina
The Explanation: With needs at right tackle, wide receiver, running back, defensive end, outside linebacker, inside linebacker and safety, (wow talk about being on the same wave length) the New York Jets could go in any number of directions in the first round. The clear and present need is at outside linebacker. Melvin Ingram is the best of the available players and the only one who could step in and make a major impact in the AFC East from day one.
Ingram closed out a fantastic senior season with a solid showing at the Senior Bowl. He proved there that he has the strength to play in-line at defensive end and the speed to stand up at outside linebacker. The Jets would ideally use him to crash the edge as a weakside linebacker, coming off the hip pocket of 2011 first-rounder Muhammad Wilkerson at defensive end.
New York has many needs, though, and should be considered as a potential team to trade down and pick up extra selections in the middle rounds of the draft.
The Selection: David DeCastro, G, Stanford Cardinal
The Explanation:
Adding former head coach Tony Sparano to the staff as new offensive coordinator ensures that the New York Jets will continue to focus on running the football consistently in 2012. To improve their ground game, I believe that shoring up the left guard position would be ideal, as there is room for improvement over Matt Slauson. David DeCastro is currently graded as one of the top offensive guard prospects to enter the league in the last five years. A mauler who paves holes in the run game, DeCastro would be a terrific addition to an offensive line that could use his help. David is one of the safest picks in this year’s draft.
Selection: Michael Floyd, WR, Norte Dame
With reports that the Jets locker room was in complete turmoil late last season, expect some significant roster moves this offseason. Rex Ryan is putting his neck out for Mark Sanchez and it is likely that the team will put an emphasis on finding starting talent at running back, wide receiver, and offensive tackle. Michael Floyd is a tremendous talent with bona fide #1 potential. Though he comes with some character red flags, New York may be willing to set aside their concerns if they must replace both Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress.
The Pick: Mark Barron, S, Alabama
The Explanation: The Jets have a star-studded secondary with Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Jim Leonhard but there is a weak link and his name is Eric Smith. After a disappointing year in which his flaws were exposed, don’t be surprised if Rex Ryan opts to replace Smith in the offseason. Alabama’s Mark Barron is this year’s top safety prospect by a considerable margin and while he wouldn’t necessarily be a perfect fit alongside Leonard the two could certainly coexist. Not only does Barron possess an excellent blend of size and speed but his footbal intangibles also stand out. Barron is at his best in the box but he is also very instinctive and has flashed some playmaking ability in coverage, a la LaRon Landry. The right side of the offensive line is a problem area as well so if they aren’t confident that Vladimir Ducasse will finally emerge that could be an option. The Jets could also be in the market for a pass rushing outside linebacker, although the surprising resurrection of Aaron Maybin’s career may mitigate that need. Don’t rule out a wide receiver either since Plaxico Burress is past his prime and Santonio Holmes’ future with the franchise is now in question.
Mockingthedraft.com Matthew Fairburn
The selection: Melvin Ingram, OLB, South Carolina
Explanation: Rex Ryan would love to improve his pass rush this offseason after the Jets got disappointing seasons from their rush linebackers. Melvin Ingram could end up going higher than this on draft day and fits best into a 3-4 scheme.
At N.F.L. com they have four mocks without explanations the picks are:
David Decastro, G, Stanford, Melvin Ingram, OLB, South Carolina, Mark Barron, S, Alabama, and Nick Perry, USC
What do you think Jets’ fans? Who is your ideal pick. Taking a look across the web at nine mock drafts we can see there were four picks for pass rushers, two picks for interior OL David DeCastro, two for S Mark Barron, and one for WR Michael Floyd. The thing is I think all picks have validity, and I wouldn’t rule out players like Dont’a Hightower the Crimson Tide linebacker, Mike Adams the RT (for the Jets) out of Ohio State, or Cordy Gleen the G/RT out of Georgia.