2011 NFL Mock Draft: New York Jets

The Jets now have the bittersweet taste of the N.F.L. playoffs for two conescutive years under the green (see what I did there?) Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan.

Even though they have been wildly successful the past two seasons, it does not mean they do not have needs. Let’s take a look at the Jets needs before we get to their team mock draft.

Rush OLB

This is clearly the Jets Biggest need and the biggest thing from keeping the Jets from becoming a dominating defense. At the end of the game when teams spread out the Jets to get down the field quickly they can move the ball (and that’s good and bad offesnes) because the Jets can’t disrupt the rhythem of the quarterback. The Jets can cover very well and are good against the run, but they really could use a pass rushers or two, Vernon Gholston didn’t become that player and Jason Taylor was also not that player, excpect the Jets to put resources into finding that player this year.

Nose Tackle/DL

The Jets have done well without Kris Jenkins for the last two seasons, but they don’t have a franchise Nose tackle and they could really use one moving forward who they can count on each and every year. Finding a Defensive linemen to not only take up space, but also create pressure would be a huge plus for the Jets.

Wide Receivers

Santoino Holmes and Braylon Edwars are free agents, as is Brad Smith so the Jets need to figure out who to keep and who to let go. Unless they keep all three of the above mentioned players they will need both depth and another starter (Jerricho Cotchery could be the other starter).

Offensive Tackle

Damien Woody has been released and the Jets are now without a starting RT unless they believe he is already on the roster (Ducasse, maybe? Wayne Hunter?). With the number of good, solid OT in this class this becomes more of a possibitity in the first round. I think if it’s not a Rush LB it’s an offesnive tackle in the first round.

Safety Depth

There was a noticeable drop off at the safety position last year when Jim Lehonard was injured towards the end of the year. They also missed Kerry Rhodes presence at times, though they may not have missed him personally. An upgrade at starter and depth are possibilities for the Jets.

I’m going to use National Football Posts big board as a way to create some sort of artificial value. I will generally make picks after the big board value (IE with the 30th pick pick a player who is 30 or higher on the big board).

1st Round pick 30th overall Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

I think ideally the Jets would like a player like Martez Wilson, Akeem Ayers, or Justin Houston would fall to them at 30th overall, but I don’t know if any of those players will so in this scenario they turn to the offensive line. Carimi has never lacked an ability to run block and the Jets only needing a RT for the future and not a LT love what Carimi will bring to their team as a tough physical blocker who should fit right in with the Jets. Also, at the combine Carimi made it be known who he thinks the best tackle is so he might fit in with the Jets locker room as well. Even though Castanzo is the tackler after 30th (33 and Carimi is before that 21st in the draft I think Castanzo won’t make it past the Colts, but Carimi might be available because he’s not a LT for most teams).

3rd Round Pick 94th overall Dontay Moch, OLB, Neavada (112th on big board)

Moch, as expected, looked super athletic at the combine (because he is super athletic). His best position is suited as OLB and I’m using NFP Big Board as a way to create superificial value of players and right now Moch is ranked 111th on their big board, so perhaps he is available when the Jets select in the third round and if they aren’t able to find a Rush LB in the first round or free agency they will address that need here with their second pick. (They lost their second round pick in the Cromartie trade).

4th Round pick 126th overall Jerrell Powe, DT, Ole Miss (130th on big board)

Again a player that might be gone before this pick (and probably will be for sure), but I’m using NFP big board to try and create as an impartial round value. Powe is older than most prospects and has the dreaded character concern label which is why he’s available here, but the Jets don’t care about either of those things and will grab him in a heartbeat in the 4th round if he’s available to fill a void along their defensive line.

5th Round Pick 158th Overall Greg Salas, WR, Hawaii

With the first pick (our sister site) tweeted that scouts loved what Salas can bring to the N.F.L. so he might not be available here by the time the draft rolls around, but currently ranked 185th on NFP Big board I thought it was fair to mock him to the Jets right now. Salas was very productive in college 119 receptions, over 1800 yards receiving this year, and 14 touchdowns.

6th Round Pick 190th Overall Joe Lefeged, S, Rutgers

In the 6th round the Jets go with a local safety product who has shown flashes of brilliance at times with Rutgers. Rex Ryan will love his blitz ability and tackling. Ryan will try to mold him into the next Jim Lehonard.

7th Round Pick 197th Overall Wayne Daniels, OLB, T.C.U.

Daniels is a 3-4 Rush linebacker at this level and one of the players with the most upside available in the 7th round and one of the most ready to play players this late in the draft. NFP scouting report here.

Leave your thoughts and what you think of this mock draft or what you think the Jets should do in the draft.

Second round of my 7 round mock draft will be out later today.

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