NY Jets On the Clock: I Believe in Vernon Gholston (and Not Wasting Picks)

Noel Purcell by Correspondent Written on January 29, 2009
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Who's with me!?

Nobody?

Oh, that's depressing.

Oh well...It's that time of year, when we are a few days away from the big game. When my final realization that "No, all other 31 teams have NOT been laundering money and do NOT have to forfeit the season, and the Jets do NOT win the Super Bowl by default."

When I realize that Gang Green is looking towards next year. Well, so am I. I'm thinking '09-'10. And that starts with the NFL Draft. Last year, the Jets used their first-round pick on an inexperienced, uber-talented linebacker from Ohio State by the name of Vernon Gholston. Well, Vernon didn't so so well in mini-camp.

Or training camp.

Or the preseason.

Well, after that, the "Manginious" decided Gholston wouldn't see the field for the majority of the season. He has been declared a bust and is now an afterthought. But, if the Jets can get him on the field (not necessarily starting, but at least some consistent playing time) somewhat consistently, not the sporadic playing time he had last year, then maybe he can shake the label.

I just hope they pick a true need this year. As of now, here are my first three rounds

First Round-17th Overall

Percy Harvin-RB/WR-Florida

Harvin is an explosive presence, something the Jets need. He can be a receiver to go alongside Cotchery, and Coles is getting no younger. He can catch passes out of the backfield and be an effective runner. He is a threat on returns as well. Think of him as a rich man's Leon Washington, something every Jet fan should salivate at.

 

Second Round-53rd Overall

Darius Butler-CB-UConn

The Jets need another corner, that much is certain. Revis is evolving into one of the best corners in the league. I see a lot of promise in Dwight Lowery, but he is not ready and is still very much raw. Butler is more polished and could start day one.

 

Third Round-76th Overall

Asher Allen-CB-Georgia

I know, I already named a corner. But the thing is, Allen could play more than just corner. Aside from being a solid coverage corner (2 Interceptions v Hawai'i in Sugar Bowl last season), a good hitter (11 Tackles at Alabama) and an explosive return man (82 Yard Kickoff Return TD v Kentucky), he is tough.

He won the "True Grit Award" at the end of Georgia spring practice. Also, he was a quarter-finalist for the Lott Award.

 

Honorable Mentions-Other Possible Choices

First Round-James Laurinitas, Rey Maulaluga, Mark Sanchez

Second Round-Mike Mickens, Michael Hamlin

Third Round-Brian Robiskie, Jairus Byrd, Nate Davis

Vote Now! - Author Poll

With the 17th pick in the 2009 NFL, the New York Jets Select:

  • Percy Harvin WR Florida
  • James Laurinitas LB Ohio State
  • Rey Maulaluga LB USC
  • Brian Cushing LB USC
  • Mark Sanchez QB USC
  • Jeremy Maclin WR Mizzou
  • Trade It away
  • Trade Up
  • Trade Down
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

With the 17th pick in the 2009 NFL, the New York Jets Select:

  • Percy Harvin WR Florida

    30.2%
  • James Laurinitas LB Ohio State

    11.6%
  • Rey Maulaluga LB USC

    2.3%
  • Brian Cushing LB USC

    2.3%
  • Mark Sanchez QB USC

    18.6%
  • Jeremy Maclin WR Mizzou

    11.6%
  • Trade It away

    7.0%
  • Trade Up

    4.7%
  • Trade Down

    11.6%
  • Total votes: 43
(0)
...
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written on January 29, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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