Jets Mock Draft: Early Predictions for New York

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The New York Jets may been in a tie for first place at this point in the season, but the team is in desperate need of an upgraded roster. 

New York has been decimated by injuries this year, losing both Darrelle Revis and Santonio Holmes to season-ending surgeries. 

Gang Green also has a ton of holes on the roster, even when fully healthy. 

Next year's draft will be one of the most important in recent years, as the team's championship window is in danger of closing if they can not bring in more talent. 

Here are some very early predictions on who Gang Green will be interested in come April. 

Round 1

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With Bart Scott seemingly turning into a liability up the middle, and the team struggling mightily against the run, the ideal first-round selection in next year's draft would be Manti Te'o. 

Te'o has been arguably the best defensive player in college football this season. He has racked up 57 tackles, three interceptions and three pass deflections through the first seven weeks, and helped Notre Dame race out to a 6-0 start. 

The Fighting Irish defense currently ranks second in points allowed in the nation, largely due to Te'o's outstanding play. 

The senior is also an outstanding leader and terrific student. It would be a dream if he fell to the Jets in the middle of the first round. 

Other Possible Selections: Eric Reid (LSU), Robert Woods (USC), Eric Fisher (Central Michigan), Jonathan Jenkins (Georgia) 

Round 2

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Even before Santonio Holmes went down with an injury in Week 4, the Jets wide receiving corps was among one of the worst in the league. 

In next year's draft, the team may choose to upgrade the position group by drafting another young stud to go beside Jeremy Kerley and Stephen Hill. 

That man should be Tavon Austin. 

Austin is having a spectacular year for the Mountineers' explosive offense, as he has racked up an incredible 67 catches, 761 yards and eight touchdowns in just six games.

Austin is a prototypical slot receiver. He is projected for a 4.38 40-time, and he always seems to make plays with the ball in his hands.

The senior reminds me of Percy Harvin, and he could take the league by storm.

Austin would be a dynamic presence in Gang Green's offense for years to come.

Other Possible Selections: Le'Veon Bell (Michigan State), Aaron Murray (Georgia), Robert Lester (Alabama), Oday Aboushi (Virginia)  

Round 3

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The Jets want to "ground-and-pound" on offense, but Shonn Greene does not possess the vision or explosiveness to lead such an offensive strategy. 

Unfortunately, neither do Joe McKnight or Bilal Powell. 

The selection of Montee Ball would not only improve the ground game, but benefit the entire offense. 

Ball is one of the best running backs in college football, as he has rushed for nearly 2,700 yards and 44 touchdowns in the last 20 games. 

Ball has good size (5'11'', 215 pounds) and above-average speed (4.57 40-time), and his vision is top-notch. 

The Wisconsin senior is a major upgrade over Greene, and he would significantly elevate New York's offense from the get-go. 

Other Potential Selections: Sean Porter (Texas A&M), Shayne Skov (Stanford), Bacarri Rambo (Georgia), Alvin Bailey (Arkansas)

Possible Mid-Round Selections (4-5)

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Duke Williams—Safety, Nevada

Denard Robinson—Quarterback, Michigan

Chris Gragg—Tight End, Arkansas

Omoregie Uzzi—Offensive Guard, Georgia Tech

DeVonte Holloman—Outside Linebacker, South Carolina

Sio Moore—Outside Linebacker, Connecticut

Bruce Taylor—Inside Linebacker, Virginia Tech

Daimion Stafford—Safety, Nebraska

Possible Late-Round Selections (6-7)

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Collin Klein—Quarterback, Kansas State

Zach Boren—Fullback, Ohio State

DeVonte Christopher—Wide Receiver, Utah

Lucas Reed—Tight End, New Mexico

Kenny Demens—Inside Linebacker, Michigan

Jake Knott—Outside Linebacker, Iowa State

Mark Jackson—Offensive Tackle, Glenville State