2011 NFL Draft: New York Jets Draft News, Rumors and Speculation
Over the past few weeks I've searched the web to accumulate the top news and rumors surrounding the New York Jets' draft.
We all believe the Jets need to improve their pass rush and it seems that is where they are heading with the No. 30 overall pick.
We've even started a few rumors ourselves, which have caught momentum. As the Jets prepare to make the right selection to make it to a third-straight AFC Championship and get over the hump to the Super Bowl, we've put the spotlight on a few of Gang Green's potential prospects.
To make things easier for our dedicated Jets fans, I've compiled the news and rumors and my predictions over the past three weeks.
As the NFL draft quickly approaches next week, let's take a trip down memory lane at the news, rumors and speculation thus far.
Should New York Jets Save Money and Draft Wide Receiver?
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New York Jets Need to Find Receiver in Draft
Although I would disagree that the Jets need to draft one in the first round, New York does need to find a receiver in this year’s draft class to replace either Braylon Edwards or Santonio Holmes.
Both Edwards and Holmes are free agents, but I expect one of them to make it back to the team for next season. I do disagree that they should re-sign both receivers.
Edwards could walk, but Holmes must be brought back to the team. He is arguably the most clutch wide receiver in the game today and was invaluable come crunch time for the Jets throughout 2010.
The Jets do not have a second-round pick, so they will have to wait all the way until the third-round to be able to take a receiver.
Fellow Bleacher Report analyst Matt Miller suggests that the Jets will draft Troy wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan in the third-round.
“Jernigan is a perfect replacement for free agent Brad Smith. He can play in the slot, is a top-ranked kick returner and has upside as a game-changing ball carrier,” states Miller.
I’ll even go as far as to argue that the Jets should save some money, draft Jernigan and sign Brad Smith back to the team.
Rich Cimini of ESPN New York suggests that Edwards “would stand to make a killing in what would be a watered-down wide-receiver market.”
Jernigan will develop into a fine receiver in this league and although he does not have the leaping ability of Edwards, he does have great playmaking potential.
Edwards never proved to be too valuable for the Jets, unlike Smith, who made several big plays every season in the league.
Smith is far too versatile to let walk, while the Jets can find a playmaker with leaping ability like Edwards’ in the draft or in free agency.
Who knows, maybe the receiver they bring in will have better hands than Edwards…
Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
As always, for all of the best NFL Draft 2011 information for all 32 NFL teams, check out Bleacher Report’s dedicated draft section!
Originally Published Week of March 30
Rex Ryan Must Improve Pass Rush
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New York Jets Need to Create More Pressure
The New York Jets are in a prime position to make it to a third-straight AFC Championship if they can manage to create even more defensive pressure.
As crazy as that sounds considering Rex Ryan’s defensive schemes and relentless onslaught of blitzes, the Jets must get to the opposition’s ball carrier much quicker in 2011.
Although the cream of the crop pass rushers will be gone, the Jets still have a host of great talent to choose from.
Outside pass rushers such as Georgia’s Justin Houston, UCLA’s Akeem Ayers and Arizona’s Brooks Reed could all be options for the Jets, and all three would present a major upgrade over Bryan Thomas and Calvin Pace.
According to Pro Football Focus, Calvin Pace ranked among the five-worst pass rushers in the league.
Wow. How Rex Ryan did not realize this during the season is beyond me. If it were my team, I would have removed him immediately—I don’t care how much he makes.
If I had to guess, both Houston and Ayers will be off the board by the time the Jets pick. Reed will definitely be there for Ryan and his non-stop motor and intensity will fit in perfectly with the Jets.
“Reed was somewhat undervalued coming into the 2001 season because of an ankle injury suffered in '09, but he was fully healthy last season and showed the quick feet, violent hands and relentlessness it takes to succeed as a 3-4 outside linebacker. We've had a second-round grade on Reed since August, and because some feel he is just a notch below current Packers OLB Clay Matthews in terms of overall skills it won't be a surprise if he sneaks into the back end of the first round,” according to ESPN’s Todd McShay.
The Jets have a very good secondary led by Darrelle Revis—imagine how good the unit will be with a pass rusher pressuring the opposing quarterback to make quick decisions and poor throws.
With an improved pass rush from the outside, the Jets defense should lead the league in all statistical categories with their intensity, talent and schemes.
The Jets have major voids to fill on defense left by injuries and free agency. Although they could use another cornerback and a defensive tackle, their inability to create pressure in 2010 off the edge may cause Rex Ryan to mark it up as the No. 1 need heading into the draft next month.
Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
As always, for all of the best NFL Draft 2011 information for all 32 NFL teams, check out Bleacher Report’s dedicated draft section!
Originally Published Week of March 30
Who Will the Jets Draft to Replace Kris Jenkins?
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Nose Tackle New York’s Biggest Need
Rex Ryan’s defense has been near the top of the league the past two seasons. Just imagine if they actually had a dominant nose tackle to take pressure off the rest of the defense.
Kris Jenkins was supposed to be that man but he fell victim to two ACL injuries in each of the past two seasons. He was going to be the destructive force up front to wreak havoc and take the team to the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, that idea was better in theory because Jenkins could not stay healthy.
The Jets have an opportunity to find the next Jenkins in this year’s draft class. Obviously, he is younger, but he is also more athletic, just as big and can be just as destructive.
He goes by the name of Phil Taylor out of Baylor and he resembles his alumn mascot—a bear. Taylor is going to be a mammoth force in the NFL and with Rex Ryan’s guidance, he could become the next great defensive tackle.
ESPN analyst Todd McShay and I both have the Jets nabbing Taylor.
McShay states, “you simply don't find many 330-pounders who can move the way he does. He would make sense as a potential replacement for Kris Jenkins, and getting Taylor here would be a nice fit. The Jets could also use a pass-rusher at outside linebacker, but nose tackles are just harder to find and passing on Taylor would be a very tough call.”
The addition of the Baylor Bear will instantly improve the Jets’ defense from top to bottom. The defensive ends, linebackers and secondary will greatly improve with him on the field. He is the one man in this draft who may just be able to guarantee the Jets getting over the AFC Championship hump and finally making a Super Bowl appearance.
Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
As always, for all of the best NFL Draft 2011 information for all 32 NFL teams, check out Bleacher Report’s dedicated draft section!
Originally Published Week of March 30
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New York Jets Must Upgrade Secondary
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Even Revis Island Needs Insurance Policy
It remains to be seen if free agent Antonio Cromartie will rejoin the team. It’s also still up in the air if my dream will come true—seeing Darrelle Revis and Nnamdi Asomugha create the most dominate cornerback tandem of all-time.
That means Rex Ryan must draft a defensive back at some point in the draft.
ESPN Analyst Mel Kiper predicts New York will grab UCLA safety Rahim Moore in the first round.
“I remain split on what the Jets could do here. It's not a secret that they must improve the defensive line from a pass-rush and depth standpoint, but in a deep draft at those positions, Rex Ryan should feel confident that he can get help later. Moore is the top safety in the class and a guy who can cause even more problems for opposing quarterbacks facing down the creative Jets blitz packages. He can help create takeaways in the middle of the field,” states Kiper.
Although I consider myself a big fan of Moore and would enjoy seeing him in the green and white, I don’t necessarily condone the pick. He may be my top safety, but the Jets must improve their pass rush in the first round I believe Phil Taylor must be the pick.
There are a lot of quality safeties in this year’s draft class that can greatly improve the secondary. Clemson’s DeAndre McDaniel will probably already be off the board considering the Jets do not have a second round selection, but West Virginia’s Robert Sands or North Carolina’s Deunta Williams would be great safety substitutes.
As for cornerback assistance, Virginia’s Ras-I Dowling should also already be off the board, but Ohio State’s Chimdi Chekwa could be a nice consolation prize.
Perhaps the ideal mid-round defensive back would be Clemson’s Marcus Gilchrist given his versatility. Ryan would be able to line him up at corner or safety depending on how he sees fit. The Jets clearly have options, but Kiper may be jumping the gun with Moore.
Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
As always, for all of the best NFL Draft 2011 information for all 32 NFL teams, check out Bleacher Report’s dedicated draft section!
Originally Published Week of March 30
Which NFL Draft Analyst Predicts Best New York Jets Selection?
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Majority Believe Jets Need to Improve Pass Rush
The Rex Ryan era is at fork in the road—the regime can either continue their glorious Super Bowl push or they can go tumbling down the mountain.
This is an important draft for Ryan and the Jets because they lost a lot of talent to free agency and it remains to be seen which players will return to the team.
We know the consensus around the league is that most players generally want to play for Ryan, but money talks and if another franchise offers further security, the Jets could be left empty handed.
This is why the Jets must focus not on the potential stars in free agency or the trade market like they have the past two seasons, but on their six potential draft selections.
Selecting with the No. 30 overall pick, the Jets have a lot of great talent available to choose from. The issue remains, though, which position should the Jets target. Most analysts would agree that the Jets need to draft heavy on defense throughout the draft, but with so many holes on Ryan’s great defense, who should be selected in the first round?
The analysts are torn, so I doubt we can imagine the lengthy discussion inside New York’s war room.
No. 30 Pick
Myself and the majority certainly feel the Jets need to improve the pass rush. They can go about that in several ways, though, with a nose tackle like Taylor, defensive end like Sheard or an outside pass rusher like Ayers or Reed.
Reuter is one of the few analysts to be a big believer in Sheard, while Rang is playing it safe with Reed.
McShay and I both feel the ideal option is Baylor’s Taylor, while Kiper is going out on a limb with the safety selection, but it looks like the Jets should focus on the front seven and search for secondary assistance later in the draft.
Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
As always, for all of the best NFL Draft 2011 information for all 32 NFL teams, check out Bleacher Report’s dedicated draft section!
Originally Published Week of March 30
New York Jets to Add Top Linebacker at No. 30?
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Intriguing Linebacker Prospect Wait for New York Jets
It is clear that the New York Jets are looking to retool their defense. The main goal is to create pressure on the opposing quarterbacks, which means the Jets will be looking to add an outside linebacker or defensive tackle.
As more news begins to surface, we could see a sleeper prospect jump into the first round. My No. 1 inside linebacker in this year’s class is Illinois’ Martez Wilson.
Yet Wilson offers far more to teams than just an inside linebacker—he offers supreme versatility across the middle of the defensive side of the ball.
He has excellent speed, vision and strength. His quickness to the point of attack is unmatched by any inside linebacker, but his speed will allow him to rotate inside and outside to attack the quarterback off the edge.
Wilson would not only fill a major need in improving the pass rush, but he would also become an insurance policy behind David Harris and Bart Scott should one of them get hurt. As good as Harris is, it remains to be seen if the Jets will actually pay him since he was hit with the franchise tag.
Wilson could be used as a pass rusher this year, and then serve as Harris’ replacement next year if the Jets let him walk away.
“Wilson played inside in college, but his 4.4 40 at the combine and his size, strength and long arms make him an ideal fit on the outside. He could rush the passer from the edge in the 3-4 or could line up as the Sam in a 4-3. Originally a middle-round prospect, he could be gone by the beginning of Round 2,” according to Real Football Services.
I believe whichever team selects Wilson will land one of the gems of the draft. He would be a steal if selected in the second-round since he has first-round talent.
Many may view it as a reach because they are not as familiar with Wilson just yet, but the Jets would land an ideal fit for their defense if they selected him with the No. 30 overall pick.
Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
As always, for all of the best NFL Draft 2011 information for all 32 NFL teams, check out Bleacher Report’s dedicated draft section!
Originally Published Week of March 30
New York Jets to Pass on Cornerback in Draft?
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Rex Ryan Hoping to Bypass Rookie for Elite Veteran
Back in January, when it was determined that Oakland Raiders superstar and arguably best cornerback in the league Nnamdi Asomugha was a free agent, I suggested he join the New York Jets to create the greatest cornerback tandem of all-time with Darrelle Revis.
That possibility is once again being brought up.
According to ESPN’s Tim Graham, “The chances of Asomugha joining the Jets are "remote," an NFL source close to the situation informs me… But the idea isn't complete fantasy. Keep in mind "remote" for some front offices can be realistic for Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum. He's a wheeler-dealer who finds ways to pull off the improbable maneuver.”
Any possibility is all Jets fans want to hear. It is too supreme of a pairing not to salivate if you’re a Jets fan.
If the Jets could secure Asomugha, Ryan and Tannenbaum could then focus on improving the pass rush to have the deadliest defense in the entire league.
New England’s Tom Brady, Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger and Indianapolis’ Peyton Manning would be shivering in their cleats when headlining against New York with Revis and Asomugha patrolling the field, effectively creating two dead zones.
Of course, free agency is not expected to take place until after the NFL draft, which would put the Jets in quite the pickle as they do have secondary concerns.
Still, the Jets need to focus primarily on improving the pass rush as best as possible, yet if they somehow, someway believe they can pair the two very best corners in the league, then they could neglect drafting a defensive back.
Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
Also don’t forget last week’s NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
As always, for all of the best NFL Draft 2011 information for all 32 NFL teams, check out Bleacher Report’s dedicated draft section!
Originally Published Week of April 5
New York Jets Have No Need for a Wide Receiver in Draft?
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New York Jets Expected to Make Run at Top Free Agent WR?
It is widely recognized that the New York Jets must improve their pass rush in this year’s draft. Without a second-round selection, it is imperative that the Jets get as much value as possible with their selections.
One area of concern heading into the draft and free agency is wide receiver. Three of the Jets’ four receivers are expected to be free agents, Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith.
I suggested last week that New York cannot afford to lose Holmes and Smith as they are too important to the team. By letting Edwards walk, the Jets would then have to find a wide receiver in the mid rounds of the draft. Troy’s Jerrel Jernigan was highlighted as a reliable target.
One better would be found outside of the draft in free agency—Randy Moss.
"I want to play wherever they want me to play. Like I said, I'm a free agent. I know I'm 34. I know I didn't have a great season last year. But I also know that these still work [holds up his hands], and I know I can still play at a high level. We just need to get this season back on track so I can start working on finding that team that wants Randy Moss on their roster," Moss said according to ESPN’s Tim Graham.
It appears evident that Moss, despite his willingness to go back to New England, will be shunned by Bill Belichick and the Patriots.
The next best place would be in New York, where Moss could not only win, but seek revenge on the Patriots’ entire organization twice a year.
The Jets are a top destination for just about every free agent as they desire to play for the exuberant Rex Ryan. A motivated Randy Moss would get the Jets over the AFC Championship hump and into the Super Bowl just like he did in 2007 with New England.
By signing Moss following the draft, the Jets could focus on improving its pass rush by adding defensive lineman and linebackers.
Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
Also don’t forget last week’s NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
As always, for all of the best NFL Draft 2011 information for all 32 NFL teams, check out Bleacher Report’s dedicated draft section!
Don’t miss out on the most recent 2011 NFL Mock Draft!
Originally Published Week of April 5
Should New York Jets Trade Down?
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New York Could Still Achieve Draft Goals By Trading Down
The New York Jets are in an interesting spot at the end of the first round with the No. 30 overall selection.
We all know they need to focus on a pass rusher and have top-tier talent staring them in the face. Outside pass rushers such as Georgia’s Justin Houston, UCLA’s Akeem Ayers, Illinois’ Martez Wilson and Arizona’s Brooks Reed, defensive lineman Jabaal Sheard out of Pittsburgh and Phil Taylor out of Baylor and UCLA safety Rahim Moore are among the projected options for Rex Ryan’s defense.
Although I believe Wilson and Moore have first-round talent, they are not being talked about as first-round selections among most analysts and mockers. Reed is just now inching towards the end of the first round while Ayers and Houston are slipping towards the end of the first as well.
This means the Jets could potentially drop down into the second round and still acquire top-tier talent.
The San Diego Chargers, who actually have the Jets’ second-round selection, could potentially work out a trade with New York. Should the Jets general manger Mike Tannenbaum finagle a deal to acquire both of San Diego’s second-round selection, the Jets would find themselves in excellent position to acquire one of these top level pass rushers and a quality defensive end or safety.
Oddly enough, in ESPN’s Todd McShay’s most recent mock draft, the Jets would solve their pass rushing issues in the second round alone with the Chargers’ selections. He predicted that the Chargers would land Wilson at No. 50. With his versatility, I believe the Jets should select Wilson—20 spots earlier. Clearly, this would be remarkable value for New York.
He then had one of my top defensive tackles, North Carolina’s Marvin Austin, selected No. 62 overall, one pick after the pick San Diego acquired from New York last year for cornerback Antonio Cromartie.
Durability issues caused the Jets to release nose tackle Kris Jenkins. The Jets’ defense would greatly improve with a dominant defensive tackle. According to ESPN’s Scout’s Inc, he does not come with any durability concerns. The only concern would be his ability to play nose tackle, but the Jets could work out a rotation at the position.
The combination of Wilson and Austin would surely solve the Jets’ pass rushing woes. If the Jets could land these two studs in the second round, their plan of trading down to acquire more value picks would work out perfectly.
Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
Also don’t forget last week’s NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
As always, for all of the best NFL Draft 2011 information for all 32 NFL teams, check out Bleacher Report’s dedicated draft section!
Don’t miss out on the most recent 2011 NFL Mock Draft!
Originally Published Week of April 5
Could the New York Jets Trade Up?
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Could Mike Tannenbaum Trade Up Ala 2009?
The New York Jets went for it all in the 2009 draft. They essentially gambled the entire franchise when they traded up for Mark Sanchez. The gamble paid off in a huge way—Sanchez is one of the brightest young quarterbacks and has led the team to two-straight AFC Championship appearances.
As we look ahead to the draft and the Jets’ main needs, they are not far off from once again journeying to a third-straight AFC Championship. The Jets are targeting players who can improve their pass rush, which could ultimately put them into the Super Bowl.
It has been suggested by ESPN’s John Clayton according to ESPN’s Bill Williamson that, “new Denver Broncos vice president of football operations John Elway might draft a quarterback early in the draft and begin to move away from Tim Tebow… Elway might take a QB in the second round and call the Tebow selection a mistake…. The Broncos are looking at all of the top quarterbacks. Among the quarterbacks they could look at in the second round include Washington’s Jake Locker, Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett, Florida State’s Christian Ponder, Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick and TCU’s Andy Dalton.”
This could be the opportunity the Jets need to land one of the elite pass rushers of the class such as Alabama’s Marcell Dareus or Texas A&M’s outside linebacker Von Miller.
Dareus would be able to assist on the defensive line, but Miller would be the ultimate force on the outside for Rex Ryan with Bart Scott and David Harris patrolling the inside. Miller is my No. 1 pass rusher in the draft and would excel with Ryan’s blitz packages.
The Jets could even land LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson who may very well become the next Darrelle Revis. Imagine what Ryan could do to an opposing offense if both of his corners could play on an island all to themselves?
The opportunities are simply bone chilling. It all depends if general manager Mike Tannenbaum could convince Elway and the Broncos that they have what it takes to land the No. 2 pick in the draft.
The Broncos could use the No. 30 overall pick to select their future franchise quarterback, such as the man I’ve deemed the most NFL-ready in Ponder. They would also acquire other selections in this year’s draft or next year’s to secure a push towards the top of the AFC West after Josh McDaniels wronged the franchise. This could be the opportunity the Jets need to make a Super Bowl appearance and the opportunity the Broncos need to make a playoff appearance once again.
Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
Also don’t forget last week’s NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
As always, for all of the best NFL Draft 2011 information for all 32 NFL teams, check out Bleacher Report’s dedicated draft section!
Don’t miss out on the most recent 2011 NFL Mock Draft!
Originally Published Week of April 5
Spotlight on North Carolina DT Marvin Austin
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Marvin Austin Could Be Cheaper Option for New York Jets
Yesterday I presented a scenario in which the Jets could trade their No. 30 overall selection to the San Diego Chargers, who have been rumored to try to trade back into the first round. In doing so, according to the latest mock draft by ESPN’s Todd McShay, New York could potentially land two prospects who could greatly improve the Jets’ defense--Illinois’ Martez Wilson and North Carolina’s Marvin Austin.
I’ve already highlighted Wilson, who I believe has first-round talent, over the past week.
It’s now time to put the spotlight on Austin, who is being underrated in recent mock drafts, including McShay’s.
Austin is one of my top defensive tackles in the draft. The top of the draft is littered with exceptional defensive lineman. In fact, this draft class is being called one of the best defensive line classes of all-time. Thus, Austin has fallen to the second round and could even fall to the third with an errant pick here or there at the end of the second if using McShay’s mock.
NFL Network’s Mike Mayock recently published his top 32 players in the class and as one would guess, it is dominated by defensive lineman. Weighing in at No. 24, you guessed it right again—Austin.
“From the time he started his season at the East-West Shrine Game, he's done a great job of rehabbing his image. He was the best player on the field in that game and had great numbers at the combine. You could see the power, explosion and great feet at his pro day. I'll be very surprised if he doesn't go somewhere between 20-32. I really believe he's too good of a football player to fall out of the first round,” states Mayock.
I believe so too, Mr. Mayock, yet you’d be hard pressed to find a mock with Austin making it into the first round. One team is going to steal Austin in the second round.
Clearly, if Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum can find a way to trade back into the second round, Austin is an ideal target given New York’s search for a dominant defensive tackle.
Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
Also don’t forget last week’s NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
As always, for all of the best NFL Draft 2011 information for all 32 NFL teams, check out Bleacher Report’s dedicated draft section!
Don’t miss out on the most recent 2011 NFL Mock Draft!
Originally Published Week of April 5
Should Torrey Smith Be an Option for New York Jets?
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Torrey Smith Hoping to Be The Third WR Off the Board
We know that the Jets could be looking for a wide receiver since there’s a possibility they cannot bring back all three of their free agent receivers, Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith.
This means one of the top receivers in the draft could fall into their laps and cause general manager Mike Tannenbaum to think long and hard about selecting a potential top three receiver in the draft—Maryland’s Torrey Smith.
Many believe that Smith is the No. 3 receiver in this year’s class but other players are starting to gain momentum such as Miami’s Leonard Hankerson, Kentucky’s Randall Cobb and Pittsburgh’s Jon Baldwin.
This means Smith, a fringe first-rounder, could very well fall towards the end of the second round as teams look elsewhere for wide receiver or choose to neglect the position outright in the early rounds with defensive positions and offensive linemen dominating the class.
Smith was good in 2009, but he was fantastic for the Terrapins in 2010. He gained 1,055 yards and 12 touchdowns on 67 receptions as a junior. For his career, he’s amassed 152 receptions for 2,218 yards and 19 touchdowns. He’s also rushed for one touchdown and added three return touchdowns in his career.
Although I have no doubts that Smith could excel with New York, he is simply not one the Jets should target early in the draft. Without a second-round selection, they would have to trade back into the second round to draft him, most likely.
Now, should Smith to the third-round, the Jets should think about trading up for him given his potential. He has all-purpose potential for any team in this league and should thrive in the NFL. Yet with the possibility of bringing back all three of Holmes, Edwards and Brad, and perhaps even entertain Randy Moss, Torrey Smith is too highly regarded as a prospect for New York to target unless he slips.
Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
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Originally Published Week of April 5
Could Corey Liuget Fall to New York Jets at No. 30?
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If Liuget Falls, He’s A Legit Selection for Rex Ryan
Although I personally don’t see this happening, as I recently had him going to the St. Louis Rams No. 14, Anthony Sulla-Heffinger of the New York Post, believes that Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget could fall to the New York Jets at No. 30.
Again, I believe Liuget will be long gone by the team Rex Ryan and Mike Tannenbaum declare their selection, but this would be an ideal situation for the Jets if he were to fall—and I use the word fall very strongly as he is one of the top defensive lineman in the entire draft given his versatility.
In three seasons as a Fighting Illini, Liuget recorded 125 tackles (57 solo), one forced fumble and eight sacks. He has continued to impress and improve each season as he posted his best year as junior—63 total tackles (29 solo) and five sacks. He recorded five tackles and one sack in Illinois’ Texas Bowl victory over Baylor.
NFL Network’s Mike Mayock blessed him as the No. 19 overall player (No. 9 defensive lineman) on his big board, stating “He is much better on tape than I initially expected. There's no bad tape on him. You can put him in the middle of a 4-3 front. He's disruptive, quick and tough. Some of the 3-4 teams like him enough to look at him as a five-technique, which I don't think is his best position. He's steadily climbing up boards.”
If there’s one man who could get the most out of Liuget, its Ryan. He would constantly put him in the best position to succeed and would love to have his versatility across the defensive line.
Unfortunately for New York, he is gaining a lot of momentum heading into the draft and projects as a sure-first top-20 pick. Of course, we’ve seen much crazier things before, which gives New York a chance at drafting Marcell Dareus-light.
Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
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Originally Published Week of April 5
New York Jets Mock Watch with No. 30 Selection
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Analysts Up and Down With New York Jets No. 30 Selection
The 2011 NFL Draft is quickly approaching and every analyst is doing their best to decipher through the smokescreen news leaked from each camp and predict the perfect draft for all 32 NFL teams.
It is time we take a look at the most respected analysts’ recent mocks to see who they predict the New York Jets will select with their No. 30 overall pick.
Among the mockers are ESPN’s Mel Kiper and Todd McShay, CBS Sports’ Rob Rang and Chad Reuter, Fox Sports’ Peter Schrager, NFL Network and NFL.com’s Charles Davis, Steve Wyche, Pat Kirwan and Bucky Brooks, Sports Illustrated’s Don Banks and Rotoworld’s Evan Silva.
With the No. 30 overall selection, let’s see what these draft masterminds have concocted for the New York Jets:
Kiper, April 6: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
McShay, April 6: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
Rang, April 4: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Reuter, April 4: Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh
Schrager, April 2: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Davis, April 3: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
Wyche, March 31: Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
Kirwan, March 31: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Brooks, April 5: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
Banks, March 30: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
Silva, March 28: Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh
My take, April 3: Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois
The clear-cut strategy for the Jets with the No. 30 selection is pass rush. They need to find a way to create pressure on the opposition and have several ways to go about that—defensive end, defensive tackle and outside linebacker. The ideal selection is Baylor’s Taylor, but I believe he will be off the board. If the Jets don’t trade down, expect a linebacker with elite pass rushing capabilities.
Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
Also don’t forget last week’s NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
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Don’t miss out on the most recent 2011 NFL Mock Draft!
Originally Published Week of April 5
Mel Kiper, Top NFL Draft Analysts' First-Round Prediction
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Here is our lineup and be sure to visit their mocks for analysis:
ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Todd McShay and featured NFL Scouts, CBS Sports’ Rob Rang and Chad Reuter, Fox Sports’ Peter Schrager, NFL Network and NFL.com’s Charles Davis, Steve Wyche, Pat Kirwan, Brian Baldinger and Bucky Brooks, Sports Illustrated’s Don Banks and Rotoworld’s Evan Silva.
Kiper, April 6: Cameron Heyward, Ohio State DE
McShay, April 6: Phil Taylor, Baylor DT
NFL Scouts, April 13: Justin Houston, Georgia OLB
Rang, April 11: Akeem Ayers, UCLA OLB
Reuter, April 11: Jabaal Sheard, Pittsburgh DE
Schrager, April 2: Akeem Ayers, UCLA OLB
Davis, April 3: Phil Taylor, Baylor DT
Kirwan, April 12: Christian Ponder, Florida State QB
Wyche, April 11: Justin Houston, Georgia OLB
Baldinger, April 7: Akeem Ayers, UCLA OLB
Brooks, April 5: Phil Taylor, Baylor DT
Banks, April 14: Phil Taylor, Baylor DT
Silva, April 13: Akeem Ayers, UCLA OLB
My Take, April 17: Phil Taylor, Baylor DT
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