2012 NFL Mock Draft: 7-Round New York Jets Predictions

The Jets have a bevy of issues to confront this offseason, as the team attempts to regain their elite status and take the next step in 2012.

The quickest and most effective way for the Jets to improve is through the draft.

Many of the franchise's need areas can be fixed by acquiring young talent that can develop into stars at the next level.

Here is a complete seven-round mock draft for the New York Jets. 

Round 1, Pick 16- Mark Barron, SS

The Jets would love to take dominant pass rusher Courtney Upshaw with this pick, but the outside linebacker will likely be a Top 10 selection after a monster Senior Bowl.

Instead, New York will settle for Upshaw's teammate, safety Mark Barron.

Barron is by far the best player in a weak safety class this year. He possesses terrific smarts on the field, as well as excellent strength.

However, Barron's most valuable attribute is his size. The Alabama star comes in at 6-2 and 218 pounds. He could manage to contain the elite pass catching tight ends in the NFL, including Patriots star Rob Gronkowski. 

Gang Green is a mess at the safety position right now, but Barron would sure up the secondary and provide the team with an immediate, effective defensive starter. 

Barron will excel at the next level. 

Round 2, Pick 47- Bruce Irvin, OLB

Bruce Irvin is not a household name, but he has the talent and potential to excel in the NFL.

The West Virginia product had a tough childhood, as he spent stints in juvenile jail and the majority of his time in the streets.

However, Irvin has managed to break away from his subpar upbringing, and emerge as one of the finest outside linebackers in this year's draft class.

Irvin does not possess great size or a lot of experience, but he has amazing athleticism and toughness. He also has a knack for making big plays at the perfect times.

Irvin would be a terrific selection for a New York team in need of a pass rusher. He is one of the finest defensive players in the country at pressuring the passer, and he could emerge as the Jets best pass rusher in his rookie year.

The senior is a big gamble, but he could pay off big time for Rex Ryan and company. 

Round 3, Pick 78- Doug Martin, RB

With the hiring of Tony Sparano as offensive coordinator, the Jets are showing that they are looking to get back to their "ground and pound" roots.

Shonn Greene is yet to prove that he can be an elite feature back in the NFL, so the team may be looking for another powerful runner to carry the load on offense.

Doug Martin could be that man. 

The Boise State running back does not boast excellent speed, but his brute running style and strength make him an exciting prospect to watch. 

He can bowl over defenders and hardly ever goes down at first contact.

Martin is a perfect fit into the Jets reinvigorated offense. 

Round 4, Pick 111- Tony Bergstrom, OT

The Jets are desperate for a new right tackle after Wayne Hunter's disastrous campaign in 2011.

However, the tackle class for this year's draft is weak outside of the big three of Matt Kalil, Riley Reiff and Jonathan Martin.

New York would benefit the most from confronting other need positions early in the draft, before handling right tackle in the middle rounds. 

Tony Bergstrom would be a steal in the fourth round. 

The Utah product is one of the finest pass blockers in the country, as he did not allow a single sack this past season.

Bergstrom boasts a rare combination of strength and agility, and he has the ability to be a star at the next level. 

The senior would finally give Mark Sanchez some time in the pocket, and he would be a significant upgrade over Wayne Hunter. 

Round 5, Pick 143- Mychal Kendricks, ILB

Although David Harris has emerged as one of the finest defensive players in the league today, the Jets still lack depth or consistency at the inside linebacker position.

Bart Scott and his outrageous salary are likely gone, so the Jets will be looking for a solid linebacker that can be an immediate playmaker in the NFL. 

California star Mychal Kendricks would be a terrific selection this late in the draft, as he presents the Jets with terrific value. 

Kendricks is a big-time playmaker, and he has the ability to drop back in coverage and stop opposing rushers in the backfield.

The senior is a superb tackler, and he boasts a unique combination of speed and strength. 

Kendricks lacks size at just 5-11, but he could be a difference maker with the Jets. 

Round 6, Pick 175: B.J. Cunningham, WR

With Plaxico Burress likely gone and Santonio Holmes causing trouble in the locker room, the Jets are most likely going to use their late-round selections on wide receivers. 

B.J. Cunningham could be a value pick this late in the draft. The Michigan State wide receiver had a superb season in 2011, but he lacks the quickness or hands to warrant early round consideration. 

Cunningham has decent size and solid strength, and he could finally provide Mark Sanchez with a consistent deep threat.

If the senior can manage to hold onto the ball, then he could be a terrific secondary option in the NFL. 

Round 7, Pick 207: Tyrone Crawford, DE

With their final selection in this offseason's draft, the Jets will most likely attempt to add depth to the defensive line.

Boise State's Tyrone Crawford would be a nice selection this late.

The defensive end is still raw, and he lacks quickness off the line of scrimmage. However, he has above average speed and solid strength.

Crawford is by no means an every down starter, but he could be a terrific part-time option for a defense that lacks depth.