Mel Kiper 2012 NFL Mock Draft: New York Jets Take Georgia G Cordy Glenn

In his second mock draft of the 2012 NFL draft season, ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper has the New York Jets taking Georgia guard/tackle Cordy Glenn with the 16th overall pick in the first round.

Throughout the draft process, New York has been a team that few can get a consensus pick on. Offensive line, pass rush and safety have all been tossed around as first round options.

Here is what Kiper had to say on taking Glenn:

"

The Jets like to bill themselves as a ball control team on offense, able to run to set up the pass, and put away games with physical play up front. Well, it's hard to do that if you're 29th in the NFL in yards per rush, as they were in 2011. With Tony Sparano coming to town, my guess is shoring up the offensive line will be a priority (just as it was with his last pick in Miami) as the Jets try to get the offense back where they want it. Glenn is a really versatile guy who could probably be adequate at tackle, but could dominate inside. He could start there immediately.

"

If the Jets don't go defense, picking a road-grading offensive lineman like Glenn makes a lot of sense. 

When the Jets went to back-to-back AFC Championships in 2009-10, they largely rode a combination of suffocating defense and "ground-and-pound" offense. Last season, however, the Jets struggled to run the football in part because of an offensive line that was poor on the interior.

According to Pro Football Focus, both right guard Brandon Moore and left guard Matt Slauson finished 2011 with negative run blocking grades. And considering Glenn has experience as a tackle, it's also possible that he could start over right tackle Wayne Hunter, who ranked 72nd out of 76 eligible offensive tackles at PFF in 2011.  

National Football Post would consider the pick of value, too, as they ranked Glenn the 11th best prospect on their 2012 draft board. 

This from NFP:

"

Had had some struggles in space as a tackle prospect, but in tighter areas where he can get his hands on linemen quickly as a guard he showcases the ability to dominate. Looks like a starting caliber OG early in his NFL career.

"

Picking Glenn wouldn't be a sexy pick for Rex Ryan and Co., but it appears to be a solid selection overall at this point. 

Follow @zachkruse2