New York Jets Mock Draft: Ultimate 2012 NFL Mock Draft

The New York Jets have as many picks in the 2012 NFL draft as they've had in the past two drafts combined. Although the team was unable to make their characteristic free-agent splash due to salary cap constraints, it may have been a blessing in disguise. The Jets need depth more than anything else.

And with 10 picks, they'll have plenty of opportunities to do so.

Here's my ultimate Jets mock draft based on needs and ideal fits.

16th pick (first round): Mark Barron, S Alabama

This has become the consensus pick at No. 16 for the Jets. With the uncertainty around the future of Jim Leonhard, around the health of LaRon Landry and the effectiveness of Eric Smith, adding top-end talent at safety is a smart call with the Jets' first pick.

47th pick (second round): Vinny Curry, DE Marshall

It would be a dream for the Jets if Curry fell this far, and though he's not the perfect prospect for a 3-4 outside linebacker (he's a defensive end), his ability to get after the quarterback will be a welcome commodity in Rex Ryan's defense. The Jets had a hard time getting pressure off the edge last year.

77th pick (third round): Bobby Massie, OT Ole Miss

Wayne Hunter. The man behind many of Sanchez's worst nightmares in 2011. Massie is a prototypical right tackle, and his 6'6", 316-pound frame will allow him to be a real road grader in the running game for the ground-and-pound Jets. He also has surprisingly quick feet for his size.

154th pick (fifth round): Michael Egnew, TE Missouri

At 6'6" and 245 pounds, Egnew is every bit a prototypical tight end. He would make a great red-zone target, and his quickness and ability to create after the catch make him a threat all over the field. As of yet, he remains a wide receiver in a tight end's body, but with some polish on those blocking skills, he could become much better at his craft.

187th pick (sixth round): Lucas Nix, OG Pittsburgh

Top-tier talent is not a huge issue on the offensive line, but depth certainly is. Nix was a starter and has played both right guard and right tackle, making him a solid option as a swing man on the bench. Even if he's not ready to start immediately, he has the potential to get there eventually and would greatly benefit from being surrounded by talent on the line.

202nd pick (sixth round): Tank Carder, ILB TCU

He's not as big or athletic as the Jets might like in an inside linebacker, but he finds his way around the ball and has the instincts to stuff plays behind the line, with 19.5 tackles for loss combined in 2009 and 2010. The Jets get a guy that can compete for playing time with the aging Bart Scott in the sixth round.

203rd pick (sixth round): Kyle Wilber, OLB Wake Forest

At 6'4" and 240 pounds, Wilber is an outside linebacker in the perfect mold for Rex Ryan's defense. He's not quite as physical as the Jets might like, but his athletic ability makes him an intriguing prospect when he's given a chance to get after the quarterback.

232nd pick (seventh round): Dominique Hamilton, DT Missouri

Scheme versatility (and depth!) has been the name of the game for the Jets in this draft. Getting a guy like Hamilton, who can play five-technique in a 3-4 or kick inside in a four-man front, allows the Jets multiple options on how to use him and can also give them flexibility to plug him several spots in case of an injury.

242nd pick (seventh round): AJ Jenkins, WR Illinois

The Jets could use a bigger receiver than Jenkins, but there just aren't a whole lot of options left. What Jenkins brings is great speed and athleticism, as well as solid hands. If the Jets can find ways to get him off the press coverage and down the field, he'll be a huge weapon for Sanchez.

244th pick (seventh round): Brandon Bolden, RB Ole Miss

If the Jets want to return to the ground-and-pound style of offense, they'll need to add depth at running back. They've plugged in a bunch of speedy guys with potential in Joe and Scotty McKnight, and though Shonn Greene is hard-nosed, the 5'11" 221-pound Bolden gives them a nice sized back capable of plodding through those short-yardage and goal-line situations.

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