2012 Mock Draft: New York Jets 7-Round Predictions

The New York Jets have gone with a different offseason approach in 2012.

Instead of being major players in free agency as in past years, the franchise was relatively quiet during the free agency period.

Mike Tannenbaum and company are relying on the draft in order to upgrade the roster.

This makes this upcoming draft even more significant, and New York can not afford to strike out like in previous years.

With so many need positions, this draft could change the whole complexion of the roster entering next season. 

Here are the full 7-Round Draft predictions for the Jets. 

Round 1, Pick 16: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB

Courtney Upshaw is the ideal first round selection for the Jets.

Despite an amateur showing at his pro day, Upshaw is still believed to be one of the elite pass-rushers in this year's class.

The 22-year-old was a critical component of Alabama's record-setting defense last season, and he has the ability to be a factor at both defensive end and outside linebacker at the next level.

Although Upshaw is a questionable open-field tackler and is unproven in pass coverage, his unique awareness and on-field smarts make him a perfect fit in New York.

Upshaw will finally give the Jets a feared pass rusher on the edge, and he will significantly upgrade the defense from the moment he steps on the field. 

Round 2, Pick 47: Bobby Massie, OT

The Jets were a mess at the right tackle position last season, as Wayne Hunter was a liability in both run blocking and pass protection.

Bobby Massie would immediately upgrade the offensive line, as he has the ability to be one of the game's best tackles at the next level.

Massie has tremendous size and strength, as well as long arms and huge hands. He has all the physical assets of a prototypical right tackle.

The Ole Miss product was one of the SEC's finest blockers last season.

He was a difference-maker in both pass and run blocking and seems to have no evident flaws in his game.

Massie would revert the Jets' offensive line back to the elite unit it used to be. 

Round 3, Pick 77: George Illoka, FS

The Jets have major questions at safety and will look to significantly upgrade the position through the draft.

New York struggled in interior pass defense last season and were dominated by opposing tight ends all year long. 

George Illoka would be an ideal fit in the secondary.

Illoka is an exceptional athlete who possesses outstanding speed. However, his biggest asset is his size.

The former Boise State star's huge frame (6'4", 225 pounds) will allow him to cover some of the NFL's biggest ball-catchers, such as star tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Illoka is an uber-talented player who would immediately shore up the Jets' interior pass defense. 

Round 5, Pick 154: Audie Cole, ILB

New York regressed in both run and pass defense last season as a result of below-average play at inside linebacker.

The team will look for a player in the draft who is capable of starting opposite David Harris in coming years.

Audie Cole could be that man.

The North Carolina State product possesses ideal size and superb athleticism.

Cole is an above-average run defender, and he excels in pass coverage.

The 22-year-old would be a steal for the Jets this late in the draft. 

Round 6, Pick 187: Tommy Streeter, WR

The Jets are in dire need of a big receiving threat for quarterback Mark Sanchez. 

Tommy Streeter would fill this role perfectly. 

The former Miami Hurricanes star boasts exceptional size (6'4", 215 pounds) and could be a major factor in the red-zone at the next level.

Streeter also boasts terrific speed for his size. He could be a dangerous deep threat for the Jets' passing game. 

The young receiver has all the physical assets to be a star in the NFL. 

Round 6, Pick 202: Desmond Wynn, OG

With Matt Slausen coming off major surgery and Brandon Moore inching closer to retirement, guard has suddenly become a need position for Gang Green. 

Desmond Wynn would be a perfect pickup for the Jets this late in the draft.

Wynn has prototypical size (6'6", 303 pounds) and is an above-average athlete for an offensive lineman.

The Rutgers product has some weaknesses in his game, but with some improvements could develop into a future starter at the next level.  

Round 6, Pick 203: George Bryan, TE

Dustin Keller is an exceptional target for Mark Sanchez in the passing game, but he can often be a liability in run blocking.

With George Bryan, the Jets would finally get a solid blocker at the tight end position.

Bryan's tremendous power and frame will make him an exceptional block-first tight end in the NFL.

The North Carolina State graduate could help revert the Jets back to the dominating rushing teams of 2009 and 2010. 

Round 7, Pick 232: Bobby Rainey, RB

Shonn Greene may have shown significant improvements last season, but he still lacks the speed and explosiveness to be an every-down back. 

Bobby Rainey would provide New York with a tremendous change-of-pace option in the rushing game. 

Rainey lacks ideal size, but makes up for it with a terrific combination of pure speed, elusiveness and acceleration. 

The former standout at Western Kentucky would be a steal on the third day of the draft. 

Round 7, Pick 242: Gerell Robinson, WR

Gerell Robinson is another college star worthy of a late-round flier.

The Arizona State product has subpar hands, but his combination of above-average size and athleticism could allow him to become a surprise at the next level.

With development in some key areas, Robinson could become a terrific No. 3 option in the Jets' passing game.  

Round 7, Pick 244: Frank Alexander, DE

Despite some significant improvements at the position in recent years, defensive end is still a need for Gang Green entering 2012.

Frank Alexander could be a nice selection with the team's final pick.

The former Oklahoma Sooner has no evident weaknesses in his game, but he lacks special talent at any specific area.

Alexander is a hard-working athlete that could be a nice asset for the Jets in limited playing time.