2011 NFL Mock Draft: 7-Round New York Jets Predictions
The NFL draft is quickly approaching and fans are frantically searching for the most up to date information and analysis on every single player in the draft.
We’ve been bombarded with one-, two- and even three-round mock drafts. Right now though, most fans couldn’t care less about the overall draft and how it will play out for teams outside their division, rivalry or even conference.
This is a dedicated seven-round mock draft for the eccentric New York Jets fans who will Radio City Music Hall as the most passionate set of fans in the league.
The following could be the six players donning the green and white in 2011.
Round 1. Pick No. 30 Overall
1 of 7Height: 6’3”
Weight: 263 lbs
Career Stats: 107 tackles, 15 sacks
40-yard Dash – 4.68
Bench Press – 30.0
Vertical Jump – 30.5
Broad Jump – 113.0
3 Cone Drill – 7.11
20-yard Shuttle – 4.28
60-yard Shuttle – N/A
Reed is the ideal pick at No. 30 because he allows Rex Ryan to add versatility to his defensive unit, add depth to the linebacking core and improve the pass-rush. Since the Jets only have six selections in the draft, it is imperative that they seek value with their limited picks.
Reed has been compared to the Green Bay Packers’ Clay Matthews, who just lost out on the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year award. Reed has a nonstop motor and work ethic which will further set the tone for Ryan’s intense defense.
“Extremely quick defender in short spaces who can sift through blockers in a hurry and get to the target. Persistent defender who can peel off tackles on the edge with spin moves. Good eye for the ball —looks to redirect even when occupied by blockers. Has a very effective inside loop move that he should use more often. Slips off very well when he's head-up over a tackle; uses his hands well in these situations. Can get off the snap quickly enough to beat his blocker outright,” according to Doug Farrar of Yahoo Sports’ Shutdown Corner.
The Jets’ main goal heading into the draft is to improve the pass-rush. By selecting a versatile player of Reeds caliber, Ryan will not have to worry about that for the remainder of the draft.
Round 2. Pick No. 29, (61 Overall)
2 of 7
No Draft Selection
Although the Jets do not have a second-round selection, if they were thinking of trading back into the second round the ideal selection would be a nose tackle who can create pressure for the front seven. Two players to look out for are Oregon State’s Stephen Paea and North Carolina’s Marvin Austin.
Both of these players are being extremely underrated heading into the draft as both have first-round talent. Paea’s draft stock dropped following a poor Senior Bowl due to injury, but he made up for it by showing impressive strength at the Combine.
“Stephen Paea opened a lot of eyes when he threw up 49 repetitions in the bench press at last months NFL Combine… Paea's main role at Oregon State was to be a space-eating, run-plugging squatty body. Compared to Nick Fairley, he wasn't asked to provide an intimidating pass-rush. What he did do was collapse the pocket and forced the quarterback outside the tackle box on multiple occasions,” according to Brian Billick of Fox Sports.
Austin is a very athletic defensive tackle who would thrive in Rex Ryan’s system. Althought he is not an ideal nose tackle, Ryan could use him as part of a rotation to receive maximum potential.
“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 NFL Network’s Mike Mayock.
It is highly doubtful the Jets will land either of these two defensive forces because the price may be too high, but if the Jets can’t land Baylor’s Phil Taylor, they may be compelled to trade up for one of these two tackles.
Round 3, Pick No.30. (94 Overall)
3 of 7Height: 5’10”
Weight: 195 lbs
Career Stats: 190 tackles, two forced fumbles, one sack, one interception
40-yard Dash – 4.51
Bench Press – 26.0
Vertical Jump – 38.5
Broad Jump – 119.0
3 Cone Drill – 6.81
20-yard Shuttle – 4.12
60-yard Shuttle – 11.19
It is not known if free agent cornerback Antonio Cromartie will return to the team, which puts the Jets in an interesting position. We know they need to upgrade the safety position, but with free agency taking place after the draft, they also need to upgrade the cornerback position.
In the third round, Marcus Gilchrist represents fantastic value as he will kill two birds with one stone. Gilchrist has the size, speed, agility, vision and awareness to play both safety and cornerback in the NFL.
“Played in all 40 games during first three seasons (2007-'09), including 15 starts…Versatile DB. Coaches speak highly of his football intelligence and work ethic. No off-the-field issues to our knowledge,” states ESPN’s Scouts Inc.
Since the Jets need to save money for other free agent acquisitions, adding a player of his ability to play two positions will allow general manager Mike Tanennbaum to focus on other positions in free agency. Gilchrist has to ability to start immediately in the NFL at either position and already represents an upgrade.
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Round 4, Pick No. 29 (126 Overall)
4 of 7Height: 6’4”
Weight: 244 lbs
Career Stats: 314 tackles, seven forced fumbles, three sack, 11 interceptions, two TD
40-yard Dash – 4.96
Bench Press – 29.0
Vertical Jump – 32.5
Broad Jump – 112.0
3 Cone Drill – 7.32
20-yard Shuttle – 4.46
60-yard Shuttle – 12.2
Herzlich is the type of player Jets fans can rally behind. He will add depth to the linebacking core but more importantly intensity and motivation after defeating and returning from cancer.
He is one of the true feel-good stories of the draft but his story does not out shine his remarkable play on the field. He is the type of leader that each coach wants on the field. Brian Billick of Fox Sports states that Herzlich could be the steal of the draft.
“While some may raise concern on his lack of overall speed, I believe that his elite instincts and rare effort more than make up for it. After being considered by many as a top-10 pick after his 2008 season, Mark won’t even be drafted in the first two days this year, but he will give you his full effort on every single play. I wouldn’t be surprised if we look back and consider him to be the steal of the 2011 draft.”
For the Jets to land a player with his work ethic, determination and leadership qualities in the fourth round would be grand larceny. By adding Herzlich to this linebacker unit, the Jets would boast one of the toughest and most intense units in the entire NFL.
Round 5, Pick No. 30 (161 Overall)
5 of 7Height: 6’0”
Weight: 205 lbs
Career Stats: 259 receptions, 4,705 yards, 63 touchdowns
40-yard Dash – 4.59
Bench Press – 21.0
Vertical Jump – 34.5
Broad Jump – 114.0
3 Cone Drill – 6.5
20-yard Shuttle – 4.07
60-yard Shuttle – 11.18
Since it is highly unlikely that the New York Jets will bring back all of Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith and although there is talk of bringing in Randy Moss, the Jets must draft at least one wide receiver.
“A Division II prospect with good top-end speed and the burst to separate out of breaks, Shorts also shows good body control and is elusive in the open field. His hands are inconsistent at times but, like (Jerrel) Jernigan, he has the tools to develop into a good slot receiver at the next level,” states ESPN’s Kevin Weidl.
Shorts would be a fantastic option for the Jets because he is different that Holmes, Moss and Edwards. A highly competitive athlete, Shorts relies on his supreme route-running and soft hands. What I like most about him is he does not use is body to catch the ball, instead choosing to attack the rock.
He creates good separation from opposing defensive backs, which will greatly assist Mark Sanchez in his progression to become a Super Bowl winning quarterback. He has the potential to become the New York Giants’ Steve Smith of the New York Jets.
Round 6, Pick No. 29 (194 Overall)
6 of 7Height: 6’1”
Weight: 217 lbs
Career Stats: 7,017 yards, 44 touchdowns, 20 interceptions
40-yard Dash – 4.51
Bench Press – N/A
Vertical Jump – 37.5
Broad Jump – 126.0
3 Cone Drill – 6.78
20-yard Shuttle – 4.12
60-yard Shuttle – N/A
Taylor is one of the most intriguing prospects in the entire draft.
Many analysts and scouts believe that he should step away from the quarterback position to become a wide receiver. I think this would be a devastating move because his supreme athletic ability can become a vital part for a team’s success.
He is a matchup nightmare almost similar to Michael Vick because he is lethal behind center. He has the ability to throw and run at any given moment and is impossible to game plan for. If the Jets do not thing that Brad Smith will be back with the team, Taylor would be able to fill his shoes on special teams, at wide receiver and at special quarterback packages.
“His greatest asset is his athleticism and he should be able to contribute immediately as a running back, receiver or return man. A terrific senior season, where he completed nearly 60 percent of his passes, has helped his draft stock and he could sneak into the third round,” according to NFL.com.
Round 7, Pick No. 5 (208 Overall from Arizona)
7 of 7Height: 6’3”
Weight: 309 lbs
Career Stats: 103 tackles, three forced fumbles, 10 sacks, two blocked kicks
40-yard Dash – 5.26
Bench Press – 23.0
Vertical Jump –27.0
Broad Jump – 101.0
3 Cone Drill – 7.7
20-yard Shuttle – 4.71
60-yard Shuttle – N/A
New York rounds out their draft once again tackling a position of need. The Jets already have one of the best run-stopping units in the league, which is why Thornton is a fine selection.
He is a far better pass rusher on the end of the line than he is stopping the run.
“Thornton has a large frame and a quick first step. Possesses the range to make plays outside of the tackle box. Delivers an effective initial punch and has long arms to keep blockers at bay. Flashes a powerful bull rush and the burst to get after the quarterback,” according to NFL.com.
Simply a fine way to end a solid overall draft.
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