2011 NFL Draft: What Positions Do the Jets Need To Address?

Despite all of the labor mess that is currently unfolding, the 2011 NFL Draft is still set to commence on Thursday April 28. The lack of free agency has clouded the always-unpredictable NFL Draft even more than usual.

The New York Jets enter the draft with questions marks all around their roster. Though with only six picks, their options are somewhat limited. The Jets have been aggressive in the past, but don’t be surprised to see them trade down to acquire more picks.

The Jets have made the AFC Championship Game the past two seasons, and a good draft this year could push them over the hump into the Super Bowl.  With that in mind, let’s take a look at what positions the Jets should target.

Outside Linebacker

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looses the ball as he is sacked by Calvin Pace #97 of the New York Jets in the third quarter of their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro,

One of the keys to any great 3-4 defense is a pass rush from the outside linebacker positions. Look at teams like the Packers, Steelers and Ravens They all run a 3-4 and get pressure from guys like James Harrison, Clay Matthews and Terrell Suggs. The Jets have been able to mask their problem with creative blitzes from Rex Ryan and great coverage from their secondary. However, if they want to take the next step they are going to need an elite pass rusher.

Defensive Line

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots is sacked by Shaun Ellis #92 of the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by

The Jets stand the chance of losing three defensive linemen this offseason: Kris Jenkins, Shaun Ellis and Trevor Pryce. They have some intriguing, young talent in Marcus Dixon and Ropati Pitoitua, but it’s clear they need to add at least one, if not more, players.

Wide Receiver

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Santonio Holmes #10 of the New York Jets celebrates after he scored a third quarter touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvani

The Jets are going to have a hard time re-signing the trio of Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith, likely losing at least one of the receivers. The Jets won’t want Mark Sanchez to take a step back in his development, so they’ll be sure to surround him with plenty of weapons.

Secondary

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19: Darrelle Revis #24of the New York Jets warms up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 19, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

While the Jets have arguably the best cornerback in the game in Darrelle Revis, he still needs some help. Antonio Cromartie is a free agent along with three of their top four safeties: Brodney Pool, Eric Smith and James Ihedigbo. Kyle Wilson, last year’s first-round pick, didn’t look ready to fill in for Cromartie and their safety play was lacking even with all of those players last season.

Offensive Tackle

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 11: (L-R) Damien Woody #67 and Shonn Greene #23 of the New York Jets celebrates after Greene scored a 23-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 11, 20

One of the few offseason moves the Jets have made was cutting veteran, starting right tackle Damien Woody. They have Vladamir Ducasse waiting in the wings, but the product from UMASS struggled to adapt to the NFL last year. Some insurance behind him is needed.

Tight End

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 31: Dustin Keller #81 of the New York Jets runs with the ball while Nick Collins #36 of the Green Bay Packers chases him on October 31, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Packers defeated

The Jets do have Dustin Keller, one of the better receiving tight ends in the game, but not much else behind him. After cutting ties with Ben Hartsock, they could use a blocking tight end to compliment Keller and play in the two tight end sets the Jets love to use.