Nothing like the NFL draft. This is the most exciting part of an off-season in any sport for me.

I'm not 100% sure but from what i've read it looks like we only have 5 draft picks this year. It's a little confusing because of the Sanchez trade from last year along with the Lito Shepperd deal which had a conditional pick going to Philly. Evidently we have our 1,2,6 and 7th round picks and the Eagles 5th round pick. Our 3rd and 5th this year go to Cleveland for the Sanchez deal last year and we swap our 4th round pick with Philly for thier 5th round pick.

I'm usually not in favor of trading down but this year is a different kind of draft. I would wait and see what falls to us or if trading up wouldn't be too costly for a player the Jets love but this is a draft that is pretty top heavy yet very deep. You could arguably get a player in the high 2nd round that's just as good as anyone taken past the 15th-20th pick in the draft depending on where these guys actually end up. Gathering picks in a draft like this would be outstanding, whether it's from trading down or possibly trade Kerry Rhodes (that's the rumor) we could fill most of our holes with this draft.

I'm gonna list some of my favorite prospects by position in different posts so it's easier to read. I'll give my opinion on them and where I think they'll end up going.

Taz wanted a good draft site, this is the best draft site on the internet imo:

http://www.draftcountdown.com/Rankings/QB.php

They still don't have thier scouting reports up for most of the players but when they do they're the best imo.

I'm not gonna bother talking about players or positions that the Jets likely won't be looking for through the draft. I'll start with running backs. If Thomas Jones is let go I think getting a 3rd running back is a must due to Greene being banged up all the time and Leon coming off of an injury.

Running Backs:

Jonathan Dwyer Georgia tech - Reminds me a lot of Johnathan Stewart, the former Oregon Duck now Carolina Panther. Big, strong, physical yet athletic back who was part of an option offense (which I hate) but Dwyer looks legit to me. I think he'll go too high for us. Even if he does last to our first round pick or even the early 2nd (if we traded back) I think it's too much to invest in a guy who would just be replacing Thomas Jones if we let him go. I prefer to get a third runner in a middle round.

Charles Scott LSU - Despite him being projected to be a 3rd-4th round pick right now, Scott is my favorite Rb in this years draft as Shonn Greene was my favorite in last years draft. Charles Scott is a huge bruising back, north-south runner type who may also explode through a hole better than anyone in this draft. CJ Spiller is the best athlete among Rb's but Charles Scott EXPLODES through the line of scrimmage better imo. I completely disagree with his scouting report on the site I just gave a link to where they said he isn't explosive...he gets tired after carrying the ball for a while as any big Rb does but if he's kept fresh (like he would be here)...he's dangerous and he's crazy explosive.

If you're familiar with the Ravens and thier Rb's, you should know Le'ron McClain. He was the Fb from Alabama that they converted to be a Rb and has been pretty successful. Think of his body but a better athlete. I honestly don't know why Scott is being so overlooked but I love the guy and I would love to get him.

Roy Upchurch Alabama - Before Mark Ingram became the dominant Heisman winner and Trent Richardson stepped on campus, Upchurch got some carries at Alabama and I thought he was a really nice Rb for them. It's a shame that he was so overshadowed due to the special talent around him but regardless, Upchurch would be a good #3 Rb for us. He's a north-south runner with power and he just manages to get the job done. I don't think he has a chance to be stud like Charles Scott but I have a feeling he'll surprise some people if given a real chance. I haven't seen many projections where Upchurch will go but i'm guessing 5th-6th round.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ozzman,

At the safety/corner back position I would like to take either Kyle wilson, or Taylor mays, in round one if still available.

It's almost a lock that Braylon Edwards will be coming back next year. Unless a team is willing to surrender a 1st and 3rd round pick for signing him, he'll be back. That means our #1 and #2 receivers are locked in for next year with Edwards and Cotchery. Spending a high pick on a receiver doesn't seem practical or likely. A slot receiver would add another great dimension to this team and drafting one as opposed to signing one like Steve Breaston is a lot cheaper and you can get one (potentially) just as good. There are two legit #1 or #2 type Wr's in this draft that I really like and i'll talk about them but a slot receiver is of much greater importance imo so i'll list more of them.

Golden Tate Notre Dame - Projects as a #1 - #2 type Wr at the next level imo. He's an unusual type of Wr because he's shorter at 5'11 but his leaping ability is so good that it almost completely makes up for what he lacks in measurables. his strength and toughness is as good as anyone's in this draft and he has extremely strong hands. He may drop ***** here and there but if he catches it in the air, you're not knocking it away from him. Stretches the field well yet tough enough to play across the middle. Think of a running backs body and ability to break tackles with the athletecism of an average-above average Wr. He's dangerous and I think he'll be a real good #2 Wr for somebody. I wouldn't take him for us but I think he'll be picked before our turn anyway.

Demaryius Thomas Georgia Tech - Outside of Dez Bryant who will likely be a top 10 pick, I think Demaryius Thomas has the most potential and is the most skilled player at his position. He's one of those guys who makes mistakes due to lapses in concentration but on the next play makes the catch of the year. He without question has the ability to be a true #1 Wr and be a gamebreaker for whoever drafts him.

Unfortunately for him he plays at Georgia tech and they run that triple option which often leaves Demaryius out of the offense. Despite that, he still had over 1,000 yards receiving, an average of 25.1 yards per catch and 8 Td's. Also keep in mind that his Qb (Nesbitt) at times struggled so bad that he couldn't throw the ball in the water if he was standing in a boat. I think he's one of those players who is a sleeper even though he'll probably be a first round pick. I love his size at 6'3 225, gamebreaking ability and the fact that he was willing to take a back seat in the option offense and (to my knowledge) never say a word about it which means he's a team player.

Mardy Gilyard Cincinnati - I'm not a huge fan of Gilyard's and I think he's more of a project than they let on. He's a great athlete who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball but he played in a spread offense which allowed him to work in open space easily and often and he just got by, by using his great athletecism. As Wr coming from a spread offense his route running is in question and I just don't think he's what we're looking for. He somewhat reminds me of David Clowney but with far better/more reliable hands. I think once scouts see his flaws he'll end up being a 3rd round pick.

Jordan Shipley Texas - Shipley is by far my favorite slot receiver in this draft and is a clone of Wes Welker with some minor development. Shipley was Colt McCoy's roomate and go to guy at Texas, whenever McCoy needed yards he knew where to look because not only did Shipley never fail to get open his hands were as reliable as any. His athletecism and overall skills make him the perfect slot receiver and special teams player for us imo. I would love to grab Shipley in the 3rd-4th round. Imagine adding him in the slot while already having Edwards, Cotchery and Keller to throw to? Sanchez would wet himself.

Dexter McCluster Ole Miss - One of my favorite players in this draft. Used a lot at Rb and thrown out as a Wr, Ole Miss used this guy in every possible way to milk his big play ability for everything it was worth. Every time he touches the ball he's a threat to score. I think that's something we still lack and his versatility would be welcomed on this offense. We could use him in the slot, with 4 Wr's and out of the backfield. McCluster is very skinny but really tough and a lot harder to bring down than you would think just by looking at him. Draft him and use him in a variety of ways. His big play ability will pay off in no time for us.

Blair White Michigan State - Blair is one of my sleepers. There isn't much to say about him except he just know's how to get open. He's pretty big at 6'2 and he's not a great athlete but he just know's how to get open. I'm not certain but I believe he broke some of Michigan state's receiving records. He likely won't be taken until after the 5th round but I think he'll be the classic case of scouts taking measurables into account and overlooking what he did on the field. Sometimes you just have a player who's smart and has instincts that other's just don't have. That's Blair imo.

Preston Parker North Alabama (originally FSU) - I liked him while he was at Florida State and I thought he did some really positive things for them but he has some character concerns that got him thrown off the team. I'm not sure how bad it is and what he's like as a person but considering the turmoil that program has been in lately he must have been a pretty big problem. If he goes undrafted I would take him in for a look. Keep in mind I haven't seen him since he left FSU.

Jacoby Ford Clemson - I don't think Jacoby is capable of being what we need from him. His track speed is world class and obviously Clemson used him to stretch the field every chance they got but he's just not what we need imo. I could see us drafting him if he lasts long enough and just using him as a pure playmaker on special teams, Wr reverses, out of the backfield and lining him up to stretch the field.

quote:

Originally posted by Maine33:
At the safety/corner back position I would like to take either Kyle wilson, or Taylor mays, in round one if still available.

Good one, I like Wilson too. Physical but a big playmaker. He's projected to be available around when we pick too.

I think Taylor Mays is very overrated. Who wouldn't love a safety who's 6'4 230 pound safety who hits like a truck? Problem being his coverage isn't too good and his big hits aren't enough to make up for his mediocre tackling.

Having Dustin Keller obviously gives us a really good weapon at the Te position but I still think we could use another Te. A good run blocking Te is invaluable and giving Schotty the option of running double Te sets would give us even more options.

Jimmy Graham Miami - The U! Jimmy Graham is an interesting story not only due to him being a basketball player for four years at Miami and deciding to give football another try during his senior year and thriving but also because of what happened to him throughout his childhood. A great story and a great football project. His measurables are out of this world and has all of the tools of a superstar Te. As you could imagine from not playing football for over four years, he's very raw and needs to be developed but his potential alone is enough to warrant a 3rd - 4th round pick.

Being 6'8 makes him and easy target and when you add in his leaping ability and overall size at 260 pounds, Jimmy as as physically gifted as any player in this draft and also has the potential to be a dominant blocker. He needs work and I think he'll be taken too early for us at this time but think of the options he would give us.

Michael Hoomanawanui Illinois - This pick would be all about have a dominant run blocking Te. At 6'5 270 pounds he's like having an offensive lineman at the Te position but with the ability to go out and make a few catches a year. With our style of offense, drafting a Te who can dominate for the running game isn't a bad idea. If the Jets think Ben Hartsock (who was tremendous for us this year) can stay healthy there's no reason for this pick. Last year the Broncos used a third round pick on a Te who's only real upside was a blocker so i'm not sure how long he'll last but I would think he'll be there in the 5th round. Just an idea but again there isn't a need for him is Hartsock sticks around.

Mickey Shuler Jr Penn State - I'll be honest, i've watched him a few times and I wasn't too impressed and the only real reason I want him is because his dad is a Jet legend. If he goes undrafted I would sign him. I think he was a solid player for Penn State but not enough to use a pick on him. Lucky know's him better than anyone though so i'm interested in what he has to say about him.

The biggest thing with the offensive line is depth. The last time we used a pick in one of the first five rounds on an o-lineman was when we picked Mangold and D'brick. Picking Slauson last year seems like a solid pick and he looks like a player that Callahan will be able to mold into a good depth player in case of injury. We need more of those types of players imo. I have to say that i'm not a big fan of a single offensive tackle in this draft. I like some, love none.

I know what i'm about to say is gonna sound crazy considering how great our offensive line was last year and how dominant they were down the stretch but I have to say...i'm not against taking an offensive guard in the first round. His name...Mike Iupati. See why below:

Mike Iupati OG Idaho - I don't know who he would replace (Faneca or Moore) but Mike Iupati being our first round pick is NOT out of the realm of possiblity. In short, he's special. Steve Hutchinson kind of special. This kid is as dominant as any guard prospect I can recall. He doesn't just lock onto a defender and push him slightly to the right or left and pave a path for his runner he mauls and DOMINATES his defender into oblivion. He has a nasty streak and finishes every single one of his blocks. His size (6'6 330) allows him to take on and dominate opponents of all sizes but he's also agile enough to pull (Faneca style) and be a lead blocker. I wasn't aware of it until the other day but English is actually his second language but despite that he's a great vocal leader. He's special.

I know most here will disagree with me but let me explain. Not even 2-3 years ago the Ravens took Ben Grubbs in the first round out of Auburn because their offense needs to have a dominant run game. I think the Jets (molding themselves after the Ravens style) feel the same way. Drafting Iupati gives us a dominant force at one of the guard positions for over a decade. Think of when we drafted Mangold and let Mawae walk through free agency. A lot of people were screaming about that pick because we didn't fill a hole we just replaced a pro bowler. That turned out to be an insanely good pick and we could do the same thing with Faneca or Moore. Just throwing it out there. I'm not saying that's who I want but he's near the top of my wish list.

Mike Johnson OG Alabama - He was thought of as the best run blocking guard in the country before Iupati really emerged. I think he'll be a really solid guard at the next level. Brandon Moore might be a good comparison.

Brandon Carter OG Texas Tech - Crazy looking dude who is absolutely huge at 6'7 334. He looks out of shape but that's just my opinion. I've only seen him play a handful of times so i'm not as sure on him as I am about others but he looked good when I saw him. His feet looked good considering his size and I think he has potential. I would say he'll be a 4th round pick at the earliest. With all of the passing Texas Tech does i'm not sure what kind of run blocker he is. He can't have too much experience trying to be a mauler.

I have to take a break before I do the defense. My eyes are killing me from looking at the computer so long.

Rex Ryan seems to really like Sean Ellis a lot. I remember him calling Ellis "one of the best 3-4 Ends in the league" when camp first started. A lot of people don't like Ellis and think he needs to be replaced but I honestly don't. He's not a great De but he gets the job done, he's the longest tenured Jet and after playing through a broken hand I have a new found respect for him.

We without question need a big upgrade over who plays opposite of him. Douglas and Devito both got the job done but neither should be starters. They're both excellent depth players but they just aren't consistent enough at stopping the run, getting into the backfield and consuming blocks which is exactly what you need your 3-4 End to do. There are six ends I like in this draft:

Tyson Alualu De California - Probably the best 3-4 end in the draft. His size at at 6'3 290 is prototypical, he consumes blocks, stuffs the run, has the ability to get to the Qb (7.5 sacks last year) and he has a tremendous motor. Very consistent player and a great team leader (from what i've read). I think he's exactly what we need playing opposite of Ellis.

Corey Wootton De Northwestern - Tremendous measurables at 6'7 280 and great athletic ability to go with it. He's a freakish player but also and inconsistent and disappointing one. I had him really high on my boards before the season started and now I have him as a 2nd round pick and mostly due to his potential. I'm not completely sure what to think of him because in all fairness to him he was coming off of an injury that plagued him all year and he was doubled every down due to the lack of talent around him.

Also, having Rex Ryan as our coach makes me want him because if anyone can get the best out of him it's Rex. I'm gonna leave it as one of those classic prospects where you just say, if the Jets think they can handle him then great but if not, I can't blame them. Boom or bust type of prospect.

Brandon Deaderick Alabama - One of my sleepers. 6'4 287 and played De in college in Nick Saban's defense. He already know's what he has to do as a 3-4, he was prepared by one of the best college coaches in the nation for preparing prospects and he has perfect size. His stat sheet isn't impressive but I watched a lot of Alabama games and you could always see this guy around the ball, he was always doing something and never seemed out of place. Tough as nails too, he was shot and played 2-3 days later. Take him and he'll add good depth to the d-line.

Alex Carrington De Arkansas state - I don't know much about him and I only saw him play in one game and I didn't watch the entire game but he seems to be a sleeper in many different peoples eyes. There must be something to it and he has great size at 6'5 285 and he had 9 sakcs this year and 10 sacks last year. Sleeper?

Vince Oghobaase De/Dt Duke - He was another big name coming into this year. A lot of people were thinking first round for him but he kept getting banged up this year, couldn't play through it anymore and finally ended his season. Big at 6'5 305. I didn't get to see as much of him as I would have liked but I saw enough to see what he's capable of. This season hurt his draft stock pretty dramatically and he'll probably be a 3rd round pick at best.

Arthur Jones Dt/De Syracuse - Local product. Banged up all year and was disappointing. The biggest thing that stood out to me about him was how he was able to track down the opponent. At his size (6'4 293) he's athletic enough and his motor is good enough that he could beat his defender, almost get into the backfield and still be able to take a direct route and take the running back on an up the middle run. He also has sideline to sideline kind of range. He obviously isn't gonna beat anyone there but he'll give a good chase.

I like him a lot but it'll be interesting to see how he could potentially convert to being a 3-4 end. I didn't realize it until I read his injury history but he hasn't been very durable. Injuries are definetly a concern.

With Jenkins going down to a knee injury i'm sure everyone (including myself) thought our defense was gonna completely collapse but Sione Pouha stepped up big time and not only proved himself to be great depth but a very quality starter in case of injury. I'm not sure how high the Jets have Nt on thier priority list but there are two I like in this draft:

Terrance Cody Nt Alabama - 6'5 365 pounds...that should tell you everything. He's a great run stuffer, consumes blocks better than anyone else in the country but he alos has conditioning issues. A lot of people think he's severely overrated just because he's huge, I completely disagree. Whether he ends up losing some weight and being able to play NT full time like Jenkins, Wilfork or Hampton, that remains to be seen. All I know is that Cody lead the Alabama defense and be a force for them for two seasons. He took plays off, he doesn't have much range and he has almost no pass rushing ability but so what? Would anyone really complain if we drafted him to switch in and out with Jennkins and he dominated the run? Don't think so. Take Cody for exactly what he is, the best NT to coem out since Wilfork and probably the best for years but he likely won't be a full time starter in the NFL. Don't expect more or less from him.

Boo Robinson NT Wake Forest - Doesn't have great size for a NT at 6'2 295 but looks bigger than that imo and probably will profile as more of a depth player at the next level. Another Pouha type? I'm not nearly as familiar with him as I am Cody so if somebody know's him well correct me if i'm wrong.

quote:

Originally posted by ozzman:
Having Dustin Keller obviously gives us a really good weapon at the Te position but I still think we could use another Te. A good run blocking Te is invaluable and giving Schotty the option of running double Te sets would give us even more options.

Jimmy Graham Miami - The U! Jimmy Graham is an interesting story not only due to him being a basketball player for four years at Miami and deciding to give football another try during his senior year and thriving but also because of what happened to him throughout his childhood. A great story and a great football project. His measurables are out of this world and has all of the tools of a superstar Te. As you could imagine from not playing football for over four years, he's very raw and needs to be developed but his potential alone is enough to warrant a 3rd - 4th round pick.

Being 6'8 makes him and easy target and when you add in his leaping ability and overall size at 260 pounds, Jimmy as as physically gifted as any player in this draft and also has the potential to be a dominant blocker. He needs work and I think he'll be taken too early for us at this time but think of the options he would give us.

Michael Hoomanawanui Illinois - This pick would be all about have a dominant run blocking Te. At 6'5 270 pounds he's like having an offensive lineman at the Te position but with the ability to go out and make a few catches a year. With our style of offense, drafting a Te who can dominate for the running game isn't a bad idea. If the Jets think Ben Hartsock (who was tremendous for us this year) can stay healthy there's no reason for this pick. Last year the Broncos used a third round pick on a Te who's only real upside was a blocker so i'm not sure how long he'll last but I would think he'll be there in the 5th round. Just an idea but again there isn't a need for him is Hartsock sticks around.

Mickey Shuler Jr Penn State - I'll be honest, i've watched him a few times and I wasn't too impressed and the only real reason I want him is because his dad is a Jet legend. If he goes undrafted I would sign him. I think he was a solid player for Penn State but not enough to use a pick on him. Lucky know's him better than anyone though so i'm interested in what he has to say about him.

Let me help you out abit,Ozz. Mickey is a 6'3" 250 lb bruiser and solid blocker with marginal speed. The sleeper is TE Andrew Quarles,6'5" 258 lb who can get downfield and block in the manner his position demands. He had a fine freshman season,but had problems his next two years. Knowing his senior season was make or brake for him Andrew worked hard and realized his potential. He certainly would give the opposition something to think about in a double TE set,unlike Ben Hartsock,who basically is another OLineman when used.

We may be a single really good pass rusher away from one of the most dominant defenses in recent memory. As great as this defense turned out to be, it was obvious all season long that we needed somebody who could consistent get to the Qb and sack the Qb. We have multiple guys who are capable of getting 5+ sacks a year but nobody who can get 10+. Gholston was supposed to be that guy but obviously that didn't work out as planned. Whoever it turns out to be whether it's through FA or the draft will likely be replacing Bryan Thomas. OLB pass rushers:

Sergio Kindle Olb Texas - Probably the best pure pass rusher in this years draft. He moved to De this year but he still projects to play OLB in a 3-4 defense. He only had five and a half sacks this year but that's a very deceptive stat. He had 17 TFL and 31 Qb hurries. Stunning. He's extremely quick and explosive, very fast and capable of getting off blocks. Looks a little smaller than his actual size at 6'4 255 pounds. He should be a first round pick, possibly/probably before we pick.

Jerry Hughes OLB TCU - The most productive pass rusher this year. A lot of people seem skeptical of him but I like him. Watching him you could see just how freakishly athletic he is and how hard he tries every game. 11.5 sacks this year and 15 sacks last year...enough production? I agree with the skeptics in a way because he needs some work on technique and how to use his size (6'3 257) better to shed blocks. I like his chances of improving on those things with Rex Ryan as his coach. Very skilled, probably a 2nd round pick, could be perfect for us.

Brandon Lang Old Troy - Sleeper. 6'4 256 pounds. I've only seen him two times. The first time I saw him I remember being drawn to him because of how quick and explosive he was. It's never a good idea to base anything off of two games but I liked what I saw and reading a few scouting reports (again, not the best thing) confirmed most of what I thought of him. Looks like a situations pass rusher maybe more with developement who will be taken around the 5th round.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ozzman,

Would the browns have any intrest in this.
Mangini acquires Kerry Rhodes one of his favorite players, as well as our first rounder. We inturn recieve their 7th overall pick and take either Gerald McCoy, Eric Berry, Carlos Dunlap, or Jason Pierre-Paul.

Interesting proposal. Anyone who deals with the Browns now is really dealing with Mike Holmgren now and not Mangini anymore so that likely wouldn't work. I've been reading a lot about what we could get as compensation for him and it seems that anything from a 2nd to a 4th round pick for Rhodes is realistic. If we could get a 2nd or 3rd round pick for Rhodes I would probably do it. A 4th just isn't enough. If we did trade him and open up yet another hole in our secondary, I would be in strong favor of us trading up for Earl Thomas the safety from Texas. He's a clone of Bob Sanders imo. When I do the seconday prospects for the draft i'll get into him more.

If by some chance we did trade into the top 10 (very unlikely due to not having any draft picks as it is) I would trade up for Joe Haden the Cb from Florida. He's as good of a shut down corner as i've seen.

While Rhodes isnt terrible, I still think he is a hole that needs to be filled, if you watch the game over again as I did (incrediblly painful) you'll see Rhodes was infact tanking on some plays, which leads me to question his work ethic.

Couldn't agree more. Rhodes gets by on pure talent most of the time. He could be a flat out star if he even put 80% effort in every game. He looked like he played harder in the playoffs and after the benching but he just looks so casual and careless at times. Give me a less talented but harder working player over him any day. Jim Leonhard is proof that pure effort can go a long way.