NFL Draft Wishlist: New York Jets
By Josh Carter
The Jets have many holes to fill, most urgently at quarterback, offensive line and outside linebacker (now that both Pace and Scott are gone). The QB situation is pretty much decided because of Sanchez’s contract. The Jets are forced to give him one more shot thanks to former general manager, Mike Tannenbaum. The best they can hope for at QB is giving him the competition he needs at a cheap price and spend their money this season building around the QB. So without further adieu, here is the NY Jets 2013 Draft Wishlist that should give them a big step into returning to prominence.
Feb 23, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Dion Jordan speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Round 1 – Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon – To trade down or not to trade down? That is the question. Gang Green could take a top 10 pick as an opportunity to trade down for perhaps a player like Barkevious Mingo or Lane Johnson in the 1st. The Jets could really use an extra 2nd rounder to gain an extra Safety, Pass rushing Outside Linebacker, or Offensive linemen. Not to mention their needs to upgrade at WR and RB. But, if there’s one player to fall to them at #9 to make this decision a tough one it’s Dion Jordan. At the combine, he solidified himself as the most electric OLB/DE in the draft. This could be 2013’s Von Miller. I say he’s gone by #9, but if he does make it there, the Jets front office will seriously have to make a tough choice between quality vs quantity.
Sep 3, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman DJ Fluker (76) warms up prior to the game against the Kent State Flashes at Bryant Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Flashes 48-7. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Round 2 – DJ Fluker, OT Alabama – By round 2, the Jets NEED to address the Offensive Line by taking the best available. Fluker may be a guy who falls to the early 2nd and would be an excellent pickup for the Jets here. Without addressing the O line, it won’t matter how much the WR or HB depth is upgraded. An upgrade on the line will show elevated play from New York’s current and future skill position players. It looks like the Jets will be stuck with Sanchez another year, they need to make the most of him by relieving pressure and elevating his play through better protection at Right Tackle and/or Guard. DJ Fluker would be a steal if he fell here, if not Kentucky’s Larry Warford would also be a solid pick up for Gang Green in the 2nd round
Nov 3, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Kenjon Barner (24) leaps over Southern California Trojans safety Jawanza Starling (29) on a touchdown run at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Oregon defeated USC 62-51. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Later Round Sleeper – Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon – Any of Jet fan you ask want the Jets to address upgrading their skill position players. I do agree they need a WR to upgrade from Chaz Schilens but people forget Holmes has been injured and Kerley and Hill are still fresh out of college. Gang Green definitely has bigger issues to address in round 1 and 2. What they really need is a RB, but it would be a waste to address the RB need before addressing the Offensive line or there will be limited holes to run through. With the appropriate blockers a mid round pick like Barner could be the gem of the draft. He can come in fresh from his spectacular season leading top 5 Oregon to a BCS bowl win. At the very worst, he’d be an upgraded younger version of Joe McKnight, a quick situational RB with home run kick return abilities. But he has the flash and experience to maybe take over as the new feature back, which is a gamble that’s definitely deserving of a 3rd or 4th round pick for a Jets offense desperately in need of play-makers