NY Jets Draft Preview
When it comes to the NFL draft, Jets’ fans have just about been through it all. It feels like it was only yesterday when Madison Square Garden was chanting “We Want Sapp… We Want Sapp.” Then Paul Tagliabue came to the podium and said the Jets selected tight end, Kyle Brady from Penn State University. The vivid image of Jets fans burying their heads in their hands has become far too common.
It’s time for a change.
Thanks to a meaningless win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the final game last season, the New York Jets now own the sixth pick of the NFL draft, rather than the fourth. This small difference of just two picks could turn out to be monumental for the Jets’ bright future.
This off-season was one to remember for Jets fans as general manager, Mike Tannenbaum went on a spending spree, shelling out over $140 million to free agents. On the receiving end of those contracts were offensive linemen, Alan Faneca and Damien Woody as well as linebacker, Calvin Pace and nose tackle, Kris Jenkins. All these players are expected to make immediate impacts to a Jets team that finished 4-12 in 07’.
With such an emphasis to strengthen the offensive line it could be foreseen that the Jets may make a play for the first running back projected off the board in Darren McFadden from the University of Arkansas. Even though the Jets traded for running back Thomas Jones last season, Jones certainly doesn’t provide the type playmaking ability that McFadden possesses. McFadden has been wowing coaches at the NFL combine by displaying his talents, clocking a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash. There has been some flags raised in terms of McFadden’s character stemming from a bar fight in Little Rock, Arkansas. Hopefully the Jets will look past this and realize the type of player he is.
Sitting at No.4 are the Oakland Raiders and longtime owner, Al Davis. Davis has been known to select the “sexy” prospects like last year’s draft when Oakland drafted quarterback, Jamarcus Russell with the No.1 overall pick. There have been rumors of the Jets swapping picks with Raiders and sending defensive end, Kenyon Coleman along as well.
If the Raiders decide to draft, McFadden the Jets’ next option would be to select projected outside linebacker, Vernon Gholston from Ohio State University. The best way to describe Gholston is the character, “Nemesis” from the Resident Evil trilogies. Gholston is a physical marvel whose stock is certainly on the rise. Standing at 6-foot 3-inches and 266lbs, Gholston is a terrific athlete posting a 40-time of 4.67. He would prove be an instant impact on a somewhat slow linebacking core. He has the speed to get off the edge and sack the quarterback as well as the size and strength to shed off blocks and make tackles.
Moving onto the second round, the Jets should be targeting either a wide receiver or another young offensive lineman to develop. One facet of the Jets offense that has been missing is a big play threat from the wide receiver position. Outside of Laveranues Coles and Jericho Cotchery, the Jets don’t have a reliable option. One player who is drawing much interest of late is, James Hardy from the University of Indiana. Hardy, is quite the physical specimen standing 6-foot 5-inches and posting a 4.51 in the 40-yard dash. If you add a big wideout such as Hardy into the slot, that will make the Jets’ air attack much more dynamic. Only problem is they need someone to get them the ball.
In terms of a young offensive lineman, Gosder Cherilus from the Boston College would fit the bill. Cherilus has been creating much buzz; standing 6-foot 6-inches and weighing 314lbs. has excellent size with a huge frame and long arms, which is the perfect makeup for a prototypical right tackle. Graduating from BC he has had valuable experience in competing against the best in the nation from the Atlantic Coast Conference.
So, April 26th at 12:00 a.m. watch the NFL draft on ESPN and see if my picks pan out.
J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets.
Keywords: Darren Mcfadden, Draft, Jets, NFL, Vernon Gholston
