NY Jets: 1st Round Predictions

By Tyson Rauch – Examiner.com

As the month of April approaches it is time to start preparing for the 2010 NFL Draft, which begins on the 22nd of the month. The draft in many cases is a game of luck, as one can never truly predict how a player is going to pan out. Just because a player is picked in the first round does not guarantee he will be a star (see Vernon Gholston), as the same goes for players picked in the later rounds or go undrafted (see Bart Scott or Brandon Moore). Lets take a look at what some of the experts are predicting for the Jets pick in the first round, which is the 29th selection overall.

1) Chris Steuber, Scout.com– Jared Odrick (Defensive Lineman, Penn State University) The Jets’ defensive line is starting to get up in age, especially at the end position where Shaun Ellis is entering his 11th season. Odrick is thought to be a speedy pass rusher, something Gang Green is desperately in need of.
2) Pat Kirwan, NFL.com – Dez Bryant (Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State) If the Jets are going to open up their passing attack in 2010, they need to give quarterback Mark Sanchez as many targets as possible. Bryant is as talented as they come, but his off the field issues are somewhat of a concern. (Note: Bryant was suspended for 10 games in 2009)  At the same time I have a hard time believing that Dez will fall this far in the draft.
3) Charles Davis, NFL.com- Demaryius Thomas (Wide Receiver, Georgia Tech) At 6’3, 229 pounds, Thomas would give Gang Green another big target to help develop their passing game around. The questions start to arise when it comes to route running and his ability to separate from defensive backs. Demaryius broke his foot in February and has not yet been able to work out for scouts at this point.  While I understand the thinking behind this pick, this could be a reach where the Jets could get better value.
4) Chris Burke, NFL Fanhouse – Golden Tate (Wide Receiver, Notre Dame) Tate would be the perfect compliment to receivers Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery.  There are some questions whether Golden is a 1st round talent, but with the Jets limited amount of picks combined with their placement in the first two rounds(29th), they may be forced to reach a little bit.
5) Nolan Nawrocki, ProFootballWeekly.com- Vladimir Ducasse (Offensive Lineman, Massachusetts) The Jets have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, but lack some depth. This pick would make sense, especially with Alan Faneca starting to get a little long in the tooth.  At the same time the Jets could use a pick later on in the draft to get a lineman, using this selection on more of an immediate impact player.

As you can see the predictions are all over the board from defensive end to wide receiver. There are also some other mock drafts having Gang Green taking safety Taylor Mays from USC, which would make some sense as well. The bottom line is that the Jets have some flexibility in the first round, as one of their biggest off-season needs was addressed in the trade for cornerback Antonio Cromartie. This is a far cry from last year when the Jets entered the draft with some major question marks, specifically at the quarterback and wide receiver positions.

Who do you think the NY Jets will take in the NFL Draft?  Tell us in our New York Jets message board.

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