The 2011 NFL Draft is quickly approaching which means that football analysts from all across the country are starting to post their mock drafts. Lets take a look at some of the predictions for the New York Jets first round pick.
Steve Wyche- NFL.com : Justin Houston OLB Georgia
Brent Sobleski- TFY:
Muhammad Wilkerson DT TempleRob Rang- NFLDraftScout.com: Phil Taylor DT Baylor
Chad Reuter- NFLDraftScout.com: Leonard Hankerson WR Miami
Matt Bitonti- DraftDaddy.com: Cameron Heyward DE Ohio State
WalterFootball.com: Muhammad Wilkerson DT Temple
Don Banks – SI.com: Phil Taylor DT Baylor
Pat Kirwan- NFL.com: Akeem Ayers OLB UCLA
Charles Davis- NFL.com: Rahim Moore S UCLA
While all of these predictions are subject to change as the draft approaches, it is evident that most of the analysts feel that upgrading the pass rush will be the Jets number one priority. I tend to agree with this assessment as Gang Green is in desperate need of an explosive player that can get to the quarterback.
At the same time drafting a player like wide receiver Leonard Hankerson makes sense if the Jets are unable to re-sign both Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes. This is where the uncertainty around the new CBA really hurts Gang Green. The inability to sign or re-sign free agents leaves so many question marks for the Jets, especially considering that the team has approximately 17 players set to test the market. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out if there is any type of lockout.