2011 NFL Draft: Predictions for Jets First Round Pick

Draft day has finally arrived as the proceedings begin Thursday night at 8pm EST.  The New York Jets enter the 2011 draft with several needs, the most glaring being a pass rusher that can disrupt the opposing team’s offense.  Gang Green will also look to address the defensive line, secondary, and wide receiver position as well.

Lets take a look at some of the expert’s predictions for the Jets first round pick.  (Note: the Jets have 6 picks #30,#94,#126,#161,#184,#208)

Mike Mayock- NFL Network:  Akeem Ayers LB UCLA

Pat Kirwan- NFL.com:  Justin Houston LB Georgia

Bucky Brooks- NFL.com:  Phil Taylor DT Baylor

Pete Prisco- CBSSports.com:  Justin Houston LB Georgia

Rob Rang- CBSSports.com:  Phil Taylor DT Baylor

Chad Reuter- CBSSports.com:  Jabaal Sheard DE Pittsburgh

Peter King SI.com: Muhammad Wilkerson DT Temple

It seems pretty clear that the experts believe Gang Green will go defense with their first round pick.   Now it is just a matter of the Jets selecting a pass rusher or a big tackle that can clog up the middle and free up David Harris and Bart Scott.

(For the record I have the Jets taking Akeem Ayers out of UCLA)

Sanchez to hold passing camp: Manish Mehta from the NY Daily News is reporting that New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez will be hosting a  passing camp for his teammates beginning Monday, May 2nd.  The reported list of attendees:  Braylon Edwards, Dustin Keller, LaDainian Tomlinson, John Conner, Joe McKnight, Jeff Cumberland, and Kevin O’ Connell.

A couple of quick thoughts on this:  1) Great to see Braylon attend even though he will be an unrestricted free agent.  It is evident that Edwards wants to return to the Jets, and he is doing and saying all of the right things.  2) Santonio Holmes will be not be in attendance due to family matters.  Family matters or contract matters? 3) Where is Shonn Greene?

Tyson Rauch

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