2008 Draft preview: Jets' game plan Posted: March 17, 2008 J.P. Pelzman / For Sporting News An in-depth analysis of the New York Jets' plan for the 2008 NFL Draft: NEEDS 1. Wide receiver. The Jets have lacked a speedster who can stretch defenses ever since they traded Santana Moss to Washington three years ago, and haven't had a tall, imposing target on fade routes since trading Keyshawn Johnson to Tampa Bay in 2000. Indiana's James Hardy (6-7) might be available in the second round and could solve both problems. Other tall receivers with speed who could be on the board are Arkansas' Marcus Monk and Texas' Limas Sweed. 2. Cornerback. Darrelle Revis should man the left side for a long time, but the right side is a different story. Veteran Hank Poteat finished 2007 as the starter and, while he is one of coach Eric Mangini's favorite players, the Jets need an upgrade at this position. Possibilities include Colorado's Terrence Wheatley, Nebraska's Zackary Bowman and Oklahoma's Marcus Walker. 3. Outside linebacker. Bryan Thomas slumped after a breakout 2006 season and finished with only 2 1/2 sacks last year. The team signed free agent Calvin Pace to energize the pass rush, but he'll need help. Ohio State's Vernon Gholston could solve that problem, as could Auburn's Quentin Groves. 4. Right tackle. The team signed free agent Damien Woody and cut Anthony Clement. Woody, a guard for most of his career, hasn't played outside much, so if Michigan standout Jake Long falls in the draft, New York should take him. Second- or third-round possibilities include Texas' Tony Hills and Auburn's King Dunlap. 5. Quarterback. Kellen Clemens didn't impress anybody in his eight-start tryout last season. While the Jets haven't lost confidence in him, the strong-armed passer has yet to prove he's the quarterback of the future. Chad Pennington will be 32 on opening day, and his arm hasn't gotten any stronger after two shoulder surgeries. The Jets could look at Michigan's Chad Henne, Delaware's Joe Flacco or USC's John David Booty in the later rounds. 6. Defensive end. Shaun Ellis will be 31 when the 2008 season starts and was a better player in the 4-3 system. If Virginia's Chris Long (who played in a similar 3-4 set in college) falls to No. 6, the Jets would probably take him. His character and work ethic would be very appealing. But if Long isn't there, there are many other positional needs to be addressed first. OUTLOOK The Jets were aggressive on draft day last season, trading later picks in order to move up and select Revis in the first round and linebacker David Harris in the second. The team's strategy has to be different in 2008 because there are so many immediate needs at positions on both sides of the ball. If anything, New York might look to trade down to perhaps net an extra pick or two, especially if the player the team is eyeing at No. 6 is off the board. The primary goal of general manager Mike Tannenbaum and Mangini should be to increase the number of playmakers on both sides of the ball. The duo also might have to be a bit more flexible about the type of player they select. Overvaluing character, sometimes at the expense of physical talent, has led to reaches like linebacker Anthony Schlegel, a 2006 third-round selection who played in just four games before being released. > http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=386228
I'm a big fan of Antoine Cason in the 2nd for our #2 CB. Plug him in Week 1, lock up Rhodes long-term, and forget about the secondary for the next half-decade.
I like James Hardy, but I wonder if we'd take a guy who assaulted his girlfriend and baby. The guy seems to be exactly what we need, but it's a shame he's the scum of the earth. I'm also intrigued by Donnie Avery of Houston, who seems like a gamebreaker in the Devery Henderson mold. We don't necessarily need a 90 catch guy; a guy who can score from anywhere and catch maybe 40 balls would do just fine. -X-
