Pundits Think D; Trading Down Also an Option
Posted by Eric Allen on April 8, 2011 – 5:15 pmWe’re less than three weeks out from the commencement of the 2011 NFL Draft and the consensus from the pundits is the Jets are going to address their defensive front seven in the first round with the 30th overall selection.
That thought makes sense on the surface. The Jets released NT Kris Jenkins and OLB Jason Taylor in the offseason. DL Trevor Pryce is said to be considering retirement and additional youth and more athleticism — at any position — wouldn’t be a bad thing.
Even though the Green & White ranked eighth in sacks (40) last season, Jets Nation wants a dynamic pass rusher. That’s a loud chorus, but let’s remind them to consider something head coach Rex Ryan said somewhat defiantly at the league meetings in New Orleans.
“If we need them, then how about these other teams? Everybody needs pass rushers,” he said. “Clearly, if a pass usher’s there and we think he’s the best player, then that’s the guy we’ll take.”
The Jets are going to take the best player and I don’t think that’s just coachspeak. And the fact of the matter is that player very well could be a front-seven prospect when you consider that this draft has quality depth at defensive line.
But what I’d love to know is how many first-round grades the Jets will have on this 2011 class come draft weekend. And what happens if their first-rounders are off their big board once we get to, say, No. 24 or 25 in the first round? Let’s remember that the Jets don’t have a second-round selection right now because that was sent to the San Diego Chargers in exchange for CB Antonio Cromartie.
Would they consider a move down? I know “Trader” Mike Tannenbaum has scored so many times moving up in the draft, but he might want to get a team’s early second-rounder and pick up an additional selection to get out of the first round. That wouldn’t shock me in the least bit, but we’ll have to wait to see how the board falls.
As we head into the weekend, let’s take a look at who some of the draft experts have the Jets taking in Round 1, and this includes a couple of bonus selections.
Mel Kiper, ESPN
Round 1 — Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
MK: “We’ve discussed the possibility of taking a safety at this spot, but I don’t think the Jets would be wise to neglect early talent at a position they really need to address. Heyward is a player that holds up against the run, has shown a decent repertoire of pass-rush skills, and can play through pain. Rex Ryan needs to infuse some talent to his defensive front, because he has to blitz to get any pressure on opposing quarterbacks at this point, and you never want that to be the case.”
Round 3 — Greg Little, WR, North Carolina
Todd McShay, ESPN
Round 1 — Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
TM: “The Jets’ search for a 3-4 nose tackle could follow the same logic as Chicago’s for a 3-technique. Taylor is thick and can anchor against the run and he moves well for a big guy, but he also comes with some character baggage and his motor runs hot and cold. He would end up with a very good defensive coaching staff in New York, though, and the Jets have a need to groom the next centerpiece for their front seven. It’s either Taylor with this pick or taking a chance on someone like Hampton’s Kenrick Ellis in the third round.”
Round 3 — Jerrel Jernigan, WR, Troy
Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com
Round 1 — Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
PP: “He played tackle at Illinois but would be a nice 3-4 end for the Jets.”
Clark Judge, CBSSports.com
Round 1 — Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
CJ: “Another need pick, Wilkerson might not last this long. But the Jets could use a body to replace Kris Jenkins.”
Chad Reuter, NFLDraftscout.com
Round 1 — Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh
CR: “Relentless and strong pass rusher who flew under radar while Greg Romeus got headlines; now 4-3 and 3-4 teams are considering him a late-first-round value.”
Rob Rang, NFLDraftscout.com
Round 1 — Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA
RR: “Largely due to the presence of Darrelle Revis, the Jets’ secondary is one of the league’s stingiest. Imagine how much better they’d be if the team was able to rush the passer consistently. The Jets’ 40 sacks last season is a strong total (tied for eighth in the NFL), but Bryan Thomas led the team with only six sacks. Ayers steadied his stock with an impressive performance at his pro day and is creeping back into the conversation for the top 25.”
Tags: 2011 draft, Akeem Ayers, Cameron Heyward, Clark Judge, Corey Liuget, Mel Kiper, Mike Tannenbaum, Phil Taylor, Rex Ryan, Todd McShay
Posted in Eric Allen | 44 Comments »
By GaryC on Apr 8, 2011 | Reply
I do not want jets reaching for defense just to fill a need,so I would not be adverse to taking rudolph, the notre dame tightend to give sanchez another weapon, the guy goes 6’6 and 260 pounds.maybe then if it warrants the needs they can trade edwards for maybe a couple of second rounders if a team has them.and before I hear anyone mention Kyle Brady, rudolph is much better than him.it will also be a big help to sanchez with his accuracy problems to throw to a tall tightend.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on Apr 8, 2011 | Reply
If we’re gonna start evaluating guys’ sizes relative to Sanchez’s “accuracy problems,” GaryC, pretty soon there’ll be talk about getting Yao Ming to try out at TE.
By fred on Apr 8, 2011 | Reply
I don’t pretend to know college players well but from what I have read the kid from Temple would be my pick & I doubt he will be around at 30 so I like the idea of trading down. As far as drafting another TE I thought the Jets were high on Cumberland & lets face it the longer the labor situation goes I don’t think any rookie will have much impact in 2011 -its going to have to come from young guys currently on the roster such as Westerman or Pitoitua
By Pranit on Apr 9, 2011 | Reply
Jets have to go D most of the picks…..I don’t even want to see them draft a WR in the late rounds..
By IRA on Apr 9, 2011 | Reply
EA, Liuget is they guy you want problem is he will not get past 20 for sure. You can never say never trade up with Mr. T and if they don’t have 1st rd marks for the above mentioned names i would trade down in a heart beat. But i will go back to what i have posted since late Feb. If Taylor is sitting there at 30 you take him. Its hard to find good NT’s and why take a chance on Ellis unless you have a highier grade on Ayers than Taylor. I just hope that the pressure to get a pass rusher doesn’t make them reach for a player. Remember Abraham is the really the last player other OC’s have had to gameplan against. So if its Ayers or another pass rusher thats fine if thats how their board is. If not i will stick with Taylor.
By dave on Apr 9, 2011 | Reply
Wont ba a reach GaryC, because they have needs at DT, DE and OLB. There will be a guy worth taking at one of these spots.
By Paul n on Apr 9, 2011 | Reply
Just my opinion, but if Heyward is on the board at 30, he’s our man! Solid against the run, with coaching i think will provide pressure upfront as well. if the big guys are off the board by #30….trade down for numbers, this draft is deep defensively.
By GaryC on Apr 9, 2011 | Reply
jet fan tom, rudolph is more than just height,look,I have had my fill with hartsock,who the jets cut, thank goodness and mulligan as my tightends behind keller.don’t know if jets are going to give cumberland a chance.nothing wrong with tightend with height something that keller doesn’t have.Maybe if we have a 6’6 tightend with 260 pounds on the goal line who can catch we will score more often in the red zone.look, the jets at 30 are not getting the next clay matthews,they will I believe go for the top guy on board and I believe that rudolph might be guy.
By uncle joe on Apr 9, 2011 | Reply
It amazes me how a guy like Kiper who seemingly lives for the draft could be so wrong all the time. He LOVED Gholston and now he has us taking this Heyward guy.Heyward and Akeem Ayers will be TERRIBLE. Can you people PLEASE watch LB Beal on youtube but keep your eyes on the safety behind him,#20 Quinten Carter.
By uncle joe on Apr 9, 2011 | Reply
and watch DE Quinn highlights but keep your eyes on #9 DT
By uncle joe on Apr 9, 2011 | Reply
his name is Marvin Austin. And Gary C Ive been screaming TE for three years now! Best Available at 30 would be TE or Safety,BOTH positions that need to be upgraded.
By big T on Apr 9, 2011 | Reply
How about making a trade for taylor mays, based on what I’ve heard he has fallen out of favor in san fran, and if the jets could get him cheap, he would be a nice rotational player you play pool and lenord and then maybe smith and mays not to mention the fact that lenord is getting old, you can fill a need right there,
By wayne on Apr 9, 2011 | Reply
This team is NOT taking a TE in the first round. If best player on board is a TE they’re trading that pick..They have to restock this defense through this draft. It is too old up front. And since the draft is deepest in area they’re weakest, the rest is too easy. They’re drafting a guy in the front 7 or they’re trading down because they can get someone of equal value later while picking up extra pick or 2.
By GaryC on Apr 9, 2011 | Reply
to uncle joe,I like rudolph just because at 30 the jets are not getting a dominating defensive player,also he looks like a kid who will not give you too much trouble off the field,I know jet fan tom loves to here that.and will work to make himself a better player and the hamstring problems he has had in college I believe will be minimized with pro training.Like I said you don’t walk through Notre Dame taking basketweaving classes.
By Westcoast GangGreen on Apr 9, 2011 | Reply
Gary C, Rudolph is a good physical TE but, the JETS need to rebuild the front seven for the long haul. Our ageing front seven is in worst shape than our TE’s are in, age wise. And, regarding trading Edwards, you can’t trade free agents, they have to be signed, is that right Randy??
By scjoe on Apr 9, 2011 | Reply
I know everybody has their own thoughts and opinions on who should be drafted where, when and why, and who can say who is right and who is not at this point anyway, but a TE? at #30 in this draft? With all the needs on defense? What is wrong with the combination of Keller (who I am not really crazy about as an all around TE) Cumberland (who has the tools but just needs the opportunity) Mulligan, (who is a pretty consistent blocker albeit not a great receiver) and maybe a late round pick or a undrafted FA to compete against the latter 2. But that first rd pick has to be either a DE, OLB, safety, or a trade down, and I feel very confident that is what it will be.
By uncle joe on Apr 9, 2011 | Reply
Ira,Liuget is nothing special,Taylor maybe but Ayers is soft! Unless Quin,Watt,Wilkerson,Aldon Smith,Houston or Reed slip(which they won’t) in that order it’s TE or Safety or trade. I don’t think DE is that important because Ryan seems to be able to plug anybody in there and make it work.3-4 DEs are just supposed to occupy O linemen,stop the run and occasionally apply pressure.Any undersized DT can do that for us.Ryan wants to get better in the RedZone and he loves his DBs, TE & Safety will be an untapped position at 30,PICK of the LITTER,BEST AVAILABLE TALENT!
By IRA on Apr 9, 2011 | Reply
I don’t get how some of you don’t think Keller is a very good TE. And if Cumberland can improve his blocking they are in good shape. I think if one is around late they might take a look. Other wise re-sign Hartstock who was a solid blocker for them or if Chris Baker is healthy bring him back for the right price for one year. He knows how to block and can catch if they throw to him.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on Apr 9, 2011 | Reply
Just kiddin’ ya again GaryC, I’d like Rex to make up his mind about which TWO TE’s he needs, but I can’t really see picking one this yr. And speaking of WRs, Pranit, I don’t want to draft one either — unless both Holmes and Edwards aren’t gonna be back. I see that today Holmes shot off his mouth a bit about not starting the PIT playoff, not signing a tender, and wanting a long-term deal. The problem is, he’s right about all that, not that I don’t think he coulda shown a bit more class about saying it. With BE’s status with the NFL up in the air, Holmes would be crazy not to go for the kill, no other O player on the Jets deserves it more. But if he’s gonna whine about it, he can take a hike like everyone else. Divas Don’t Build Dynasties.
By matt on Apr 10, 2011 | Reply
If Brooks Reed is there, take him and congratulate yourselves. If he’s gone-take Taylor.
If neither is there, trade back and take OT Cannon or Sheard in the 2nd
If you get Reed, take NT Ellis or NT Powe in the 3rd.
If you get Taylor, take OLB Carter (Fresno) in the 3rd.
If you don’t re-sign B. Smith, draft Kerley in the 5th.
If you don’t re-sign Edwards, sign Sims-Walker.
Make Super Bowl reservations.
By fred on Apr 10, 2011 | Reply
I just read the same story on Holmes & I came away thinking that a long term deal for him could be risky. I also think he has issues with BS may not want to come back to the Jets. He is with out a doubt a play maker but I woud like to see him on his one year tender & realistically that is the only way both he & BE return to the Jets
By GaryC on Apr 10, 2011 | Reply
jet fan tom, I see the holmes love affair is starting to fade,I told you guys don’t change overnight.as other posters have mentioned maybe with this lockout we can’t make the deals we want,but if I could trade holmes or edwards for a couple of picks draft rudolph you put enormous pressure on defense by having two tightends who can block and get deep.then if we could get a couple of seconds maybe brooks reed or paea drop to the second round.
By John D on Apr 10, 2011 | Reply
Holmes is vying for more cash and a longer deal.The pundits are correct.a pass rusher and a plug for the middle are needed.Safety play was inconsistent as the middle of the field was a valley for throws all year.Will Shaun Green break out this year?LT can only handle half the snaps..The LB core is solid.but coverage again is an issue.The Jets staff does a great job of compensating for flaws. Bill Polian statement the other day,”only about 40%of our evaluations turn out to be correct.” It gives pause when we talk about all of these wonderful prospects filling our holes.
By 10and6jets on Apr 10, 2011 | Reply
It is more than surprising to hear all the talk about TE’s. Keller is rounding into form and has chemistry with Sanchez and we have Cumberland to develop. I think Rudolph will be drafted by the Falcons. Stocker is good, but unless a TE is the BPA we will never take him.
Liuget is most likely going to be our guy. He will fall to us because he’s only 6’2″ and there is so much talent to choose from. I think we’ll get very lucky and select him. Kendrick Ellis is very interesting. He seems perfect for the Jets, but I do not know what all the serious character concerns are about him. If it’s true, we cannot take him.
By 10and6jets on Apr 10, 2011 | Reply
Holmes is a goner. No way we pay this guy the $ he’s seeking. We need to build around guys who love football and play like Jets and are great teammates. Holmes is none of these things. He puts himself before the team, blaming the OC, blaming the loss to Pitt. on the 10 plays he was on the bench. That’s a joke. He won’t block, fumbles every time we hand it off to him, drops passes in the EZ and refuses to return punts b/c he doesn’t want to get hit. What a primadonna! If he had touched that punt he let roll through his legs just under his fingertips in the playoffs, no Jet fan would want him back anyway. Let’s hope he is restricted and we can get a draft pick, so when he fails his next drug test he won’t be a Jet.
By matt on Apr 10, 2011 | Reply
Hartsock is an excellent blocker technically, which is what they signed him for. Just look at the tape. They want to re-sign him for less. He probably grades out to about 90. Cumberland may become a decent blocker if he works very hard, but he’s nowhere near Hartsock now.
As for safety-this is the absolute worst crop of safeties I remember. If you want to take a flyer on Deonta Williams in the 5th, that’s a good gamble, but only because he’s been injured and may slide.
By IRA on Apr 10, 2011 | Reply
Lets not jump to conclusions about SH. He probably should have not said anything. If the tender sticks i would be shocked if any team is going to give up a 1st and 3rd for SH. He really has no choice but to play. If he refuses to play them it will be just like Mankins’ deal with the Pats and he will sit out the 1st 7 games like Cimini wrote. The Jets are not going to cave in to him if they feel they want him to play 1 more year before they invest big money in him. They held off on Harris up until now and will give him the money before they give it to SH. I hope this gets resolved because SH was a huge part in the success of Jets last year.
I still think they will draft a WR with their 3rd pick whenever that may be.
By Jets Fan Since '64 Tom on Apr 10, 2011 | Reply
GaryC, Holmes is an amazing talent, one of the best WRs to ever wear a Jet uniform. But as 10and6 notes, he’s starting to rack up bad character points AS A JET, which is all that interests me, not what he did before. And bad characters don’t interest me no matter how well they play. I didn’t like it when TJ and Rhodes badmouthed Favre publicly (as if either of their careers can be mentioned in the same sentence as his), I didn’t like it when Leon played games with us over $ after a major injury, I didn’t like Revis’ holdout, and I don’t like the way SH sounds now. Unless I see a complete turnaround in his attitude, he can hit the road. I want guys who behave like Sanchez, Mangold, and LT (as long as MS stays away from the teen girls).
By IRA on Apr 10, 2011 | Reply
Matt, Agree with you about Hartstock.
10and6,No way is Liuget getting past the 20th pick. If the Jets want him some how they will have to trade up to get him.
Start getting that big jersey ready for Taylor. He is perfect plus he already has worn a green jersey at Baylor.
By GaryC on Apr 10, 2011 | Reply
jet fan tom, you still don’t think holmes was trying to stir the pot when he took those photos with steeler gear all around him..like that was the only room they had to take photos.this is only the tip of the iceberg with this guy. wait till the jets go into a losing streak and see how he reacts.I might even bring back Clowney(blasphemous I know).In the end you lose more with these type of characters than you win.
By IRA on Apr 10, 2011 | Reply
As we all discuss who the Jets could take with the 30th pick if they stay there i checked out the 30th pick in the draft since 2000. Well ther have been some very fine players selected at 30. Starting in 2000 K. Bulluck, R. Wayne, K. Simmons, K. Jones, H. Miller, J. Addai, D. Keller, K. Britt and J. Best. It seems to be a good spot for an offensive player. The last defensive player selected at the 30th spot was Sammy Davis, a CB by Chargers. The Jets just might have to move out of this spot or break the trend.
By wayne on Apr 10, 2011 | Reply
scjoe, this TE you’re talking about may be as good as you guys are saying, but at some point Mr. sanchez has got to become the reason why the offense goes. Jets can’t keep having to prop him up with every piece of offensive support and kitchen sink they can find. He has way enough support. I said it many times here and Holmes was honest enough to confirm it, GUYS ARE GONNA WANNA GET PAID. There’s the talent dilemma, then there’s the financial one.. How much cap space will be left to address the defense?…..IT’S WICKED OLD. Mr. Sanchez and his offense won’t be able to score enough points to make up for that. It just doesn’t seem feasible from any prospective to allot anymore top end talent or money to the offense.
By wayne on Apr 10, 2011 | Reply
I got a picture in my mind of this defensive front: It’s one guy in a wheelchair being flanked by two guys draggin intravenous tubes attached to that thingy you see people dragging around hospital halls. It’s that ugly. Additionally, if this season starts late, for “owner unrest”, older guys are more prone to injury if not given enough time for conditioning. Take the Revis thing and multiply it by a high number.This is what they HAVE: Ellis, Pouha Pryce Thomas Ropati, Pace. And they don’t have free agency. It’s not a need, it’s a must that they address the defense, because free agency is going to be a zoo and they can’t be sure what or who they’ll be able to pick up when that starts.Too much age, too many medical ???marks. Have to draft D.
By scjoe on Apr 11, 2011 | Reply
Wayne, I am not in favor of drafting a TE in this draft, you must have my post confused with someone else. I think we can get by with a combination of Keller, Cumberland and Mulligan. If there is a decent TE available in the 6th or 7th rd, fine, or maybe an undrafted FA, but definitely not a high draft pick, especially given our track record of selecting TEs high in the draft. As for SH, I say cut ties with him if he is going to demand more then he is worth. A WR can be found in the mid to late rounds if the front office is doing their homework. Otherwise there are quite a few UFA at that position this year.
By IRA on Apr 11, 2011 | Reply
wayne,
Good points about this season becoming a medical ward. I can see that too if things go the way i think they will with this ongoing labor dispute. And for Judge Nelson ordering them back to talks. Give me a break what does she really expect that to do. Both sides are going to stand their ground until they feel it or are getting close to feeling it in their pockets.
Getting to Mizzou if the tenders stick i think its highly unlikely any team is going to give up a 2nd rd pick for him especially with the new KO rules in effect. He will play for the 1 year tender of 1 point something mill for 1 year for the Jets.
And Wayne yeah FA will be crazy but every team will be ready for any scenerio.
By IRA on Apr 11, 2011 | Reply
And if you don’t think teams haven’t already lined up their free agenst they want to sign you are only kidding yourself. Agents and teams have [wink,wink!] spoken already i am sure. Just look at how in a normal year when free agency starts at 12:01 after midnight a few players already have new teams. Its a cut throat business just like any other.
By Jets Fan Since '64 Tom on Apr 11, 2011 | Reply
wayne and scjoe, there’s no denying what you say about Holmes but the real problem is that he’s just identified himself as the kind of player who works against his team’s best interest by running his mouth. There is absolutely NO reason any of what he said the other day had to be aired in public, and absolutely nothing that would’ve been wrong with him saying it privately during contract negotiations. And the bigger problem with this is that if he’s that impulsively selfish and self-centered, unable to even consider the consequences of what he might say in advance, he’s frankly not a very smart person, negotiator, or football player. All of that greatly reduces his value to the team and, frankly, marks him as a possible pain in the butt.
By wayne on Apr 11, 2011 | Reply
scjoe, my bad….Tom64, I totally agree about Holmes, they may have to make Braylon their priority now. That being said, much as we like to believe in idealism, we’ve seen it in everything, winning is all that matters. because it equals=$$$$$.So, if choice is Braylon or Holmes and money being equal, the choice will still be Holmes….Ira, the tenders are a huge pipedream for Mr. T. Players are gonna fight that. I think both Smith and Holmes will be unrestricted when this is done.The Jets are in a bind.Too many FAs.All of whom they want to sign.RIGHT. Yeah everyone wants to come play for Rexy, but they can’t sign everyone. Players won’t care what teams promise if they go out and draft 2 guys at his position. Draft sets tone.Don’t trust wink
By John on Apr 11, 2011 | Reply
I would want DT Phillip Taylor if he fall to the 30th spot and take the risk in losing a 2nd rd pick. Would not take Heyward if Taylor gone I would rather see jets take DE, Ryan Karrigan or S,Rahim Moore. And would not take a WR in the 3rd rd if jets don’t a safety. I also like OLB, Akeem Ayers with the 1st if Taylor or Moore are gone. DT, DE S, needed most WR or a TE with 4th pick a RT, with the 5th pick then a with the last pick a RB.
By Danny Mastrodonato on Apr 12, 2011 | Reply
brooks reed or rahim moore are the ONLY first round options in my eyes. feedback wanted.
By Jack on Apr 12, 2011 | Reply
I feel Brooks Reed has become overrated because of the Clay Mathews Comparisons. Rahim Moore would be an awful pick. Too much of a reach, he isn’t what rex wants anyway. Rahim’s ceiling is Kerry Rhodes. He is small can’t tackle.
People are talking about trading down, which is not a bad option at all, but if a guy starts to drop, I really wouldn’t be surprised about a trade up.
Daquan Bowers could potentially drop big time. If he is around at 15, I would be surprised if Tanny didn’t trade up.
I like Justin Houston if we stay at 30.
By Danny Mastrodonato on Apr 12, 2011 | Reply
Daquan Bowers we would be lucky to get but i think he would be worth trading some people to go get him. heard some rumors with us trading spots with the broncs. could u imagine von miller??? wow, what a defense we would have. brooks reed has a nonstop motor and is very capable of getting to the qb. my favorite quality is his motor though for sure. justin houston reminds me of vernon gholston. and i think drafting cameron heyward would be a HUGE mistake. rah moore is a playmaker on defense which is what we need desperately. lacking very strongly in that area.
By Jeff B. on Apr 12, 2011 | Reply
I agree with McShay in principle but not necessarily in pick..Defense first, WR 3rd. It’s likely that BE or SH will be gone and BS is not a proven WR nor is Patrick Turner. Jets need to bring in a younger JCo, another class guy with heart that can make the clutch play. I wish Aundrae Allison would have panned out.
By Jets Fan Since '64 Tom on Apr 13, 2011 | Reply
Jeff B. gets my Second Best Post of the Day for saying what should be obvious by now, which is that Brad Smith is no WR. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Allison back in camp, Jeff B., considering how much Rex raved about him for awhile — not that that did Woodhead any good.