I have them drafting defensive players with their first three picks. The depth for front-7 players is much better in the first 3 rounds so the Jets will have to grab these guys early. Conversely, there is solid depth at the skill positions (RB, WR) in the later rounds so I expect the Jets to go that way with at least one of their selections on day 3.

I still like safety Robert Sands in the 4th and QB Greg McElroy in the 5th but I have changed their other picks since the last mock.


1st round (30th overall) - Jabaal Sheard, OLB, Pitt

In my first projection, I had the Jets selecting Baylor NT Phil Taylor but there are teams picking ahead of the Jets that could use a nose tackle so I am not so sure Taylor will be there. Both San Diego (#18) and Kansas City (#21) need upgrades at the position and Taylor would make a lot of sense for them. I first projected Sheard as a second rounder but he has been moving up team’s boards and is now considered a strong possibility in the 1st. He would be a perfect fit for the Jets’ 3-4. He is physical at the point of attack and can take on double teams. He is instinctive and makes a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage. He can also get after the quarterback and has a full array of pass rush moves. Sheard is exactly what the Jets need - he is a tough run defender and can pressure the pocket on the third down. He is more explosive than Bryan Thomas and would be a nice upgrade at the OLB position.


3rd round (30th pick of the round, 94th overall) - Kenrick Ellis, NT, Hampton

At 6-5, 345, Ellis has the size the Jets need in the middle. There are not many 3-4 nose tackles in this draft (like most years) so the Jets will have to grab one early if they want one. Ellis is very difficult to move off the ball. He is very strong and anchors well against double teams. But he also has the quickness and athleticism to beat linemen out of their stance and get pressure on the quarterback. Ellis is still raw and needs work on his technique but he has the skills to be a dominant nose tackle.


4th round (29th pick of the round, 126th overall) - Robert Sands, S, West Virginia

I had Sands as the Jets’ 4th rounder in my first mock and I’m staying with him here. There is a good chance the Jets will go safety in this round because there is solid depth at the position at this point. Jaiquawn Jarrett (Temple), Ahmad Black (Florida) and Quinton Carter (Oklahoma) should all come off the board in this vicinity too but I like Sands’ size and toughness. At 6-5, 215 he has rare size for the position. He is smart, instinctive and aggressive and would complement Jim Leonhard well. Sands would be the thumper in the middle that would strike fear into opposing receivers. There are other physical safeties but none with his size and with the league expected to move to18 games, the Jets will need a physical presence who can withstand the punishment without breaking down. Sands is also very competitive and would bring more leadership to the Jets’ defense.


5th round (30th pick of the round, 161st overall) - Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama

It will be hard to move McElroy off my 5th round projection. This is about where he is expected to come off the board and he brings excellent value at this point in the draft. For these reasons, I am keeping him as the Jets’ 5th round pick. He is very smart, has good accuracy and is not intimidated by the big stage. This guy is not flashy but he’s a winner and he would be great to develop as Sanchez’ back up. I think there is a very good chance both Kellen Clemens and Erik Ainge will not be back and with Mark Brunell turning 40, the Jets will need another young guy to develop.


6th round (29th pick of the round, 194th overall) - Cecil Shorts, WR, Mt. Union

I had Shorts coming off the board in the 5th round but he could very easily slip to the 6th. This draft is loaded with talent at receiver in the mid - late rounds and Shorts could easily get pushed down as a result. He is a very good route runner and knows how to get yards after the catch. He is competitive, has a good work ethic and a high football IQ. He is tough and has great hands. Jerricho Cotchery has been a mainstay in the Jets’ receiving corps for years but he is starting to break down and the team will need to bring in another solid possession guy to succeed him. Shorts would be perfect in that role.


7th round (5th pick of the round, 208th overall) - Buster Skrine, CB, Chattanooga

I had TE Julius Thomas here in the first mock draft but Skrine fills a higher position of need. The Jets need another nickel back and Skrine would fill that role well. He is fast and has great anticipation. The nickel spot requires a corner to close quickly on balls in front of him and Skrine excels in this area. He has good awareness and is comfortable in zones. He is also tough and aggressive and will be good in bump and run coverage. With the Jets facing guys like Wes Welker and Davon Bess twice a year, they need a guy like Skrine who can be physical and break on quick-hitting routes.


Written by Alan Levin