WR, Mt. Union
6-0, 205, 4.5-40
Projection: 5th round

Shorts hails from the same division III school that sent Pierre Garcon to the NFL. In fact, he has broken most of Garcon’s receiving records. Shorts is a very underrated prospect because of his lack of top-end speed but he is a smooth route runner and gets in and out of his breaks without having to gear down.

G, Lehigh
6-4, 303, 5.27-40
Projection: 4th round

Rackley played LT at Lehigh but projects to guard in the NFL. I expect him to drop a bit in the draft because of questions about the level of competition he faced at Lehigh but believe me, the talent is there.

RB, Kentucky
5-8, 188, 4.37-40
Projection: 4th round

Locke is a real burner and is a threat to take it the distance whenever he touches the football. He is small and durability will always be a concern. Was dinged up in college and will have to split time with a power back to remain healthy.

CB, Chattanooga
5-10, 186, 4.3-40
Projection: 7th round

Skrine is not well known having played for a lesser known school but he has talent. He is one of the fastest players in this draft and has excellent closing burst. I think he would be a solid nickel corner which is something the Jets need.

S, Oklahoma
6-1, 208, 4.57-40
Projection: 3rd round

Carter is an aggressive, instinctive safety who would fit well into the Jets’ defensive scheme. He is an intimidating presence over the middle and delivers the violent hit in run support.

ILB, Oregon
6-1, 230, 4.78-40
Projection: 4th round

Matthews might be a better fit in the 4-3 but he is one of the top cover linebackers in this draft and the Jets need help in this area. I see Matthews as a solid 3rd down specialist who could cover RB’s and TE’s and also bring some pass rush if needed.

S, North Carolina
6-2, 205, 4.53-40
Projection: 5th round

As the 2010 season wound down, Deunta (pronounced dee-ON-tay)Williams was rated as a 2nd or 3rd round prospect but he suffered a grisly leg injury in December’s Music City Bowl and has been rehabbing ever since. He has been unable to participate in postseason all-star games and has not worked out for NFL teams.

OLB, Missouri
6-4, 263, 4.69-40
Projection: 1st round

Aldon Smith is one of the most talented players in this draft but there is disagreement over where he should play. He was a 4-3 DE for the Tigers but 3-4 teams like the Jets are curious how he’d fit as an OLB. He reminds me of Justin Tuck with his ability to line up as a 4-3 DT in passing situations and get penetration against guards.

This will be an interesting draft for the Jets. Mike Tannenbaum is a GM who typically drafts for need but this year, with no free agency period prior to the draft, he may go with a “best player available” strategy since he will not know which players he will be losing until free agency rules are established.

But if we go by the old free agency rules then wide receiver would be the Jets’ most vulnerable position with Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith all due to hit the open market. Safety could also be thin with Brodney Pool, Eric Smith and James Ihedigbo set to be unrestricted free agents. The Jets could also have depth issues on the offensive line with Robert Turner and   Read More...

CB, Utah
6-0, 185, 4.49-40
Projection: 3rd round

Burton is a junior entry that could have benefitted from another year in college. He has natural cover skills but needs work on his recognition and technique. Had he stayed in school, he could have been a second or first round pick next year.