NFL draft: Jets must add depth for any hope of long-term contention
Offensive lineman David DeCastro of Stanford participates during the 2012 NFL Combine. (Getty) Credit: Offensive lineman David DeCastro of Stanford participates during the 2012 NFL Combine. (Getty)
Last season, the Jets' lack of depth exposed weaknesses in their "ground and pound" strategy that had paved their way to two straight AFC title games in the years prior. With several franchise pillars still in place - but other key pieces lacking - the Jets' performance in this week's NFL draft will help determine whether Gang Green can contend for a Super Bowl in the next few years.
Unlike in previous drafts, the Jets have more picks (10) than rounds in the draft (7). This should give general manager Mike Tannenbaum the flexibility to add quality during the first three rounds, and quantity in rounds five through seven. Here's a look at how the Jets' might address their biggest needs.
Alternatively, the Jets could wait until rounds two or three, where they may find their tackle in Ohio State's Mike Adams, Bobbie Massie of Ole Miss or Cal's Mitchell Schwartz. A later-round possibility is local Columbia product Jeff Adams.
Though the Jets would love to add a sack artist, this draft class lacks a can't-miss pass-rush prospect. Still, the Jets would be happy with USC defensive end Melvin Ingram at No. 16; he has speed and a repertoire of moves but lacks size. UNC's Quentin Coples is chiseled in the prototypical defensive end mold, but scouts question his football IQ and every-play effort. Illinois DE Whitney Mercilus led the nation with 16 sacks, but he lacks much of a track record before 2012.
The best player available, however, may be Boston College inside linebacker Luke Kuechly, who is not a pass rush specialist but could anchor the interior defense for years to come.
Second and third round options could include speedy West Virginia linebacker Bruce Irvin, who comes with character issues; and two smaller-school players - Boise State LB Shea McClellin and Marshall DE Vinny Curry - both of whom possess a great motor but lack ideal size and experience against top competition.
More likely, however, is that the Jets select a reciever in round two or three, where they should find a number of wideouts who lack breakaway speed but have the size and hands to become productive possession receivers. These include South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery, Arizona's Juron Criner and Rutgers standout Mohamed Sanu. A mid-round flyer could be taken on Wisconsin's Nick Toon, whose father Al logged eight solid seasons for the Jets.
'We treat each of these cases individually' A Newsday review turned up half a dozen instances of unidentified remains found on LI in the early '90s — a period when the admitted serial killer began committing murders. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn hosts a discussion with Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney and Newsday criminal justice reporter Anthony DeStefano.
'We treat each of these cases individually' A Newsday review turned up half a dozen instances of unidentified remains found on LI in the early '90s — a period when the admitted serial killer began committing murders. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn hosts a discussion with Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney and Newsday criminal justice reporter Anthony DeStefano.
