Jets find more value picks on offense
Rex Ryan was discussing the draft, explaining the Jets' rationale for not selecting anyone who lines up at his favorite position: defensive back.
"When you look at the draft," he said Saturday, "the first two years, we only took one defensive player. This year, we have two players on defense. That's a record for me being a head coach and drafting defensive players."
Laughter ensued, all because it seems like a running joke. Despite boasting a defensive-minded coach and someone who relishes playing chess matches with different pieces he can plug in on that side of the ball, the Jets went big on the offense. They took four offensive players in the final four rounds after bolstering their defensive line by picking up Temple's Muhammad Wilkerson and Hampton's Kenrick Ellis.
The eyebrow-raising pick among that crop is Bilal Powell, a running back out of Louisville. The arrival of the 6-foot, 215-pounder crowds the Jets' backfield, which already features expected starter Shonn Greene, veteran LaDainian Tomlinson and second-year man Joe McKnight, who should see increased time after performing better down the stretch last season.
There already is speculation that the pick could soon mean Tomlinson's departure, but general manager Mike Tannenbaum said it's all about stacking up talent at an important position.
"I go back to two years ago when we had Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, and Shonn Greene was the best player on the board," he said. "We feel good about our running back position between LaDainian, Joe, John Conner and Shonn. We just thought he was the best player on the board and we just try to stay to the value of the board.
"The fact that he was available when he was, we just thought it was really good value for us."
Granted, but can they really carry Conner, the fullback, and four running backs?
"When you look at last year, we had five running backs. We actually had six [until] the [Danny] Woodhead deal. I kind of wish we would have kept him," Ryan cracked with a wry smile. "You never really know what's going to happen and what our roster is going to look like in the fall or anything else. To us, when Mike and I talk about putting this team together, give us the best players. Who are the best players? Those are the ones you keep."
They might not keep Brad Smith, whose free-agency status will depend on the new CBA's rules, after trading up in the fifth round to pluck TCU wideout and special- teamer Jeremy Kerley. He might take over Smith's special-teams role.
"His versatility was something that enhanced his value to us," Tannenbaum said. "We think he is a very good receiver and a good punt returner. Certainly, his versatility was something that was a positive. Hey, we love Brad. It's just, again, the opportunity to get a good player and a good fit for us."
They also picked up Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy, which could signal the end of Kellen Clemens' tenure with the team. Colorado wide receiver Scotty McKnight, Mark Sanchez's buddy, rounded out the draft for the Jets, who apparently will have to look elsewhere for pass rushing and secondary help.
"Our offseason did not end [Saturday]," Tannenbaum said. "We're going to wait for the next set of rules and we'll be prepared."
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