Eric Allen Discusses Possibility of Taking Defensive Lineman in First Round

by John B on Mar 26, 2011 7:33 AM EDT

PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19: General Manager Mike Tannenbaum of the New York Jets is seen before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 19 2010 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Images)

Eric Allen has an article up on the team website speculating on the possibility the Jets will make a pick to bolster the defensive line in the first round of the NFL Draft.

The state of the Jets’ current 3-4 appears to be in flux. Nose tackle Kris Jenkins was released and Shaun Ellis, the longest tenured Jet who was a first-rounder himself (No. 12 overall out of Tennessee) as part of that memorable quartet in 2000, turns 34 in June. Reserve lineman Trevor Pryce will be 36 in August and he’s said to be considering retirement.

The Green & White, owners of the 30th selection in the opening round, could sit tight and still find a quality DL on Thursday, April 28.

The bttom line is that we do not know what the Jets will do. Neither do they. It all depends on how the Draft pans out. Heading into last season's Draft, few thought Kyle Wilson was going to fall to the Jets as he did. With all of the analysts making mock drafts, it only takes one team to go off the reservation to completely change the dynamics of the Draft. One surprising pick sets off a chain reaction that could have some guys not ending up where the analysts had them originally pegged.

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The Jets will get a good player at 30

The consensus is that the Jets need help in their Defensive Front Seven and could use a Pass Rusher. The best solution would seem to be a Pass Rushing outside linebacker. After the Gholston debacle, the Jets may be sensitive about converting college defensive ends into 3-4 outside linebackers at the pro level, there certainly is a risk. I love Kerrigan and in a best scenario , he falls to the Jets, instant Pass Rush, but can he play OLB, no one knows.
The safe pick, is picking a Defensive Lineman. The Talent that could be at 30 at the DL position is significant
1. Wilkerson
2. Phil Taylor NT
3. Luiget
4. Clayborn
5. Ballard
6. Heyward
The Jets will not pick until the end of the third round ( 94 th ? ) so they need to get it right at 30.

by JetOrange on Mar 26, 2011 8:30 AM EDT reply actions

My ideal is Phil Taylor falling to us, but I don’t see that happening. So failing that, unless something amazing happens like Aldon Smith falling that far, I’d like to trade back to the top of the 2nd and see if we can get Martez Wilson. I don’t think we should draft a 5-tech DE at all, as we’ve got plenty of those in the pipeline. I think we could have a very solid draft getting Martez and then one of the questionable NTs like Powe or the other guy whose name escapes me in the 3rd or later even.

by Exystence on Mar 26, 2011 10:26 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions