The following is my board for the Jets in the first round. They are players in order of my preference. It is not a list of the best players. It is only the guys I would like the Jets to pick in order. I like Sam Bradford, but the Jets shouldn't take him even if he falls to 29. On a similar note, I know it isn't likely Eric Berry will fall to 29. This is just my order in a dream scenario.
1. Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
He's a playmaker in the defensive backfield. He has the range to do an Ed Reed imitation in the defensive backfield.
2. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Suh is an incredibly disruptive force on the defensive line. He would line up at end in the 3-4 and tackle in the 4-3. He plays with so much leverage that he could eventually man the nose if he puts on a few pounds.
3. Joe Haden, CB, Florida
With Revis, Cromartie, and Haden, the Jets could man up against any receiving attack in the league.
4. Russell Okung, T, Oklahoma State
He would beef up depth on the offensive line and eventually replace Damien Woody.
5. Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
I could see him becoming a rock for years to come as a 3-4 end.
6. Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan
He has the tools to develop into an elite 3-4 outside linebacker.
7. Sergio Kindle DE/OLB
Kindle is an atheltic marvel with experience rushing out of two and three point stances.
8. Earl Thomas, S, Texas
Thomas is a pure cover safety whose status as second best in the Draft is due more to Berry's excellence.
9. Bryan Bulaga, T, Iowa
This is another potential replacement for Woody.
10. Jerry Hughes, DE, TCU
He's athletic enough to be Rex's New York version of Terrell Suggs.
11. Anthony Davis, T/G, Rutgers
Davis would back up four positions on the offensive line. He's an eventual successor for Woody or Alan Faneca. I'd love to see what Bill Callhan could do with a guy with his size and athleticism.
12. Mike Iupati, G, Idaho
Iupati would be Alan Faneca's replacement. He has trouble with technique at times, but he would have a year or two to work that out before taking over the starting job.
13. Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida
This is another physical interior lineman. He would provide depth at center and guard and take over for Faneca in a year or two.
14. Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
Kris Jenkins is coming off a serious injury. I know the Jets have Sione Pouha, but a team can never have too much depth on the nose. Plus think of a 3-4 with all three tackles on the line. That's 1,000 pounds of meat.
15. Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
I'll use the same reasoning as Williams. Cody just isn't as good at penetrating.
16. Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
He is excellent in man coverage and will immediately be one of the best nickels in the league.
17. C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
It's not really a need, but Spiller is an electric playmaker. It would probably spell the end of Leon Washington in New York. He and Shonn Greene would be a dynamic thunder and lightning for years to come.
18. Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama
McClain is technically sound, cerebral, and tough. He's the ideal inside linebacker in the 3-4. The only reason he rates this low is the Jets already have Bart Scott and David Harris inside. Still, linebacker is another position where a 3-4 team can never have too much depth.
19. Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
A week ago, Bryant would have been much higher. It's just not a need. If he does fall to 29, the Jets would have to at least consider it, right? They could go from ground and pound to run and shoot.
20. Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
Gresham would give make the receiving corps even deeper. Double tight end sets would be ridiculously difficult for defenses to defend. He is also a good blocker.
21. Trent Williams, T, Oklahoma
I'm not as high on him as the other tackles because I'm not sold he could slide over to the left side if need dictated it.
22. Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
I'm sure having him this low will raise some eyebrows. I like Odrick. I do. I think he would fit in very well in the 3-4. I just think if you're going to take a guy to play end early, he should be able to slide to the nose like Williams or Cody or be a unique disruptive force like Suh or McCoy. Quality ends aren't that hard to find in the 3-4. How difficult was it to pick up Marques Douglas last year?
23. Chad Jones, S, LSU
I love this guy. He's another big time playmaking safety, albeit not as gifted in the physical sense as Berry or Thomas.
24. Bruce Campbell, T, Maryland
He's raw but is an athletic marvel. I wouldn't have a problem because he could sit and learn the position from an offensive line guru.
25. Everson Griffen, DE, USC
I'm down on Griffen. He's athletic and has an array of pass rushing moves. He just doesn't always perform. He would be a risky pick in the first round, but I could see Rex turning him into a force.
26. Morgan Burnett, S, Georgia Tech
We have yet another excellent safety prospect.
27. Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
He's not a great fit at 3-4 inside linebacker and certainly isn't a need, but he is very talented and would certainly increase the depth.
28. Brian Price, DT, UCLA
Price is another guy who should make a good 3-4 end. If everybody is else is gone, I would be fine with it.
29. Devin McCourtney, CB, Rutgers
He could probably beat out Dwight Lowery for the nickel spot.
Again, that list is not my list of best available. It looks to balance need and talent. At least one of those twenty-nine will be available at 29.