With the lack of anything going on, I have been forced to look into the future. Next year's draft (if there is one) will be full of talent for us to gobble up. As of right now, we have all of our picks, so I will give you 7 rounds of players we should be looking into over the next 11 months.
Round 1: Brandon Jenkins, DE/OLB, Florida State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.67.
Going into this year's draft, there was no position more in demand by Jets fans than a rush OLBer. Like the year before we were once again left with Calvin pace and Bryan Thomas. I can't be too angry with our choice to not take one this year, since I believe there were no rush LBers worth taking at any of our picks. Brandon Jenkins is a pass rushing monster. He ended the 2010 season with 13.5 sacks, and 21.5 TFL.
Round 2: Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt
Height: 6-0. Weight: 185.
Projected 40 Time: 4.47.
I know we have Revis, Kyle Wilson, and maybe Cromartie, but we could use another solid CB to either push Wilson to play better, or if that doesn't work, than to take over his spot. Hayward had a great season, notching 6 INTs, and 17 pass break ups. This draft will be chuck full of good CBs, so a premier guy like Hayward could fall to us in the 2nd.
Round 3: Delano Howell, SS, Stanford
Height: 5-11. Weight: 198.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53
Besides OLBer, our next biggest need ignored was safety. This year, 4 out of 5 of our safeties are free agents. We might end up keeping them all, but who knows. Next year, Jim Leonhard will be a free agent. Whatever the situation is next year, I have a feeling fans will be clamoring for a big play safety to be drafted. Howell might not have amazing size, but he makes plays. Last year he registered 5 INTs, 10 passes broken up, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble. He would be great value in the 3rd round. Personally, I am rooting for Cook to do big things for us.
Round 4: Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin
Height: 6-3. Weight: 217.
Projected 40 Time: 4.56.
Does the last name sound familiar to you guys? It should. Nick is the son of Jets great Al Toon. Our situation at WR is murky at best. By next year, we might be in the market for another WR. This goes double if we grab someone like Moss, or Plax in free agency. I can't imagine getting either of these guys for anything more than a year. The 4th round has been good to us in the past, and Toon with his bloodlines and talent would be a great addition.
Round 5: Lucas Nix, OT/G, Pittsburgh
Height: 6-6. Weight: 305.
Projected 40 Time: 5.19.
Another murky position for us. Right now we are without a tight tackle. I know we have plans to move Vlad there, and maybe resigning Woody or Hunter, but this leaves a void at guard. I am happy with Slauson, and Moore, but we need depth, and a future replacement for the aging Moore. It would be nice to have him already on the team by the time we part ways with Moore. Nix is a large man who is moving inside after playing tackle in 09. He felt very comfortable in his new position, and thrived.
Round 6: Johnathan Rainey, DE/OLB, New Mexico
Height: 6-2. Weight: 249.
Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
I know we took Jenkins in the 1st, but we could use another OLBer. Bryan Thomas and Westermen will be free agents next year, so depth at this position can't hurt. Rainey had an amazing 09 season, but then had a neck injury last year. He only played in 6 games, and made a minimal impact. If he plays in 2011 as well as he did in 09, than he won't be here in the 6th round, but right now, this is where he might go, and we should want him. He can stand to gain another 10 pounds, but that isn't a problem.
Round 7: Trenton Robinson, CB, Michigan State
Height: 5-10. Weight: 195.
Projected 40 Time: 4.44.
I can't say this enough... Rex loves his CBs. With Antonio Cromartie and Coleman free agents this year, and Cole, and Lowery next year, we might be in need for depth at CB. I think we should double dip at CB. Robinson finished last year with 4 INTs, and 8 passes broken up.