One obvious reason the Jets probably passed on a pass rushing LBer, is because there wasn't a single player left that the Jets thought could be that missing link. That's one theory. Another, is that when free agency starts, we could possibly lure a player like Mathias Kiwanuka, over to the green and white. Now that The Draft is over, people have started looking towards next year's draft. One thing I noticed was, there is a plethora of pass rushing prospects.
Donte-Page Moss, DE/OLB, N. Carolina: Yes, another 1st round D-lineman out of N. Carolina. I don't know what they feed those boys down in Chapel Hill, but Butch Davis pumps out more NFL ready defenders than the Octomom pumped out babies. Donte-Page Moss is the next generation in Tar Heel pass rushers. This guy is tough, and will never quit. Once he has a line on the QB, he will fight through as many blockers as you put in front of him. I saw one play, where he lost his helmet and fought through two blockers to make a sack. His own teammate smashed into Moss's head with his helmet, but he still finished the play. He was a bloody mess afterwards, but he was back in the game a short time after.Devin Taylor, DE/OLB, S. Carolina: Devin has the size strength and speed, teams would die for. At 6'7" 250, Taylor is a force to be reckoned with. As a freshmen, Taylor produced right out of the gate. He recorded 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, a blocked punt, and finished the year with almost 30 tackles. In his sophomore season, he improved on an impressive 1st year with 7.5 sacks, 12 TFL, 1 pick 6, 11 QB hurries, and 49 tackles. Devin is primed and ready to have an even bigger junior year. If he comes out, he will be one of many on the Jets radar.
Brandon Jenkins, DE/OLB, Florida State: As a true sophomore in 2010, Jenkins put up some serious numbers. 13.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, 21.5 TFL, and 63 tackles. These are mind blowing numbers for a sophomore. Brandon, is 6'3" 258, and is the prototypical size we would want in a pass rusher. He is regarded as one of the best pass rushing prospects, going into the 2011 season. If his 2011 numbers resemble anything like his 2010 season, I could see the Jets targeting him, and grabbing him
Andre Branch, DE/OLB, Clemson: Everyone knows Mr. Bowers for Clemson, but not many know the guy on the other end. That is sure to chance in 2011. Branch is a beast on the line. He AVGed a tackle every 7 plays, and recorded 6.5 sacks. I know 6.5 sacks doesn't sound like a lot, but that was mostly because Bowers always got there a split second before Branch. There isn't a doubt in anyone's mind that Branch will take over right where Bowers left off. He might have a little trouble dropping into coverage, but that shouldn't scare too many people off. I have heard rumors that the Ravens are already looking at this guy to put alongside Suggs.
Bruce Irvin, DE/OLB, West Virginia: This guy's talent is an enigma. He is only 6'3" 240, but plays like he is 6'7" 260. I have never seen a pass rusher so small, have such a successful bull rush. I have seen tape of him actually upending a 300+ pound offensive tackle like he was a 5 year old. He also has the speed to get around even the most athletic of tackles. He made a living doing it against BC's Castonzo. When all the dust settled in 2010, Bruce had a whopping 14 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. He could gain 10 pounds, and not lose a thing. Any team that picks up Bruce Irvin, is going to have a sack master for years to come.
Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall: Curry, right now, is maybe a 1st or 2nd round tweener, but don't for a second think he is the slouch of this group. Curry is 6'4" 242 pounds, and is a terror around the edge. He recorded 12 sacks, and 1 forced fumble in 2010. He has tremendous bend around the corner, and sometimes looks like he is defying gravity. If you are worried about him being from Marshall, don't. Two of his best games in 2010 came against West Virginia, and Ohio State.
There are about 4 or 5 other guys that could be mentioned on this list, but these are the top prospects that should come out in 2012. It's said that most teams are set at pass rusher, and more than a few of these guys could drop to us wherever we pick. I can't wait for the fall, so I can see these guys, and our guys out on the field playing the game we love.