Jan

25

Will the Jets stand pat at #6?

Posted by Michael Sciannamea

January 25, 2008 |

nfl_draft_06.jpgWe’re still not even through the “in-between week” of the Super Bowl frenzy and already there is a lot of buzz and speculation as to what may happen at the upcoming NFL Draft.

There’s been quite a bit of talk that the Dolphins will look to deal the No. 1 pick because their executive vice president of football operations, our old pal Bill Parcells, believes that the team has just too many needs at too many positions and that the organization would be better off by dealing the pick to get more picks.

In addition, there have been some rumors floating around that the Cowboys may look to trade way up in the draft because they are enamored of Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, who is projected to be a top 5 pick.

So where does this leave the Jets, who are currently in the number 6 slot in the first round? At this point, I say they should stand pat. The Jets have three major areas that need addressing — defensive line, offensive line, and wide receiver.

Since there are no standout receivers projected to go in the top 10, it boils down to lineman. The Jets already have a top 5 (number 4 in the draft) offensive lineman in D’Brickashaw Ferguson, who hasn’t exactly lived up to his billing as of yet, though he’s only been in the league two years. I just don’t see the Jets picking another offensive lineman that high in this draft–I can see them going for one in the second round as well as pursuing free-agent options.

That leaves the defensive line, and I’ve been on the Chris Long (Virginia) bandwagon, although he may get chosen before he drops to number 6. However, there are a few other standout defensive lineman that will be available, including LSU’s Glenn Dorsey, USC’s Sedrick Ellis, and Ohio State’s Vernon Gholston. So, the chances are that at number 6, a blue-chip defensive lineman will be sitting there waiting to be chosen, and the Jets would be wise to go that route.

Although if somehow, someway McFadden drops down to number 6, it would be tempting for the Jets to snap him up, the fact is that they don’t need another running back. Plus, they should resist the notion of trading up to get someone–you’re going to have to get rid of multiple picks to do it, and the team has too many holes to fill. If another team lower in the first round comes along with an offer that entails swapping first-round picks as well as getting the Jets either a high second-round choice OR a player that can step into the lineup (like a wide reciever), that might be worth entertaining.

But for the time-being, the Jets should be content to stay at number 6 and look to draft someone that can help them right away.


Comments

2 Comments so far

  1. Jeremy Harnish on February 2, 2008 5:10 am

    Well as a “HARDCORE” jet fan,this is what I’d like to see happen. Stay at 6 draft Vernon Gholston, trade Vilma and our 2nd round pick to Cincy for Chad Johnson. I think the Jets are a “LOCK” in obtaining A.Samuel from the Patriots,since the team has 27 million under the cap to play with. I believe we would have the best cornerback duo in the AFC,Revis really looks like he will be a multiple pro bowl corner for years to come. We still have to address the offensive and defensive line. Haynesworth will either get a long term deal with the Titans or be Franchised. So he is out of the picture. Alan Faneca is a solid guard,however his price tag will definately be high and for his age I would not entertain that thought.However,I would like for the Jets to go after the other steelers lineman Max Starks,he would be worth the money. Overall I think the Jets could put themselves in great shape next year and once again be in the hunt,if the Jets brass play thier cards right? We shall see?

  2. Football » Will the Jets stand pat at #6? on February 7, 2008 10:04 am

    […] Michael Sciannamea wrote a fantastic post today on “Will the Jets stand pat at #6?”Here’s ONLY a quick extractSo where does this leave the Jets, who are currently in the number 6 slot in the first round? At this point, I say they should stand pat. The Jets have three major areas that need addressing — defensive line, offensive line, … […]

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