The first round of the NFL Draft is only three weeks away, with the New York Jets having the 30th overall pick, along with a pick in each of the following rounds outside of the second.
At SB Nation New York, we have been tracking mock drafts in recent weeks and learned that just about everybody expects the Jets to address their defensive front seven in the first round. Their defensive line is aging and is filled with question marks with Shaun Ellis currently unsigned and Kris Jenkins recently released. At outside linebacker, they have struggled to maintain a consistent pass rush and could use a long term replacement for Bryan Thomas.
What other needs could the Jets have?
- Safety: Rex Ryan still hasn't found a playmaker at safety to complete his defense. Eric Smith, Brodney Pool, and James Ihedigbo are all free agents, putting an even bigger question mark on the position.
- Wide Receiver: Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards, and Brad Smith are all free agents, leaving the position in doubt heading into the 2011 season.
- Cornerback: We all know how much Rex Ryan loves his corners. Antonio Cromartie is a free agent and last year's first round pick Kyle Wilson struggled all season long.
- Offensive Line: Damien Woody was recently released and backups Wayne Hunter and Robert Turner are both free agents.
- Quarterback: The Jets need better depth behind Mark Sanchez than soon to be 41 year old Mark Brunell and Kellen Clemens.
Leading up to the draft, we will break the Jets down position by position and see where they need to focus in the upcoming draft.