The New York Jets didn't have a tremendous opportunity to add a lot of premier talent in this draft, yet they managed to add a lot of pieces that should be able to contribute to their team almost immediately, and could develop into important players in the future. In most of the grading systems we've found, the Jets get an above average grade. SB Nation gave the Jets a B+ for their total draft.
In Muhammad Wilkerson and Kenrick Ellis, the Jets have added outstanding talent and potential to what was an aging defensive line. Receiver and return man Jeremy Kerley was a sensible mid-round pick that hedges their bets against the loss of Brad Smith, and Greg McElroy was a nice decision, as he looks like a long-term backup to groom behind Mark Sanchez. It wasn't perfect - a pass rusher would've been nice - but these were all smart picks.
Mel Kiper at ESPN gave the Jets a solid B, which is pretty good on the curve that he judges on.
he Jets needed help at both defensive end spots up front in their 3-4, and did a great job adding talent with their first two picks. Wilkerson could be one of the bigger steals of the first round, a player I maintain is a 2012 top-10 pick who was a really good value in 2011. He is a load at nearly 320 pounds, capable of taking on blocks and causing problems in the backfield. Ellis also is a good player, a dominant player against average competition who could respond well to Rex Ryan's coaching.
SB Nation's Draft blog Mocking the Draft also came out with their Draft grades, and they gave the Jets a C+, which, again, is pretty good considering the curve they grade on.
Both Wilkerson and Ellis fill needs along the defensive front. Powell is going struggle to find carries in a crowded backfield. Kerley will return kicks and provide some receiver depth.