The prevailing opinion is that the New York Jets will do something to bolster their defense with their first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, 30th overall. The most common belief is that the Jets will select the best 3-4 defensive end or outside linebacker on the board.
That is a theory that our friends at the mothership, SBNation.com, apparently buy into. In its most recent mock draft, SB Nation has chosen UCLA outside linebacker Akeem Ayers [full profile] for the Jets.
Here is the rationale:
His stock has taken a bit of a hit thanks to pedestrian athletic workouts, but Ayers is still valued in the draft community thanks to his versatility and well-rounded game. In Rex Ryan’s defense, he’d be an outside linebacker capable of blitzing and dropping into coverage.
Considering that I recently selected Ayers at No. 19 for the Giants in the Big Blue View Community Mock Draft I certainly see this as a terrific value pick for the Jets.
My only question about Ayers for a 3-4 team like the Jets is the transition he would have to make after having played his UCLA career in a standard 4-3. Most analysts think he would be just fine outside in the 3-4, but it is still a question until he proves it.