The Combine has passed, pro days are largely in the books, and that means we can further hone in on the 2012 NFL Draft. Todd McShay of ESPN has done exactly that, releasing his inaugural two-round mock draft, in which he has the New York Jets addressing their need to infuse the defensive front with youth.
In the first round, McShay has the Jets - who pick at number 16 - taking Courtney Upshaw, a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker out of Alabama. On the pick:
Upshaw is the kind of physical, versatile front-seven player Rex Ryan loaded up on in his days with the Ravens, showing explosiveness and power as a pass-rusher and as a run defender. Floyd also would be a consideration here if he were available, and he would be a good complement to Santonio Holmes. -- Todd McShay
And in an effort to further beef up the defensive line, McShay likes the Jets to pick Brandon Thompson, a defensive tackle/defensive end from Clemson.
The Jets picked a versatile defensive linemen in last year's first round in Muhammad Wilkerson, and that trend may continue early on in the upcoming draft.
For more news and updates on the New York Jets be sure to visit Gang Green Nation and SB Nation New York. For more mock draft information, check out Mocking The Draft. Prospect profiles can also be found at the National Football Post, an SB Nation partner.