Scott Wright of Draft Countdown is one of the most respected and most accurate draft analysts in the business. He doesn’t do many mock drafts, but he did release one Monday and it has the New York Jets selecting South Carolina outside linebacker Melvin Ingram with the 16th overall pick of the first round in this April’s 2012 NFL Draft.
Ingram has been a popular mock draft selection for the pass rush-needy Jets. Wright says:
“The Jets have a talented, star studded and highly paid defense but that didn’t necessarily translate into as many impact plays as it should have last season. In fact, despite the emergence of Aaron Maybin as a situational pass rusher the Jets were a middle of the pack team in terms of sack production. With both Calvin Pace and Bryan Thomas now well into their thirties, it may be time to bring in another outside linebacker who can be a threat off the edge. South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram is one of the most versatile prospects in this draft, capable of contributing at defensive end, outside linebacker or even defensive tackle depending on the scheme. A great natural athlete, Ingram just seems to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time to make big plays. There is a chance Ingram could come off the board in the top ten so New York gets good value while also addressing a need.”