The NFL draft starts Thursday night and both the Jets and Giants have a pick among the first 32 selections, with the Jets picking 16th and the Super Bowl champion Giants holding the final pick.
Jets Draft Info
Jets needs: After a disappointing 8–8 season the Jets showed a number of areas with weaknesses. Though Rex Ryan is a tremendous defensive coach the team lacks an elite pass-rushing defensive end or linebacker. In addition the offense line’s struggles after an early-season injury to center Nick Mangold showed how little depth or talent is on the line beyond him. And in playing against the Patriots and their pair of pass-catching tight ends twice last season (losing both times) it became clear the need for an upgrade at safety.
Who the Jets should pick: Whitney Mercilus, DE out of Illinois—assuming they don’t trade up for tackle Matt Kalil or running back Trent Richardson. Mercilus, known for having a great motor, led the NCAA with nine forced fumbles last year while racking up 16 sacks in 13 games.
What they'll do of course is anybody’s guess. But the Jets have been known to be aggressive in trading up to get their guy like they did for Mark Sanchez and Shonn Greene in separate trades in 2009. Looking back at their previous four first rounds we can review what they’ve done and grade them with the benefit of hindsight.
The 2011 draft, 30th overall selection: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT from Temple—Wilkerson totaled three sacks last year and recorded a safety but it’s too early to tell with him what kind of value the Jets have here. The coaching staff thought enough of him to play him every game, which is a good sign, but he didn’t jump off the charts either.
Grade: Incomplete
Who they could have taken: There was no one noticeably better than Wilkerson taken right behind him.
The 2010 draft, 29th overall selection: Kyle Wilson, CB from Boise State—Wilson played better in 2011, his second season in the league, as a nickel cornerback, but ultimately even the Jets had little faith in him after just 16 games in 2010, opting to re-sign corner Antonio Cromartie prior to the 2011 season. You'd certainly want to find more than a backup player in the first round.
Grade: D+
Who they could have taken: TE Rob Gronkowski (All-Pro in 2011).
The 2009 draft...
The 2009 draft, fifth overall selection: Mark Sanchez, QB from USC—After assuming the starting job as a rookie and leading the Jets to two straight appearances in the AFC Championship game, Sanchez’s third season, in 2011, was a disappointment. In a confusing series of moves, the Jets thought enough of him to sign him to a reported $40 million extension but then traded for the popular Tim Tebow to compete with him. Quarterbacks take the longest to develop though, as evidenced by two-time Super Bowl Champion Eli Manning who struggled mightily his first few seasons as well.
Grade: C-
Who they could have taken: LB Clay Matthews (Three-time Prowler, All-Pro in 2010)
The 2008 draft, sixth overall selection: Vernon Gholston, DE from Ohio State—One of the Jets biggest draft blunders ever, Gholston was a NFL combine-tease who was big, strong, and agile. Had the Jets been fielding a track and field team he would have been a great pick, but they weren’t. Gholston played sparingly in his three years as a Jet before being released prior to the 2011 season. He didn’t play for anyone last year.
Grade: F
Who else was available: RB Chris Johnson (Three-time Prowler, All-Pro in 2010), OT Ryan Clady (All-Pro in 2009)
The 2008 draft, 30th overall selection: Dustin Keller, TE from Purdue—The Jets traded their second and fourth round picks to get this pass-catching tight end. Keller’s receptions and yards have gone up each of the past three years, culminating in last year’s team-leading 65 catches and 815 yards. His blocking is the main thing keeping him from Pro Bowl/All-Pro status.
Grade: B+
Who else was available: RB Ray Rice (Two-time Prowler), WR DeSean Jackson (Two-time Prowler)
Giants Draft Info
Giants needs: Hard to say the Giants are in need of a good draft after winning their second Super Bowl in the last five seasons, but it’s hard to pay everyone under the cap. Gone from the roster are cornerback Aaron Ross, running back Brandon Jacobs, and receiver Mario Manningham.
Who the Giants should pick: Doug Martin, RB out of Boise State. With Jacobs out the Giants need a versatile running like Martin who can run (1,299 yards rushing last season) and catch (255 receiving yards) out of the backfield.
Looking back at the Giants last four first round picks they’ve done well without having to trade up.
The 2011 draft, 19th overall selection: Prince Amukamara, CB from Nebraska— Amukamara didn’t get much of a fair shot his first season in the league due to the broken bone in his foot, suffered in August. He played just seven games but should show the Giants what they got, assuming he’s healthy, in 2012.
Grade: Incomplete
Who they could have taken: Too early to tell.
The 2010 draft, 15th overall selection: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE from South Florida—After an uneventful rookie season, Paul took advantage of increased playing time opportunity to record 16.5 sacks in 2011 and be named a First Team All-Pro. Getting a pass-rusher like Jason is what every team wants.
Grade: A
Who they could have taken: Only Steelers center Maurice Pouncey (two Pro Bowls, All-Pro in 2011) is close to Jason’s value.
The 2009 draft, 29th overall selection: Hakeem Nicks, WR from North Carolina—Though he’s not received accolades like Jason Pierre-Paul has, Nicks has averaged more than 1,000 receiving yards in each of his three seasons in the league. Still just 24 years old Nicks has a bright future ahead.
Grade: A-
Who they could have taken: RB LeSean McCoy (All-Pro in 2011)
The 2008 draft, 31st overall selection: Kenny Phillips, DB from Miami (Florida)—Phillips has started 35 games over the last four years, including 30 the last two years at safety; this despite missing most of 2009 recovering from microfracture surgery on his knee. Not a star player, Phillips ranked 10th in the NFL in fumble recoveries with three in 2010.
Grade: C-
Who they could have taken: RB Matt Forte (Pro Bowl in 2011), WR Jordy Nelson (1,263 yards receiving last year, 15 TDs)
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