What you're about to see is the third version of this mock I've done, the first was without a trade, the second was with a different trade, and finally this one with a trade that I think could legitimately occur on draft day. I'll open by saying I was happy to get as many of my assumed needs filled as possible, including some that people usually overlook. The trade: Jets swap their 1st (#30) to the 49ers for their 2nd (#45), their 4th (#107), and a 4th they picked up from SD (#114). It's slanted towards the Niners in both the TVC and based on past trades. In my mind, the Niners won't be able to pass on the top notch defensive talent available in the top ten (Peterson/Quinn/one of the tackles), so they'll be thinking QB with that 2nd rounder. What's bad for them is that they got 1st draw of the seven 6-10 teams, so their pick in rd 2 after Tennessee, Washington, and Minnesota in addition to Buffalo, Cincinnati, and Arizona. They make a move to get back into Rd 1 to get their QB of the future, and select either Jake Locker or Colin Kaepernick, two guys I think Harbaugh could really work with. Now, ON TO THE JETS PICKS!! Rd 2 (from SF) #45 LB Sam Acho, Texas Acho is a guy that's been overshadowed a bit by some hype machines going for other 34 OLBs, but is probably just as good a player. He was tremendous at both the senior bowl and combine, specifically showing the ability ability in linebacker drills that has helped his old teammate Brian Orakpo turn into a stud. The best part about Acho though is my belief that of all the guys mentioned as targets, I think he provides the most schematic versatility. Part of the reason that Sergio Kindle was so good in 09 was that Acho would line up inside at end (in a 3 man line) and clog things up. This is a guy that really fits in what Rex loves to do with his OLBs. He can roll in a 43 at end, he can stand up and play outside in a 34, and he an even put his hand down in a 34 and allow for a pretty outstanding pure passrush package. He's not afraid to take on blockers, he's physically ready to play in the NFL, and he's got impressive and underrated athleticism. He's not a pure speed rusher, but he's got a great combo of power and quickness. Long story short, he's my guy. Rd 3 #94 DT Sione Fua, Stanford Big, strong tackle prospect that can immediately have an impact on the Jets defense. More likely than not Kris Jenkins won't be back, and I'm not sure the Jets are going to be able to add much in free agency for the line. Fua seems like an ideal fit, with the opportunity to add some size as time goes on. He's a great player against the run, and should provide help at any of the line positions until he's ready to take over for Pouha. Rd 4 (from SF) #107 DE Cedric Thornton, Southern Arkansas Now that we've added our instant impact guy, they can afford to pick up a player that will take some developing. I know that there are people who will say the Jets have enough developmental 34 ends on the roster, but I really don't feel totally comfortable with them being our best options for the future. Thornton is a small school kid who dominated his level, but most importantly has a good deal of experience playing on a three man line. If he pans out, what he'll bring to the table isn't too far from what Shaun Ellis does as a 34 end, athleticism to push the pocket in addition to his role taking up space. Rd 4 (from SF) #114 S Joe Lefeged, Rutgers I tend to go back and forth on taking a safety, and on that note what type of safety to pick up, but if they were going to pick one Lefeged would be an ideal choice. Nevermind the speed he showed at the combine which could make him an even higher pick, he's a powerful hitter at the position and a standout on special teams. He's physical and has the athleticism to be a quality coverage player as well, though that will take time to develop. Rather than looking for someone to replace Pool, Lefeged would be the short term stand in for Eric Smith, and hopefully eventually line up next to a coverage oriented guy (like Dwight Lowery).
Rd 4 WR Cecil Shorts III, Mount Union I've given the Jets a slot receiver pretty much any time I've done a mock over the past two years, and this will be do different. Shorts is an exciting prospect because of how productive he's been at the college level, three time All Americans don't fall off trees. Shorts is quick, dangerous with the ball in his hands, and the kind of player that could make up for a good deal of things Brad Smith does if he bolts (including as a returner). Rd 5 OG Justin Boren, Ohio State Every year there are linemen that I think aren't rated nearly as well as I think they should, and Boren is one of those guys. I'm a big believer in pedigree when it comes to linemen as well, and I can't think of a better option as a backup OG/Center than another Buckeye. He's a tough, nasty run blocker with the ability to do the little things that Callahan requires from his interior linemen. Rd 6 QB Scott Tolzien, Wisconsin Talk about getting a raw deal, is anyone talking about Scott Tolzien? It's like he never stepped foot on a football field with the lack of hype for this kid, when he went 20-5 in two years as a starter and won the Unitas Award this past season. He's by no means a dominant passer, but he's smart, efficient, and freakishly consistent. Add onto that he was one of the guys that actually stood out to me watching combine drills, and I'd love to get someone like him to develop as a backup QB. Brunell is a good mentor and Clemens is eternally average, but I think Sanchez is at the point where the Jets can afford to bring in a young option to learn alongside him in case the unthinkable occurs. Rd 7 (from ARI) ILB Greg Lloyd, UConn Injuries derailed what might have been a standout senior season for the son of the former NFL star, but I think he's more than worth a look in the late rounds. He really screwed up his knee at the end of his junior season, and probably shouldn't have played at all in 2010. Instead he tried to tough it out and clearly wasn't himself. He's got the size and skills to excel in a 34, but it really will be all about making sure he's healthy enough to play. If he didn't get hurt, I genuinely believe we could be talking about a 2nd/3rd round talent.
Ton to digest I don't know how I feel about a developmental prospect with our 3rd pick, also how long would you think he would take to develop? Also if possible I would prefer a guy like Greg McElroy over Tolzien, but they are both capable backups Other than not taking a tight end or perhaps another pass rusher I cant really complain about everything
Only thing I have against the draft is the QB pick, the actual pick not selecting one. Tolzien is the pure definition of a game manager, but he's a quicksand stepper and also has a bit of a sidearm, which is always hard to break. I feel that there are other game manager QBs that will be available with less flaws than Tolzien. I dig the rest of the draft though!
My favorite prospect in your mock is, Joe Lefeged. I think this kid has a lot of upside and just needs to improve a few things to be a quality starter. I like that he showed that he can excel in pass coverage and run support from the safety position. We need someone like that, instead of a guy like Eric Smith who is pretty good at run support and laying the wood, but struggles in coverage, especially in man coverage on a TE even. Then again, Smith has improved a lot, compared to what he used to be for this team. Lefeged is fast, and we need speed to help in the middle of the field, I'm tired of watching this defense get tore up in the middle of the field. I think he is someone that needs coached up, but I think he would be well worth the investment heading into the future.
Love the Greg Lloyd pick (obviously) Like you mentioned, injuries pretty much ruined his season this year, but he definitely has potential to be a very solid player. I know you listed him at ILB but I'm sure he could play outside too, similar to Westerman. Keep an eye on those UConn linebackers..
I love the trade and the first two picks of the draft. I would rather take an olb prospect with our third pick or even a bruising rb. Even if you feel our dline depth isnt adequate im sure you would agree we have more d line depth than olb depth You see a back up qb as being more important than a cb? Not arguing entirely just wantingto hear your logic
I don't see an issue with taking a developmental guy because they're also adding someone that can make an instant impact in Fua. If it was JUST Thornton, then there would be a concern. About how long? No clue, but I'd hope he'd be able to take over a starting gig after a year (hoping Ellis stays one more). I don't think McElroy has the tools that Tolzein has, to be totally honest (from Code's critique). Other than the top guys, I think he has the best mix of mental makeup and passing skills out there. Does Tolzein have his flaws? Sure, but as far as what I'd be looking for in a career backup, he seems very intelligent, hard working kid with a good enough arm and accuracy to be able to effectively lead an offense in the short term. Yeah, I'm a big time supporter of his. I've seen pretty much every game the kid's ever played, and he's progressed tremendously over his career. I think the most impressive aspect of his time at RU is how he really stepped into a leadership role as a senior. He's tough and has proven to be a dynamite special teams player too. More on him later. Lloyd can probably play all over, but he's definitely a more natural fit inside than Westerman is. An OLB prospect in addition to Acho? I think one outside linebacker is enough for the draft, though they could always add depth in free agency. The Jets are returning their two best players at OLB, while they could be losing (arguably) their two best on the defensive line (Jenkins and Ellis). Those three picks would give the Jets a 3 man rotation at OLB, 2 at Nose, and 3 to 4 at DE. As far as an extra CB goes, I think adding Lefeged and picking up a mid level veteran would be the best best. Lefeged can play the Drew Coleman slot/blitzing DB role pretty well, giving the Jets some versatility, and I think that Kyle Wilson will be that much better if there's a guy with experience to push him a bit. I'm not talking about Nnamdi here, just a guy like Donald Strickland was a few years back. Nothing special, but good enough to get on the field. Agreed. Even if he doesn't have it on his real jersey, I'd get it customized. If I actually picked through the first two rounds and one of them were available, I'd have had a lot more to think about. All three have their advantages.
I understand what you are saying but I think you can never have too many pass rushers. Especially since Thomas will be gone very soon and who knows how long Pace will be here seeing that although he is good-decent he is not playing up to his money level. Also just because we pick Acho doesn't mean that he will be a success. Just like NASA DOUBLE UP ON EVERYTHING Just a suggestion. I find if we add Fua our D-line will be fine. Devito and Pouha are good players. And we have Wildcards with Pituatou (butchered), Gilbert, Kroul and Dixon. I also wouldn't mind going with a project MLB although good things have been said about mauga.
Very interesting. I love the Acho, Fua and LaFeged picks. I don't know anything about the others much, but like your rationale for the players you selected. I did see Tolzien play several times but have mixed feelings on him. I do think the Jets probably need to take a developmental QB however. With the way QBs get injured in the NFL, Brunell's age, and the question marks the Jets could wind up having at RT and OL depth, I think taking a QB is a smart thing unless the Jets believe that Ainge has his head on straight and will be that guy. I also like the fact that Tanny would be showing that he can also trade down and try to find value and address needs at the same time. I think that has been his one glaring weakness so far...he always has to trade up to find a player to fit a need. If the draft fell this way for the Jets, I think it could quite possibly be a very good one for the team. Good work. Thanks.
