The Jets got the BPA to fill a need drafting Wilkerson. IMO, it was a slim chance Mo would fall to #30. I projected Wilkerson to go anywhere from #18 to #26. The fall of Cameron Jordan helped the Jets, since the Saints would have taken Wilkerson if Jordan wasn't available. Wilkerson is very versatile, a big plus in Rex's system. Wilk can play inside in 4 man fronts and outside in 3 man fronts. Wilkerson is just as productive stopping the run and rushing the passer. A huge wing span that can knock down passes and knock the ball out of the QB's hands. Wilkerson loves football and if you watch film he is very enthusiastic and a team player. My slight concern is the competition he faced, but it should be noted he played a great game against Penn St. Smart pick by Tanny....Rex's DNA is all over this player. Wilk reminds me of Ty Warren, a player that played well inside and out. It's been a long time since the Jets addressed the D-line high in the draft. When is the last time Mel Kiper raved about a player the Jets selected?? Kiper said it was one of the best picks in Rd 1.
I'm ashamed I focused on the one unintentionally pervy statement. I couldn't resist. I think it was a great pick. 2 years in a row we get a guy that shouldn't have been there when we picked.
I posted this in the main forum, but it sort of fits here, too. It appears that almost every media talent evaluator is unanimous in saying that Wilkerson has a huge ceiling and is incredible value at the 30th pick of the 1st round. Here's what Kiper wrote in his final mock the day before the draft when he had Wilkerson going 17th overall to the Pats: Here's McShay, who had him going 18th overall to the Chargers in his final mock of 4/20: McShay again in his second to last mock (4/6) he had Wilkerson going 11th overall to the Texans: Mayock, from Path To The Draft in late March: And more from NFL.com:
Good take WW IMO, I've said it a few other places but Wilk is going to be even more appreciated once he starts playing.
Last season with Wilson? Everyone loved that pick, called it the steal of round 1 because he almost went to Cleveland in the top 10. That said, I agree with everything you said, love the pick, BPA meets need to a tee.
When was the last time the Jets had an elite DL prospect with a ceiling as high as this? Abraham? I don't remember Robertson as having the same type of ceiling that we read about with Wilkerson, but I could be wrong.
Excellent post, and I agree completely. On the other side of this, I wonder what would have happened if the Saints thought Wilk was a better fit for them than Jordan. I'm guessing the Pats never would have traded out of the round and we'd have been choosing between Ayers and Heyward. We made out VERY well. For the second year in a row, I'm glad I said our pick wouldn't be available. Seems to work like a charm.
Love this part, they were my exact thoughts when he was drafted. His versatility is key. I love finally having a young, elite talent on the D-Line.
In terms of versatility and ceiling he really is what our DL needed... now fingers crossed the coaches get the most out of him. Tons of confidence in Rex... it'll be interesting to see our DL coach (former DB and DB coach Carrier) work with someone at a position he (the coach) has never played.
Wilkerson, theyd have more time to groom Wilk as well with Ziggy Hood and Aaron Smith on the team but Heyward is solid for them, he'll replace Smith.
If we re-sign Ellis Wilkerson doesn't have to an every down player for us in 2011. Wouldn't mind seeing Wilkerson in on 1st and 2nd and Ellis in on 3rd at least in the beginning.
Wilkerson will soon be a great player in this D, i dont see bust on him, i was praying for Cam Jordan to fall to us but Wilkerson was my second chose as far as 3-4 ends.
Why does it matter? Do you need reassurance that we made a good pick? I don't give a shit if the Steelers picked Heyward quickly or not, Wilkerson is the better player, and better fit for our Defense. I'll put our GM, Coach, Scouts up against anyone in the NFL without question.
I don't know but Pitt had their pick in really fast after we took Wilk. They had several minutes left on the clock. My guess is Heyward was their guy all along.
Both teams got really good players. I would have been happy with either player. Heyward or MoWilkerson. It worked out good. This draft has been sweet so far, I can't wait for later today!
Angry much? You read way too into that bro. My question was just out of curiousity. I know it was a good pick, I've wanted a NT for 2 drafts now.
If you're talking about the draft experts, they were definitely a lot higher last year with the Wilson pick.
