Jets Projected Picks Rounds 1-7

After making the AFC Championship game in each of the last two seasons, it’s time for the New York Jets to take the next step and reach the Super Bowl. Gang Green is in position to win now, but in order to remain championship contenders for many years to come general manager Mike Tannenbaum and head coach Rex Ryan must continue to have success in restocking the roster through the draft. After acquiring cornerback Antonio Cromartie from the San Diego Chargers last year, the Jets don’t have a second-round pick this April, so they aren’t likely to trade up in the first round. The following is a 1-7 round mock draft of projected Jets selections.

Round 1: Justin Houston, outside linebacker, Georgia

The Jets haven’t had a dominant pass-rusher in their defense since John Abraham left after the 2005 season. In order to be a complete defense, Gang Green will at the very least need a consistent pass-rushing threat who could give the team 10-15 sacks a season. At 6-3, 270 pounds Houston appears to be that type of player.

In 2010 Houston racked up 10 sacks and 18 tackles in the backfield while playing outside linebacker and defensive end in Georgia’s system. He also recorded an interception.

Ryan loves versatile talents, and Houston has shown he can be effective in a three-point stance at defensive end or standing up as a linebacker. The Georgia Bulldog product has also shown he has the athleticism to drop into coverage and disrupt the opposing quarterback’s passing lanes.

Houston turned out to be a pleasant surprise in many ways for the scouts at the NFL Combine a couple weeks ago. Originally thought of as an undersized defensive end, he weighed in at a solid 270 pounds, and wowed scouts with his big hands (10 ⅞ inches), long arms (34 ½ inches), and wide wingspan (81⅝). Additionally, he displayed an impressive array of skills by posting a 36 ½ inch vertical jump, a 10-5 broad jump, and a 4.68 second 40-yard dash.

Last season the Jets got only a combined 17 sacks from the trio of Calvin Pace, Jason Taylor, and Bryan Thomas. With the release of Taylor last week, it would be wise of Tannenbaum and Ryan to fill that hole with a young talent such as Houston.

Justin Houston highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kR0L2RVId90

Round 3: DeAndre McDaniel, safety, Clemson

Make no mistake about it, McDaniel is a first-round talent. At 6-1, 205 pounds he is a violent hitter in the secondary who strikes fear into receivers when they cross into his territory. In addition, McDaniel has proven to be a ballhawk, as evidenced with his eight interceptions during the 2009 season and four picks in 2010. Put it all together, and one can say McDaniel is the complete package at safety.

So why are most mock drafts projecting the Clemson safety to go in Round 3 or 4? Well, unfortunately, McDaniel has a terrible off-the-field incident on his record.

In June 2008 McDaniel was arrested for assault and battery. According to published reports, he choked his girlfriend, punched her in the head and chest, and threw her down a flight of stairs. Suffice it to say, an incident such as that could lead to a prospect being taken out of consideration completely.

With that said, the Jets aren’t exactly known as a self-righteously pious organization, and taking a chance on McDaniel late in Round 3 could really pay off in their quest for a Super Bowl title. As of right now Eric Smith, who started at strong safety last year, isn’t a given to return next season. McDaniel, who’s a better fit at strong safety, would be an ideal replacement.

DeAndre McDaniel highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpAk11N3VkM

Round 4: John Moffitt, guard, Wisconsin

With D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold, and Brandon Moore, the Jets’ offensive line is in relatively good shape, but right tackle Damien Woody was just released, leaving the 29-year-old Wayne Hunter, who really should be a backup. After watching Hunter struggle against edge rushers while filling in for an injured Woody last January, the Jets have indicated that Vladimir Ducasse will be moving back to offensive tackle. In that case, expect Ducasse to start at right tackle next year, which means there will be an opening for a young left guard to compete with Matt Slauson, and Moffitt is the ideal candidate.

Moffitt was a four-year starter and team captain at Wisconsin. He was named an All-American in 2010 and made First-Team All-Big Ten in 2009 and 2010. At 6-5, 323 pounds he has the mean streak and warrior mentality most coaches desire in their interior linemen, as he relishes the opportunity to take on a tough battle against the man in front of him.

There is a possibility Moffitt won’t be available this late, but there are plenty of mocks projecting him to go in Round 4. If he’s still available at the Jets’ pick, they shouldn’t hesitate to write Moffitt’s name on the card and run it up to the podium.

John Moffitt highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ8HUbaZ8Ps

Round 5: Jerrell Powe, nose tackle, Mississippi

With the release of Kris Jenkins last week, and with Sione Pouha just turning 32 last month, the Jets are in need of more depth at nose tackle. At 6-2, 340 pounds Powe is the right man to pick in Round 5.

Powe was one of the most highly-touted defensive linemen in the nation as a high school player. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t have the grades to qualify academically for a Division I scholarship, which resulted in him getting off to a late start in major college football. At 24 years old, he’s one of the oldest prospects in the draft.

There’s no denying that Powe is a big-time talent who’s flying under the radar right now, and the Jets should take advantage if the space-eater is still on the board in Round 5. Although he posted just six sacks and 24 tackles in the backfield over three seasons with the Rebels, he possesses the size, strength, and technique necessary to stand his ground and tie up multiple blockers. In that regard, he’d be a great friend to inside linebackers David Harris and Bart Scott.

Powe has had trouble managing his weight, as he was once close to 400 pounds. If anyone understands that dilemma, however, it’s Ryan, and there’s little doubt that the Jets head coach is the ideal mentor for a player such as Powe.

Round 6: Marcus Gilchrist, cornerback/safety, Clemson

With some stating that Cromartie won’t be returning to the Jets next season, Tannenbaum and Ryan would be wise to select Gilchrist in the sixth round.

Gilchrist isn’t nearly the talent that his Clemson teammate McDaniel is, but he’s a versatile player who can line up at cornerback or safety.

Marcus Gilchrist highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LltvYYNlgoA

Round 7: Damien Berry, running back, Miami

Berry split time with multiple runners for the Hurricanes, so he had just 283 carries in his college career. He made the most of it, however, by rushing for 1,515 yards, a 5.4 average, and 13 touchdowns. At 6-0, 215 pounds he’s a tough runner on the inside who isn’t easy to bring down. LaDainian Tomlinson won’t be around much longer, so finding a potential gem at running back to be a future complement to Shonn Greene would be an excellent way to finish off the draft.

Damien Berry highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Idn0BQS85Cc