2012 NFL draft: Possible selections for the New York Jets

February 22, 2012 AFC, AFC East, New York Jets, NFL

The 2011 New York Jets were full of expectations as Rex Ryan once again proclaimed the Jets would be in the Super Bowl, but the team imploded at the end of the season and failed to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

Mark Sanchez was under scrutiny for his decision making and costly interceptions and by the end of the season the team started to turn against him.

The Jets are in an interesting situation as the talent remains in New York but uncertainty still circles around the team.

There are a few glaring needs at wide receiver and offensive line, but the Jets have already come forward and stated they will cut LB Bart Scott.

Reduced to only a part-time player, when he agreed to reduce his 2011 and 2012 base salaries in July (from $4.9 million and $5.6 million to $3.9 million and $4.2 million), in return the Jets fully guaranteed both years. So they will still be paying for his services but lack the leadership he provided for the team.

Courtney Upshaw

Rex Ryan has one of the most complex defensive scheme’s in the NFL and because of that they need to draft talent that has his mindset and understanding of the game plan.

The Jets desperately need a defensive end or outside linebacker and could trade up to find that defensive star.

Another glaring need is the offensive tackle position which could be addressed in free agency or in the later rounds of the draft.

The Penalty Flag’s Mike Presley likes the following two picks for the Jets;

Round 1, Pick 16: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama: The Jets pass rush needs to be upgraded. If the Jets want to ever stop playing second fiddle to the Patriots, then maybe getting to Tom Brady will help. Upshaw had an absolute wonderful season and was named MVP of the National Title game and will provide Rex Ryan his New York version of Terrell Suggs.

2012 NFL Draft: Courtney Upshaw OLB Alabama(college-sports-university.com)
Nick Toon

Round 2, Pick 47: Nick Toon WR Wisconsin: The Jets are imploding right now, if it wasn’t for Santonio Holmes’ contract, they would probably dump him so why not draft another receiver in the meantime.

2012 NFL Draft: Nick Toon WR Wisconsin (college-sports-university.com)

Mel Kiper from ESPN.com predicts the Jets will select G-Cordy Glenn with the No. 16 pick and suggests that New York would like to return to a run-heavy offense.

“The Jets like to bill themselves as a ball control team on offense, able to run to set up the pass, and put away games with physical play up front. Well, it’s hard to do that if you’re 29th in the NFL in yards per rush, as they were in 2011. With Tony Sparano coming to town, my guess is shoring up the offensive line will be a priority (just as it was with his last pick in Miami) as the Jets try to get the offense back where they want it. Glenn is a really versatile guy who could probably be adequate at tackle, but could dominate inside. He could start there immediately.”

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