2008 New York Jets NFL Draft Team Needs


June 9, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

The Jets went from being a 2006 Playoff participant to a 2007 flop. Now they Jets are clearly in need of a roster overhaul, starting with the 2008 NFL Draft. The Jets need to attract a different breed of D-lineman and linebackers to fit Eric Mangini’s 4-3 defensive scheme. The Jets are arguably the second best team in the AFC East on paper, but they have a long way to go before being considered competitive with the Patriots.

2008 New York Jets NFL Draft Needs:

1.) Nose Tackle

Dwayne Robertson has failed to meet expectations after being taken 4th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He’s only 6-1 and 310 pounds which is much too small to fit the 4-3 scheme that Mangini likes to run. He’s a good bet to be traded this offseason. The Jets are looking for a player like the Patriots Vince Wilfork, a massive nose tackle who can anchor the interior of a defense. The Titans’ Albert Haynesworth will get a look in free agency, but if the Jets are unable to land a big man in the middle than they will look to do so in the first round on Draft Day.

2.) Outside Linebacker

Bryan Thomas was a first-round pick in 2002 at DE, and he’s playing out of position as an outside linebacker. Victor Hobson is likely to bolt in free agency. With the emerging star David Harris looking like a rock at one of the ILB spots, and Eric Barton a steady force at the other ILB spot, finding quality outside men for them is a top priority. The Jets would like to get most of their pass rush from their three down linemen. The Jets need to make sure their outside linebackers are tough run stoppers first, but also need them to possess good enough speed to crash in on blitzes.

3.) Offensive Right Tackle

2006 first-round pick in OLT D’Brickashaw Ferguson has yet to live up to his lofty expectations. He can still develop into a quality player, whereas Anthony Clement has little potential of making it on this team as a starter. Clement is a below average run blocker and pass protector. QB Kellen Clemens needs the tackle position to be solid as a rock if he’s to take over the starting quarterback job with any efficiency this season.

4.) Offensive Left Guard

The Jets realize they made a huge mistake last offseason by not resigning OLG Pete Kendall to the extra $1 million he was looking for. Kendall went on to have a great season in Washington, while the Jets were forced to alternate Between the terrible tandem of Adrien Claarke and Will Montgomery.

5.) Defensive End

Kenyon Coleman and Shaun Ellis both have long-term deals in New York, but don’t expect the Jets to settle for their services throughout their tenures here. Coleman was shoddy in a starting role in ’07. These guys are better-suited to be playing defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. Mangini’s 3-4 doesn’t allow them to pass rush as much as their skills should enable them to. Attracting a solid pass rusher to plug in during obvious passing situation would make a lot of sense in this year’s NFL Draft.

2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Offensive Scheme:

An undersized offensive line put a halt to Brian Schottenheimer’s plans as offensive coordinator in ’07. He wants to use a power running game behind Thomas Jones to set up the play-action pass. The Jets have failed to make tight ends critical in the passing game, but their pass protection and run blocking is key to a successful Jets offense this season. TE Michael Santi of Virginia and TE Andrew Atchison of William & Mary are two players that would fit the Jets system offensively. WR Early Doucet of LSU and WR Andre Caldwell of Florida could help the passing game if they were to be drafted by the Jets in the later rounds. But ORT Drew Radovich of USC and ORT Heath Benedict of Newberry are two guys the Jets may be looking to earlier in the draft to add some size to their offensive line.

2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Defensive Scheme:

Despite having personnel best suited to the 4-3, the Jets have stubbornly stuck with their 3-4 for the last two seasons under head coach Eric Mangini. That will continue in 2008, and the Jets are working hard to beef up their undersized front seven. The secondary is a strong point with great potential, and good enough to allow play-making free safety Kerry Rhodes to freelance and make more plays. OLB Chris Long of Virginia and NT Sedrick Ellis of USC are the two top choices for the Jets to draft on opening day. DRE Calais Campbell of Miami, OLB Darrell Robertson of Georgia Tech, NT Frank Okam of Texas and NT Red Bryant of Texas A&M would add critical size and strength to the Jets front seven throughout the 2008 NFL Draft if selected.

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