Potential First Round Targets for the New York Jets

Added by Justin O'Connell on February 28, 2013.

Georgia linebacker, Jarvis Jones, could be a target for the New York Jets in the first round of the NFL Draft. (Daniel Shirey/US Presswire)

As the 2013 NFL draft approaches, the New York Jets seem to be losing more players. If they hope to turn their team around next season and save Rex Ryan’s job, they will have to hit it big in this year’s draft, as the Indianapolis Colts did last year. Though the Jets will not be able to land a top-tier quarterback, like Andrew Luck last year, there is a long list of intriguing prospects.

The Jets first pick does not guarantee them any quality players, as many draft experts have said the #9 pick is just as good as the #25 pick, there is not that big of a difference in talent. They will have to be extremely diligent in their scouting of this pick if they want to find a pro-bowl type player. If the Jets cannot trade down, which might be there best option, then there is a few players they should should seriously consider. Let’s take a look at some of their first round options:

1)  Jarvis Jones - 6’2”, 245lbs, and 33” arm length

The Jets need a pass rusher in the worst way, especially an OLB. After cutting Calvin Pace and Bryan Thomas they are left, with Garrett McIntyre and Ricky Sapp (two names many Jets fans do not even know). Jones has had two back to back superb season at Georgia, having 13.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss his sophomore season and then this past season he finished with 14.5 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss, both school records. Jones could be the next Von Miller and if he is available the Jets would be wise to take him. Jones does have his weaknesses though, he needs to work on tackling ball carriers in open space and needs to develop a few more pass rushing moves. The biggest concern many scouts have is his size, as he does not have the frame to get much bigger, but his speed can sure make up for that.

2)  Chance Warmack – 6’2”, 317lbs, and 34 3/4” arm length

With Brendan Moore almost certainly not returning to the Jets they need another guard to help sure up that line, they cannot rely on Matt Slauson and Vladimir Ducasse to get the job done. Possibly one of the best players in this draft in Chance Warmack, who is the best guard in the draft; there have been many comparisons to pro-bowler Carl Nicks. Warmack has phenomenal strength, hands, and mobility, his only flaw is his foot speed to get out on screens. If the Jets land Warmack they would be right back to having a top five o-line in the league, greatly helping out their run game and whomever may be playing QB

3)  Barkevious Mingo – 6’4”, 241”, 33 3/4” arm length, 4.58 40 time

Mingo’s tall and long frame has attracted attention from teams all over the league. He is a raw talent, that has a lot of upside as a pure pass rusher. At LSU Mingo never had a true “breakout” season, but he showed flashes of brilliance.  He has speed on the outside and can make tackles in the open field, he also is not afraid of contact despite his lean body type.  Mingo is a physical specimen, this length, strength, and speed make up for his lack of overall mass. If the Jets take him do not expect a stellar rookie season as he will need to bulk and develop. This is a somewhat risky pick, as they cannot afford to make a mistake like they did when they drafted Vernon Gholston.

4)  Cordarrelle Patterson – 6’2”, 216lbs, 31 3/4 arm length, 4.42 40 time, 37” vertical

As of right now it appears that Cordarrelle Patterson is the best receiver in the draft and warrants a top 15-20 pick. Patterson only played one season on the FBS level, but boy did he make a quick impression. He was not expected to start, but after a injury to Da’Rick Rogers, Patterson started the first game and never looked back. The Volunteers targeted him more and more as the season went along. On the vertical routes Patterson gets great separation and makes unbelievable cuts once he catches the ball. He is tremendous on hot reads and corner blitzes, as he find a ways to get open quickly, which will help out any QB. The big concerns with this kid is his willingness to go over the middle and catch the ball in traffic; the other major concern are his hands, as he prefers to catch the ball with his body. The Jets desperately need help at the skill position, with Patterson, Stephen Hill, Santonio Holmes, and Jeremy Kerley, Mornhinweg’s offense will have blazing speed. He wants to run a spread type of offense and with all that speed there will be a lot of deep play opinions, which will also help open up the run game.

5)  Geno Smith – 6’2”, 218lbs, 4.59 40 time

Geno Smith might have the greatest competitive attitude in this draft, this kid hates to lose. He is not mentally soft, like Mark Sanchez, and he has a big arm, with a quicker release than Matt Stafford. Smith proved his worth in college after starting for the past 3 seasons, with big time numbers. The big concerns for Smith are that he ran a spread offense in college, and was not under center all that much. The other issue is that he needs to work on his foot work, because his is pretty poor and it results in him sailing balls over the receivers’ heads. This is a weak QB class, but Smith is defiantly the best of the group and will be the first QB off the board. He may not make it to the Jets as the Chiefs, Cardinals, and Bills are all in need of a starting QB. Even if he does fall to the Jets they may want to pass, as Smith is a high risk, high reward kind of player. Also having him and Sanchez on the team will eat up much of the payroll, but it would only be for this upcoming season, as the team can cut Sanchez next season and not worry about it affecting the cap. If the Jets do decide to take him, he could be able to help out their run game, as he is an illusive runner, with above average speed and quickness.