New York Jets Draft Review

1st Round, Pick #30: Muhammad Wilkerson (DE Temple)

As good as the Jets defense has been, they have been pretty thin on the defensive line. They really don't have anybody at the 5 Technique Spot who can really stir up an opponents backfield, but Wilkerson is the perfect man for the job. He has the ideal size at 6-4 315, and terrific athleticism which allows him to control 2 gaps and stop the run, all the while being able to penetrate and slip into the backfield. Because he played at Temple, Wilkerson really goes under the radar, but I think he will really open some peoples eyes to how good he is.

Grade- A

3rd Round, Pick #94: Kendrick Ellis (NT Hampton)

The Jets dealt with some key injuries on the defensive line last year, Kris Jenkins going down for the 2nd straight year obviously hurt them. With a revolving door at nose tackle last season, it is time the Jets found a permanent starter. Kendrick Ellis needs some work, but with some development, he can become the Jets starting nose tackle for the next ten years. Ellis also has some character concerns, starting his career at South Carolina, Ellis went on to transfer to Hampton after being dismissed from the team due to failing more than one drug test. If Ellis can stay clean, him and first round pick Muhammad Wilkerson will be a terrorizing duo.

Grade- B

4th Round, Pick #126: Bilal Powell (RB Louisville)

New York has a tremendous running game led by L.T and Shonne Green, and a terrific O-Line. Rex Ryan and the rest of the coaching staff live and die by pounding the rock. With Tomlinson over 30 years old, he doesn’t have much gas left in the tank. Bilal Powell is a great option for the Jets rushing attack. He has good size, great strength, is excellent between the tackles, and has tremendous break tackle ability. For now, Powell will be the Jets number three running back, but in the future, him and Green could split carries. I think Bilal Powell is a very underrated prospect who will have a long and healthy NFL Career.

Grade- A

5th Round, Pick #153: Jeremy Kerley (WR T.C.U)

With Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards both free agents this off-season, the Jets may be forced to let one of them go. With the addition of Jeremy Kerley, the Jets add a solid playmaker from the slot. Kerley has the speed to stretch the field and a muscular frame that will allow him to go over the middle. This is a very solid pick for the Jets, Kerley will make a great option for Mark Sanchez in the future, and could make an instant impact this season as a return man as well.

Grade- B+

7th Round, Pick #208: Greg McElroy (QB Alabama)

This is the first pick that I did not like by the Jets. I feel that McElroy is a very smart quarterback, and knows the game inside and out, however, I feel that he lacks terribly in skills and physical ability. With a college career that was supported due to a phenomenal running game, I feel any production he did have is very questionable.  In hopes of finding a backup for Mark Sanchez, I think if McElroy will ever want to fill the shoes of that role, the Jets will have to wait at least a few years.

Grade- D-

7th Round, Pick #227: Scotty McKnight (WR Colorado)

In my eyes, this was a pick to make Mark Sanchez happy. Sanchez and McKnight have been close friends since their childhood and Sanchez even threw passes to McKnight at the Colorado Pro Day. McKnight is very limited in physical ability, does not have top speed, and is not able to make catches when the ball is away from his body. If McKnight makes the Jets gameday roster, or even their practice squad, it is to keep Mark Sanchez happy.

Grade- F