Jets football blog

Jets draft all offense in final day of draft

The Jets completed the first phase of what promises to be an interesting offseason Saturday by selecting four offensive players on the final day of the draft.

After bolstering its defensive line with a pair of tackles on the first two days, Gang Green grabbed Louisville running back Bilal Powell and traded up for TCU wide receiver Jeremy Kerley to highlight its final four rounds. The Jets also drafted Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy and Colorado wide receiver Scotty McKnight in the seventh round at Radio City Music Hall.

Powell's presence fueled speculation about the seemingly overcrowded backfield that includes Shonn Greene, LaDainian Tomlinson and Joe McKnight. The Jets aren't allowed to make any transactions until the lockout ends; however, the Daily News has learned that Tomlinson, 31, who played a pivotal role as a receiving threat and inspirational leader in his first season with the Jets, will return in 2011. (News)

Jets draft DE Wilkerson with 30th pick

The Jets took the first step toward replenishing a roster built to win now by grabbing one of the better pass rushers in the draft Thursday night. Gang Green scooped up versatile Temple defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson with the 30th pick to inject youth into an aging and thin defensive line that struggled to get consistent pressure on the quarterback last season.

"We think this young man is really going to do some great things for us," Rex Ryan said. "(He) can play defensive end in our system and tackle as well. I see him as possible three-down contributor for us. ... He's going to come in here and earn his reps."

The most appealing part of the 6-4, 315-pound Wilkerson's skill set is his ability to wreak havoc lining up outside the tackles in the Jets' 3-4 defense and also slide inside to bring heat on QBs. (News)

Jets may draft Jenkins replacement

If the Jets remain at No. 30 in the first round of the NFL Draft tonight — and based on the their propensity to move and shake in the draft, that’s a big if — they are likely to be faced with a compelling position choice.

With depth, talent and production issues on both the defensive line and at outside linebacker, the Jets are likely to be staring at a chance to upgrade one of those positions when the No. 30 pick arrives, sometime after 11.

With veteran nose tackle Kris Jenkins having been released earlier this season after playing just seven games the past two years because of knee injuries, a logical draft pick replacement for him is Baylor’s Phil Taylor, a 6-foot-3, 334-pounder who fits their 3-4 scheme. (Post)

Jets workout TCU QB

Despite being set at quarterback for now and the future with Mark Sanchez, the Jets Friday had a private, on-campus workout with TCU quarterback Andy Dalton, according to report by espnnewyork.com.

Because Dalton is considered by most draft analysts as a potential late first-round prospect, the only logical reason the Jets would be doing this is as a smokescreen.

The Jets are likely trying lure teams picking below their 30th first-round slot who need a quarterback (Bills at No. 34, Bengals at No. 35, Cardinals at No. 38 and Titans at No. 39) to trade up. (Post)