Analysis of the 02-22-08 DraftTek Model Simulation Run for the NY Jets

There are still some issues with the player database that will clear themselves up as time passes with revised draft grades being assigned to players after the combine and the pro days. The combine is under way.

The current simulation run shows no change in terms of the scarcity and need for offensive tackles. Where the Jets currently sit in the draft, it may be very difficult to get a right tackle without reaching for one in the first round. The top two offensive tackles are selected before the Jets get to pick. Three more tackles are picked before the Jets pick again in the second round. At pick #37 the Jets would be looking at selecting the sixth tackle in this draft which is a bit better than when the Jets were projected to be looking at the eighth. By the end of the second round, it is projected that nine offensive tackles will have been selected. Given the situation, the Jets are now projected to take an offensive tackle with their pick at the top of the second round of the draft.

Some comments on the players follows. (I am holding off on commenting on players taken subsequent to the fourth round until after the combine).

#006 Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio State. Get used to seeing Vernon Gholston in this slot for the Jets. I do not think that it is going to change much unless he moves up on the boards and a team drafts him in spots #1 to #5. The talk is that he is going to be a great pro. He projects to be an “impact” player in the NFL and would be a great addition to the Jets defense. No change to any of my previous commentary.

#037 Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska. Get used to seeing Carl Nicks in this spot for the Jets. If he is available, the Jets will draft him. The pressing need for an offensive tackle and the Nebraska connection between Carl Nicks and Assistant Head Coach/Offense Bill Callahan is too compelling to ignore.

#068 Cliff Avril, OLB, Purdue. It is not clear if this pick makes any sense from a positional needs standpoint. I am not sure that Cliff Avril would work as an inside linebacker.

#102 Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma St. There is some thought that this would be a decent value pick for the Jets.

Based on the projected Jet team needs, the selections from this draft simulation run provide some immediate on the field help in areas of need.

Send me your comments. Comments help with model inputs.

Be sure to go to the DraftTek.com website to see the entire simulation run.