The February 19, 2008, simulation shows the Jets drafting the following players:
First four rounds only –
#006 Vernon Gholston DE/OLB Ohio State University
#037 Dan Connor, ILB, Penn State
#068 Bruce Davis, OLB, UCLA
#102 Duane Brown, OT, Virginia Tech
Go to Drafttek.com to see the latest mock draft. You can get there using the link listed in the Blogroll.
I will have my commentary out later today.
Sorry for the lack of commentary on the February 12, 2008, draft simulation. It is old news at this point in time and I am just going forward with analysis of the February 15, 2008, simulation. On an official note, the official NY Jets organization has been very quiet on off season matters.
The Jets team needs for this simulation run were altered from the previous runs: less need for an offensive guard and more need for an offensive tackle. The changes result in the Jets picking up an offensive tackle at the top of the second round instead of a linebacker.
The thought process is that the Jets will likely be able to meet their need for a new left guard via free agency. The Carolina Panthers were most helpful with this pursuit as on February 11, 2008, they released Mike Wahle, Guard. Sadly for many Jets fans, less than 3 days later Mike Wahle, Guard had signed a contract with the Seattle Seahawks. That did not take very long. Guards who are only a year to two removed from being in the Pro Bowl are hard to find. Nonetheless, there are still many other free agent guard targets out there.
High quality free agent offensive tackles are still hard to find and the need for the Jets to acquire one through the draft was raised up a notch. What is most interesting with this draft simulation run is how the offensive tackles are projected to be selected. In the past runs, the Jets would have been looking at selecting the 7th tackle in the draft with the pick at #38 which is the 37th player selected because of Spygate. In this simulation run the Jets select the 5th tackle who is projected to be Sam Baker, OT, USC. Other offensive tackles still available are Anthony Collins, Kansas; Gosder Cherilus, BC and Carl Nicks, Nebraska. All of these guys are projected to be selected no later than the 58th pick. Some consideration must be given to selecting Carl Nicks from Nebraska as that is where running game guru Bill Callahan was before he signed on with the Jets. Selecting an offensive tackle at the top of the second round comes across as a very realistic scenario. Picking the 5th offensive tackle at this stage projects to be less of a reach than had this been the 7th offensive tackle.
Once again, I am looking back at the Carolina Panthers as what they do in the off season seems to impact the Jets even if only indirectly. The Carolina Panthers signed Travelle Wharton, left tackle to an extension. He got paid left tackle money so I am guessing that they will not be moving him to guard. They are now trying to work out a long term deal with Jordan Gross, right tackle. If they do not get a deal done, they are still expected to put the franchise tag on Jordan Gross. The Carolina Panthers have until February 21, 2008, to assign the franchise tag. The DraftTek simulation still shows the Carolina Panthers as taking a tackle in the first round and I will follow up on this with DarftTek Carolina Panthers correspondent.
Also of note, is that the Oakland Raiders signed Justin Fargas, running back to a three year extension instead of letting him walk as a free agent. This makes it less likely that the Oakland Raiders would take Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas if he is available when they pick in the first round. Realistically, that leaves the Atlanta Falcons as the only team that drafts before the Jets who might be inclined to draft Darren McFadden. Darren McFadden a Jet? Draft day trade possibilities? Enough speculation for today.
The February 15, 2008, simulation shows the Jets drafting the following players:
First four rounds only –
#006 Vernon Gholston DE/OLB Ohio State University
#037 Sam Baker, OT, USC
#070 Jarrod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee
#102 Marcus Howard, OLB, Georgie
Go to Drafttek.com to see the latest mock draft. You can get there using the link listed in the Blogroll.
Sorry for the belated post but I have been traveling. Much has transpired and I will have my commentary out later today. There have been some very, very interesting changes and developments.
