The smell of Mel Kiper’s hair gel is in the air. It must be NFL Draft time.
The Jets enter this draft with plenty of needs. They spent the winter solidifying a defense they hope will be a force under new coach Rex Ryan. Mike Tannenbaum and Co. likely will turn their eyes to the offensive side of the ball in next weekend’s draft.
In case Ryan and Tannenbaum still are pondering what to do next week, we’re here to help.
Do: Concentrate on the upcoming season. This is not a rebuilding team. The Jets barely missed the playoffs last year and have most of their roster back. This draft should be about filling some holes to make a run at the playoffs in 2009, not long-term planning.
Don’t: Draft a quarterback early. With Brett Favre in a hunting stand in Mississippi, there is a movement to replace him with someone in the draft. We think it would be better to see what you have in Kellen Clemens or Brett Ratliff. Don’t fall for this idea that the next Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco is sitting out there. You could end up with the next Alex Smith or Joey Harrington.
Do: Add defensive line help. The Jets addressed the linebacking corps and the secondary in the winter. The one area that still needs some help is the line. A pass-rushing end would be a nice find to join Shaun Ellis, Kenyon Coleman and Marques Douglas.
Don’t: Trade up. The Jets are in a tricky spot with the No. 17 pick. It’s too low to grab an elite player, but you’re close enough that you can dream about them. The temptation is going to be to package the first- and second-rounders to move up, if someone they like is available. We’re here to say: Don’t do it.
Do: Trade down. What the Jets can do is trade the 17th pick to move lower in the first round and acquire another pick. They only have six picks entering the draft. The difference from 17th pick to one in the mid-20s is worth it if you can add another pick. Wide receiver is the Jets’ biggest need. If they move down into the 20s they still can take an impact receiver of similar quality as they could take at 17.
Don’t: Worry about the running back situation. Thomas Jones is nowhere to be found, presumably unhappy about his contract. Leon Washington is squawking about his deal, but said he will keep working. Our belief is both will be there on Sept. 13 in Houston. Don’t get preoccupied with the offseason posturing and feel the need to take a back.
Do: Get a blocking tight end. With uncertainty at the quarterback and receiver positions, the running game is more important than ever. That means you need a tight end who can block.
Don’t: Waste a pick on a punter. Reggie Hodges did not blow the Jets away last season. They surely are going to look for someone to push him in training camp for the starting job. Find that person in free agency.
Do: Add some offensive line depth. The starting offensive line is a strong group, but if anyone goes down it’s slim pickings.
Don’t: Take anyone from Ohio State. We know Nick Mangold has been great, but other than that, Buckeyes have been busts in green. Mike Nugent, Anthony Schlegel and Vernon Gholston have been disappointments. Pass on Chris “Beanie” Wells.