5 picks
#29, 61, 124az, 198, 236
Rush Linebacker
This is hard for me to admit, but I actually forgot Vernon Gholston's name when discussing the high bust rate of workout warriors. Can you blame me? He has been a ghost for this franchise in two seasons and has yet to record a sack. The Jets have quickly ascended to the AFC elite and that means competing with the Colts and Chargers. They were able to disrupt Rivers for the upset at San Diego, but Peyton handled their defensive pressure. Murrell (Patriots) departed, which was expected after he found his way to the pine. Thanks to the uncapped year it is possible the Jets draft an impact pass rusher and give Gholston his walking papers. Even if he is retained they need a legit threat off the edge.
Defensive Line
Any area with multiple players over 30 will be given a look in the draft. The likely addition will be at end where Ellis is entering a contract year. He is going to be 34 for what would be the first season of his new deal in 2011, and it's no guarantee the team keeps him. Douglas is twisting in free agency. Rodrique Wright (Dolphins) was picked up off the wire just to have another body at the position. They are going to add a rookie to the mix.
Cornerback
They wanted a bookend for Revis and got it by trading for Cromartie (Chargers). However, depth is still a concern after losing Sheppard (cut) and Strickland (Chargers) who had his season ruined by injuries. Coleman, a tendered free agent, would certainly be safe in Oakland where his speed would guarantee a roster spot. His return here is iffy. They will seek some depth in the draft.
Running Back
I am not on board with adding Tomlinson (Chargers) and subtracting Jones (Chiefs) but what's done is done. LT does give them a nice pass protection option, but suffers from delusions he remains the threat he was several years ago. Leon Washington was given a second round free agent tender, which he signed, coming off a compound fracture of his right leg. For a player relying on his explosiveness it is very questionable how effective he can be this season. Greene's rookie season was punctuated by a great four week stretch spanning the final two weeks of the regular season and beginning of the playoffs. In those games he piled up 420 yards on 73 carries. The question is if he can keep up that level of production over a full season of work. They are going to keep their eyes open for another option in the backfield during the draft although it is a low priority.
Inside Linebacker
It doesn't get much better than Harris and Scott inside, but the problem is behind them on the depth chart. Fowler and Izzo are both unrestricted free agents. While Fowler, a special teams contributor for the most part, could return it does not look like Izzo will ever lace up his cleats again after a knee injury. They will look for some depth, either in the draft or possibly a priority rookie free agent.
Free Safety
They traded away Rhodes (Cardinals) and signed Pool (Browns) who comes with the baggage of serious concussion issues. Eric Smith signed his tender and is valued on special teams. However, Smith and Pool are only signed for this season. A better long term option could be sought in the draft.
Offensive Line
This is definitely a team strength, but their starters at left guard (Faneca) and right tackle (Woody) are both into their 30's. Like most teams they will need to seek some depth in the draft and ideally a future starter.
Quarterback
Sanchez is the unquestioned starter, but they are lacking a veteran presence on the depth chart. Ainge, O'Connell and Clemens are not the kind of guys who will help him grow into a Pro Bowl talent. Eventually someone with more experience needs to be brought in, even if it is someone past their prime to sit at #3 and give him pointers during a time out. Worth noting, Clemens signed his restricted free agent tender.
Wide Receiver
It seems like everyone is citing this as a major need. I was not sure it was before they traded for Santonio Holmes (Steelers). My reasoning was their team philosophy of winning with power rushing and defense. Edwards was given a high tender as a restricted free agent and although he missed his share of big plays, he made some too including a long touchdown in the AFC Championship Game. Cotchery has been quietly productive for the past four seasons although his numbers fell off a bit in 2009. With a quality receiving option at tight end in Dustin Keller, Sanchez is not without a few options. After acquiring Holmes it becomes much less likely an addition will be made. Worth noting deep threat David Clowney and Wildcat operator Brad Smith were also tendered as free agents while special teams ace Wallace Wright (Panthers) was lost. The one danger here is that after this season it is possible both Edwards and Holmes would be gone. Obviously, the team is putting their chips in the middle of the table trying to win two more games and take home the Lombardi.
