With the NFL Draft 83 days away, draft experts have put been busy putting together their 2012 mock drafts. Here are a list of the top draft experts, and who they think the Jets will take with the 16th pick in the 2012 draft.
Walter Cherepinsky, Walter Football – New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
The Jets need to improve their pass rush so Rex Ryan doesn’t have to call blitzes every single down. Rush linebacker Bryan Thomas tore his Achilles tendon earlier in the year, so this position has become even more dire for New York.
Courtney Upshaw, MVP of the alleged national championship, already has experience in the 3-4, so I’m sure Rex Ryan likes that
Scott Wright (DraftCountdown) - New York Jets: Mark Barron, S, Alabama
The Jets have a star-studded secondary with Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Jim Leonhard but there is a weak link and his name is Eric Smith. After a disappointing year in which his flaws were exposed, don’t be surprised if Rex Ryan opts to replace Smith in the offseason. Alabama’s Mark Barron is this year’s top safety prospect by a considerable margin and while he wouldn’t necessarily be a perfect fit alongside Leonard the two could certainly coexist. Not only does Barron possess an excellent blend of size and speed but his football intangibles also stand out. Barron is at his best in the box but he is also very instinctive and has flashed some playmaking ability in coverage, a la LaRon Landry. The right side of the offensive line is a problem area as well so if they aren’t confident that Vladimir Ducasse will finally emerge that could be an option. The Jets could also be in the market for a pass rushing outside linebacker, although the surprising resurrection of Aaron Maybin’s career may mitigate that need. Don’t rule out a wide receiver either since Plaxico Burress is past his prime and Santonio Holmes’ future with the franchise is now in question.
Don Banks, Sports Illustrated - New York Jets: Mark Barron, S, Alabama
Being able to match up a big, athletic safety on the league’s taller receivers and beast-like tight ends (Rob Gronkowski, we’re looking in your direction) is the name of the game on defense these days. The Jets were at an obvious disadvantage on that front last season, but they’d be getting the best available talent upgrade in Barron.
Wes Bunting, National Football Post New York Jets: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
If the Jets are going to be successful, they have to get back to their ground and pound ways. And the idea of Trent Richardson and Shonn Greene as their one-two punch might be too good to pass up.
Rob Rang, CBS – New York Jets: Mark Barron, S, Alabama
Dane Bruglar, CBS – New York Jets: Melvin Ingram, OLB, South Carolina
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com- New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
The Jets desperately need a pass rusher to help their defense return to the ranks of the elite. Upshaw’s motor and relentlessness will allow Rex Ryan to scale back the risky blitzing in critical situations.
DraftTek: – Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina.
We changed up priorities a little this week in deference to Free Agency status of the Jets OLB’s. Westerman and Maybin are restricted FA’s, but if either are not retained, then a 34OLB becomes a higher priority. Going back into the previous 2 or 3 drafts, it seems that 34OLBs have always been the target of draft pundits for the Jets. But Mark Tannenbaum and Jets draft scouts avoided the position, which comes with a high bust potential once your draft pick exceeds the mid-teens. Last year the Jets picked at #30: they would have scored with Jabaal Sheard or Brooks Reed, but would have been left high and dry with Bruce Carter or Dontay Moch. Melvin Ingram’s visibility has improved after leading South Carolina to a big Capital One Bowl win (1.5 sacks in that game, 10 on the year) – but he’s been on the radar all along. Ingram has great speed – he was a kick returner and FB early on at SC. A first team All-American, this video puts his freakish athleticism and moves on display.
Draft Site- Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com- Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama
The Jets desperately need a pass rusher to help their defense return to the ranks of the elite. Upshaw’s motor and relentlessness will allow Rex Ryan to scale back the risky blitzing in critical situations.
Elliot Harrison, NFL.com – New York Jets: Mark Barron, S, Alabama
The sooner Jets fans don’t have to see Eric Smith running five yards behind a receiver, the happier they’ll be. Rex Ryan, too.
Charles Davis, NFL.com -Nick Perry, USC, DE
The Jets have a glaring need for a pass rusher, and this youngster really came on late.
Chad Reuter, NFL.com – David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
The Jets averaged 3.8 yards a carry in the running game and gave up 40 sacks this season, meaning changes are coming on the offensive line. DeCastro possesses everything a team could want up front, so he won’t last past the top 20 selections.
Peter Schrager, Fox Sports- Mark Barron, S, Alabama
Jets fans are far more concerned about the quarterback position this week, but safety was a sore spot all year, too. Offensive tackle is an area of need, as well, but after the first offensive tackles on the board this year, there’s a significant drop-off. I can’t see New York reaching. Barron’s a tough-nosed hitter who can make an impact in the pass coverage game, too. He can start right away. Get him in green
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN – Mark Barron, S, Alabama
Last year the Jets targeted help up front in the first round, and while the pass rush still needs some work, the secondary is a big concern because of the way the Jets’ safeties got abused this year. You’d see teams lining up bigger receivers in the slot to target New York’s smaller safeties and force Rex Ryan to make some tough decisions in coverage. In Barron, the Jets would get the best safety in the draft, a big, rangy talent with big-game experience and the ability to match up against taller receivers and tight ends. The Jets have schemed around a weakness at safety, but it’s time to put a better talent back there.
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