NFL Draft

Wilkerson – solid pick

Admin - April 29, 2011

The first round of the 2011 NFL Draft is behind us and it seems like general opinion of the Jets' pick, DE/DT Muhammad Wilkerson, has mostly been positive. The junior from Temple is expected to start from day one and add to one area where the Gang Green have struggled the last few years - pass-rush. Let's take a look at what various media outlets had to say about the Jets' first round selection.

ESPN:
What he brings: Wilkerson (6-4, 315) is a powerful player at the point of attack. He can stack and hold the edge as well as any 5-technique in this class, and in addition he shows above-average range to make plays outside the tackle box. Wilkerson also brings a pass-rush presence with quickness and active hands. He needs to play with a more consistent effort and could dominate more regularly, though.
How he fits: The biggest need for the Jets was their edge pass rush at DE or OLB and they filled one of them with this pick. Veteran Shaun Ellis has been a solid player but he's 33 years old and may not be back. Mike DeVito plays hard but doesn't give you much of a pass rush and former first-round pick Vernon Gholston has been a huge bust. Wilkerson is an unusual 3-4 DE because he is more than just a run stopper with his 9.5 sacks a year ago. He should start immediately in this front seven and fill a huge gap at DE, where they have struggled recently.

CBS Sports:
They need help on their defensive line and this is a kid who can step in and provide help inside on the nose or at end.
Grade: B

FOX Sports:
Muhammad Wilkerson was thought to be one of the best 3-4 defensive linemen available for this draft, so the Jets got great value with this pick. He’ll play end in their scheme.
Grade: A-

Pro Football Weekly:
The Jets could use a young Trevor Pryce to anchor the edge of their line. Despite playing inside more in college, Wilkerson projects as a left defensive end in the Jets' odd front. He's still raw and unpolished but he looks every bit the part with a well-proportioned frame and is a great fit for Rex Ryan's defense.

Don't forget to vote whether you like this pick in our Jets Draft Tracker.