There will be no QB worth a 1st round pick at #17, so with Coles only having one year left and no real deep threat we should go WR. There are some speed burners in the draft and we need one for either Brett to throw deep passes to.
I agree Defensive End is the way to go. If we lose Favre, the Defense will have to carry this team, and a DLine that get's pressure is the first thing any great Defense needs.
Also, if the Jets really did run a 46 at times, it might actually make Gholston a pick worth taking when adding him as the extra DE.
Best player available. I'd be happiest if we got NT B.J. Raji who is truly a beast and due to his youth and health will right off the bat probably be even better than Jenkins who can be used more sparingly so he doesn't tire out and weaken down the stretch like he did last year. (Pooha just isn't dominant enough). The play of Jenkins was a huge determining factor on the overall performance of our defense. When Jenkins was dominant, our D was dominant. When Jenkins stopped being a monster, the effectiveness of our D was significantly diminished. Raji is a player who can overpower a pair of blockers like they were small children. I even like the idea of having Raji, Jenkins and Ellis on the line at the same time. They'd be the most devastating three man front in the NFL. If Raji is gone, I might like DE Tyson Jackson or trade down and pick up Clint Sintim to take Barton's place next to Harris but my second choice after Raji would be OT Mike Oher. He'll probably be gone by the time we pick but I'd love to have him. He's an excellent run blocker and a flat out amazing pass blocker. If we were somehow able to land him, we could get rid of Moore, put Woody back at his natural right guard position and start Oher at RT. We'd have the sickest OL.
I would be happy with him. We need someone to rest Jenkins during games, also start beside Jenkins in 46 scemes and eventually replace Jenkins.
When we were 8-3 and before our collapse very few would disagree that a true # 1 WR was in arguably our top 2 biggest needs. W/ that said...it's about taking the best player available and not being deadset on one player or position. But this routinely falls on deaf ears on this board and throughout jets fandem.
The smartest draft strategy is to identify your top needs and take BPA within that group of positions. That strategy creates the best value for the team. But you're really a smart GM if you can be flexible enough to take a non-need player if a truly outstanding one drops. That takes real confidence in your scouting and player evaluations.
That absolutely is the best strategy. I'm not saying lets take a punter in round 1 b/c he has the best overall grade. It just boggles my mind how people get their heart's set on one specific player/position/need when in reality that is a horrid way to build a quality team. Selecting players based on value is how you build depth and a long term winner.
A great example - Vikings selecting Adrian Peterson even though they already had Chester Taylor on their roster. A guy who ran for 1200 yards the year before. That was just a brillant move.
Unless the team goes for a CB in FA, I would be very surprised if they do not get one with a high pick. If a good CB is available when their pick comes up, the Jets will almost certainly take him. Ryan needs two CB's capable of being left on islands. Right now they only have one. He needs another for his scheme. But imo WR is right behind that. I have never bought the idea that receivers should be looked at as dime a dozen types. They can be game changers, and right now the Jets sorely need an upgrade at wideout.
