The Jets were probably hurt more by the NFL lockout than any other team in the league. With a huge crop of their own quality players hitting free agency, the Jets had to maneuver through the draft with a pretty high level of uncertainty in regard to the full spectrum of their offseason's personnel decisions.
The Picks
First round, No. 30 overall: Temple defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson
Third round, No. 94 overall: Hampton defensive lineman Kenrick Ellis
Fourth round, No. 126 overall: Louisville running back Bilal Powell
Fifth round, No. 153 overall: TCU wide receiver Jeremy Kerley
Seventh round, No. 208 overall: Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy
Seventh round, No. 227 overall: Colorado wide receiver Scotty McKnight
Best Prospect
It's probably Muhammad Wilkerson, although he and Kendrick Ellis are both developmental prospects. Wilkerson should garner more playing time right away because he's more suited to play end and would fill the void that will likely be left by Shaun Ellis. Wilkerson will need time to grow after leaving a small school a year early. He's got the size and ability to be a wrecking ball in the Jets' defense.
2011 Impact
Wilkerson will likely start, although he'll probably see a limited amount of reps. He's got a chance to play at any position along the Jets' three-man front, and that flexibility will help him stay on the field. Kenrick Ellis is more of a nose tackle, but he can play end if asked. Still, those two were drafted with more of the long term in mind rather than 2011. Bilal Powell, Jeremy Kerley, Greg McElroy and Scotty McKnight will all have to make the team.
Overall Impression
The Jets did a great job with their first two picks, but the last four were curious. Kerley and McKnight make sense because they've got to set up contingency plans if they don't re-sign wide receivers Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith. Powell will join a very crowded backfield, and McElroy could be the fifth quarterback on the roster. So, you've got to wonder about the necessity of those picks.
The Jets' offseason will be mostly defined by free agency, as they've got to deal with Holmes, Edwards, Smith, Shaun Ellis, David Harris (franchised), Antonio Cromartie, Tony Richardson, Drew Coleman, Eric Smith, Brodney Pool, James Ihedigbo and Nick Folk.
NESN.com's Jeff Howe took a look at each AFC East team's draft over the past four days.
Friday: New England Patriots
Saturday: Buffalo Bills
Sunday: Miami Dolphins
