New York Jets 2010 Draft Analysis

1st Round (#29) CB Kyle Wilson, Boise State4th Round (#112) RB Joe McKnight, USC
Key Player(s) Passed On: DE/OLB Jerry HughesKey Player(s) Passed On: RB Jonathan Dwyer
Analysis: Rex Ryan certainly believes that a teamAnalysis: The Jets decided to part ways with Leon
needs three quality cornerbacks to match-up againstWashington and traded up to grab McKnight. The
teams like the Colts and Saints. Wilson shined in manformer Trojan provides the Jets with some
coverage at the Senior Bowl. He joins Darrelle Revisquickness and elusiveness out of the backfield.
and Antonio Cromartie to form potentially the bestHowever, we do not think he is as strong or as
group of cornerbacks in the NFL. Wilson is also atough as Leon Washington. He did not make many
good punt returner. Jerry Hughes would have been abig plays as a punt returner in college. McKnight was
fine selection, as well. Hughes is an excellentthe best fit for New York in terms of catching the
candidate to develop into a pass rushing force atball and providing elusiveness. However, he is a soft
outside linebacker. However, the Jets are loading upplayer and the Jets have to hope that LT has gas
for a Super Bowl run and have made someleft in his tank to complement Shonn Greene. New
short-term decisions (signing Ladainian Tomlinson andYork's ground game could suffer if McKnight has to
Jason Taylor). The transition from defensive end toplay more than expected due to injury. McKnight can
outside linebacker is not easy (just ask Vernonbe too cute as a running back. He will have to learn
Gholston) and can take some time. New Yorkthat dancing around for a running back in the NFL
wanted the experience and immediate productionresults in a lot of no gains and negative yards.
that Jason Taylor brings and opted for cornerback5th Round (#139) FB John Conner, Kentucky
help over a young pass rusher. Kyle Wilson is goingKey Player (s) Passed On: DT Cam Thomas
to be a good player and made sense with theAnalysis: Conner is a one-dimensional blocking fullback.
addition of Jason Taylor.He is powerful and displays good leverage, but offers
2nd Round (#61) OT Vladimir Ducasse,little else. He fits what the Jets want out of their
Massachusettsfullback. Conner can be groomed for a year behind
Key Player(s) Passed On: OG Jon Asamoahveteran fullback, Tony Richardson. Conner was a
Analysis: Ducasse played left tackle predominately indecent selection, but the team passed on adding a
college, but has the build to play inside. The Jetsyoung nose tackle. Kris Jenkins (30 years old) is still
thought that Alan Faneca was a player on theproductive, but has had injury issues during his career.
downside of his career. Ducasse injects youth andThomas has terrific size and strength, but is
power into the guard position. He is an excellent runinconsistent. We would have opted for the young
blocker and is just scratching the surface of hisnose tackle, but Conner was not a bad choice.
potential. He showed at the Senior Bowl that heBottom Line: New York helped themselves in the 1st
could play with the big boys. New York has one ofand 2nd round. Wilson makes the Jets' secondary
the better offensive line coaches (Bill Callahan) in thevery deep and that much tougher to throw against.
NFL who can help speed Ducasse's transition into theDucasse will battle Matt Slauson at guard. He figures
NFL. The Jets' power rushing attack is a good fit forto be a fine long-term starter on the offensive line.
Ducasse. He will start off learning the guard positionThe young backfield addition will need some time to
and eventually could be moved to right tackle.develop. The Jets hope to get a spark out of Joe
Ducasse has more upside and versatility than JonMcKnight, but he may not be ready this season for
Asamoah.the intensity and rigors of the NFL.