With Thomas Jones entering his 10th season and
coming off a year that saw him average fewer yards per carry than he had since
his second season, running back was one of the Jets' biggest needs. But the
Raiders' selection of Darren McFadden pushed the Jets to select Vernon Gholston,
which drew cheers from Jets fans at Radio City Music Hall.
Round 1, Pick 6 (6) Vernon Gholston DE 6'4" 258 Ohio State
Gholston will need to show more consistency to match his physical talent. If
he's able to become an every down player, Gholston has Pro Bowl potential
playing in the Jets' 3-4 scheme.
Round 1, Pick 30 (30) (From Packers) Dustin Keller TE 6'3" 242 Purdue
Keller brings good college production as an H-back and slot-type guy. The Jets
get the player they haven't had to go down the seam.
Round 4, Pick 14 (113)
(From Saints through Packers) Dwight Lowery CB 6'1" 185 San Jose State
Lowery led the nation in interceptions as a junior in 2006. He is better in zone
coverage than man-to-man. He is also a good return man on special teams.
Round 5, Pick 27 (162) (From Packers) Erik Ainge QB 6'6" 225 Tennessee
Ainge has decent arm strength. He is the nephew of Celtics GM Danny Ainge and is
not afraid to perform under the spotlight.
Round 6, Pick 5 (171) Marcus Henry WR 6'4" 207 Kansas
Henry is tall and fast. He's got a lot of upside, but is just figuring out how
to play the game.
Round 7, Pick 4 (211) Nate Garner OT 6'6" 334 Arkansas
Garner is a big, tall guy but is not very fast so he is not ideal for pulling.
He has experience as a five-year senior and those players have generally worked
out well in the pros.
New York Jets 2008 NFL Preview
Favre’s
arrival drastically changes the Jets 2008 preview but it does not
change the prediction: New York is still second best in the AFC
East. They’re apparently bent on winning now though. Brett Favre is
the key of course, but its going to be tough to even get a wildcard
this year. We think maybe the football gods smile on the Jets this
year though. The Jets added Alan Faneca and Damien Woody to make for
an outstanding offensive line, and it is a good thing, because
Thomas Jones had a very down year last year, and even though we love
him, Brett Favre is ten thousand years old. The Jets are trying to
rebound from a 4-12 disaster with a new old quarterback and a
rebuilding team and Mangenious could be in trouble if they dont
finish .500 or better.
Offense: The offensive line should be one of the most
dominant in the league and when you are protecting Brett Favre you
had best be good. Now the real question is will Thomas Jones
rebound? If he does the Jets could be very good on offense.
Defense: The Jets pass rush should be resurrected with the
addition of first round pick Vernon Gholston and the additions of
Arizona LB Calvin Pace and Carolina DT Kris Jenkins. With a little
luck, the defense can gel quickly enough to take some pressure off
Favre and the offense.
Overall: There is no real reason for this optimism, but we
think that the football gods will smile on the Jets and Brett Favre
this year and they will do just well enough to get a wild card spot.
The Jets
are good enough to contend for a Wild Card in 2008.
