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This might come as a surprise in the need department, but it probably is one for the Jets, and there could be very good value at 18 at this spot.
Like I’ve said before, it’s important to stick to the value board, regardless of position, but when you look at the talent in the 2014 draft, an excellent cornerback could be the best player available when the Jets pick.
And while on the surface, it doesn’t seem like a position of need, it is.
There is an old line you hear around NFL teams all the time – “you can never have enough good corners.”
But while it’s cliché, it’s true.
Especially when you like to blitz as much as the Jets.
The Jets need guys who can hold up on islands.
And the “Islanders,” were pretty inconsistent this year, and that needs to change.
It looked like the light bulb went on late in the season for Dee Milliner. So that is a good sign for the Jets. But we will see if he can bottle his performance against Miami and carry it over to next year.
Antonio Cromartie had an up-and-down year, and turns 30 on tax day next year. Also, he has chronic hip issues.
The nickel back, Kyle Wilson, hurt his knee in the season finale, and is also somewhat inconsistent.
It’s unclear how much longer Cromartie and Wilson will be Jets. Cromartie has a ridiculous cap figure in 2014, and Wilson is in the last year of his contract.
The bottom line is – the Jets could use another man-to-man corner. There is no question.
If Oklahoma State’s Justin Gilbert is available at 18, he might be too good to pass up.
Not only is he a top-shelf corner, but a superb kick returner, another needs of the Jets. Gilbert had five kickoff return for touchdowns in college.
Oregon’s Ipo Ekpre-Olomu would be a good value at 18, but it’s unclear whether the junior coming out or staying in school.
Michigan State’s Darqueze Dennard looks like another player who would be a nice fit at 18.
Two other potential first round corners come out of the University of Florida – Marcus Roberson and Loucheiz Purifoy.
So while it might shock some people, cornerback isn’t out of the question for the Jets in the first round . . .
Another defensive back who could pique the Jets interest at 18 is Alabama’s Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. That isn’t a typo. That is the name he goes by.
Dawan Landry has one year left on his contract and is 31. The other Jets safety spot is a question mark. Perhaps Antonio Allen can be that guy, but it’s hard to tell, since the Jets pulled the plug on him when Ed Reed arrived.
By the way, speaking of Reed, he looks like he’s got another season left in him.
While it is troubling that he did admit to some memory loss, from a physical standpoint, he seems to still have gas in the tank.
He came on strong at the end of the season, and had two huge plays against the Dolphins – a pick, and a touchdown saving shoe-string tackle on wide receiver Rishard Mathews.
And he emerged as the leader, often handling the team huddle/pep-talk before games.
January 2, 2013
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