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While most people have the Jets picking an edge pass rusher with their first pick, you could make a strong argument for another position that might surprise some.
A position that might be a bigger need than people realize is nose tackle.
We all know that a massive, space-eating, athletic nose tackle is of the utmost importance in a 3-4 defense.
If the nose tackle can tie up a couple of blockers, this allows the two 3-4 ILB’s to flow to the football and make a lot of tackles.
Last year, for a big chunk of the season, nose tackle was a problem for the Jets.
Sione Pouha hurt his back (bulging disc) early in training camp, and was never the same. His back did improve later in the season, but still wasn’t 100 percent.
And then his backup, Kenrick Ellis, hurt his knee in the Houston game on October 8, and was never the same. He missed about a month, and when he came back, the LCL sprain and bulky knee brace, robbed him of a step he couldn’t afford to lose. He’s not the most mobile guy to start with, and then you rob him of a step, his immobility becomes a problem.
Then to further exacerbate the problem, third-string nose tackle Damon Harrison, had two offensive linemen fall on his leg in a December practice, and suffered a high ankle sprain.
It’s still unclear what the Jets have in Harrison. He’s from a small school (William Penn), and hardly played during his rookie campaign. He has a lot of potential, but right now he’s a mystery.
Pouha is 34 with a problematic back and could be a cap casualty.
Ellis, even when healthy, is still a work-in-progress. He needs to get in better shape (he’s around 350 and too flabby) and improve his technique (his pad level is often too high).
So with all these question marks, the Jets probably are going to need to add a nose tackle in this draft, perhaps has high as the second round (or late in the first if they add a pick in a Darrelle Revis trade).
A perfect second-round pick would be Georgia’s John Jenkins.
He could be the second coming of Kris Jenkins – a massive man with freakish feet and athleticism for a person his size.
He’s 6-3. 358-pounds and is good at taking up double-teams.
He’s a first round talent, but will likely slip because he’s constantly battling his weight.
Todd McShay said today he was watching Georgia tape, and John Jenkins looked like he was 500 pounds.
But if a team can get him to keep his weight under control, he is just what you are looking for in a 3-4 nose tackle.
Can you imagine how good the Jets’ 3-4 line could be with ends Mo Wilkerson and Quinton Coples, and a nose tackle like John Jenkins?
A guy who could get first round consideration by the Jets is Ohio State’s Johnathan Hankins (6-3. 320).
A second round consideration could be Alabama’s Jesse Williams (an Aussie who can bench press 600 pounds).
February 17, 2013
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