The Big NFL Draft Post!

The day is finally here. The NFL Draft, one of the most exciting moments of the year for a Jets fan like myself. Sure it's the same day as the biggest party of the year at Villanova, but to me, the biggest party of the year will be if Darren McFadden falls to the Jets. Then I will throw a party.

On the other hand, here's the 2008 macknova.blogspot.com mock draft!

1. Miami - Jake Long
2. St. Louis - Chris Long
3. Atlanta - Glenn Dorsey
4. Oakland - Darren McFadden
5. Kansas City - Branden Albert
6. New York Jets - Vernon Gholston
7. New England Patriots - Derrick Harvey
8. Baltimore Ravens - Matt Ryan
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Sedrick Ellis
10. New Orleans Saints - Keith Rivers
11. Buffalo Bills - Devin Thomas
12. Denver Broncos - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
13. Carolina Panthers - Ryan Clady
14. Chicago Bears - Chris Williams
15. Detroit Lions - Jonathan Stewart
16. Arizona Cardinals - Rashard Mendenhall
17. Kansas City Chiefs - Phillip Merling
18. Houston Texans - Jeff Otah
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Mike Jenkins
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Aqib Talib
21. Washington Redskins - Calais Campbell
22. Dallas Cowboys - Felix Jones
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Gosder Cherilus
24. Tennessee Titans - Limas Sweed
25. Seattle Seahawks - Kentwan Balmer
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Quentin Groves
27. San Diego Chargers - Brandon Flowers
28. Dallas Cowboys - Antoine Cason
29. San Francisco 49ers - Duane Brown
30. Green Bay Packers - Kenny Phillips
31. NO PICK - PATRIOTS ARE DIRTY CHEATERS
32. New York Giants - Tyrell Johnson

As for the Jets, there are several different directions they can go in. ESPN's Michael Smith is reporting that Chris Long is the pick for St. Louis, so that's one option gone. Long would have made some sense, he's versatile, hard-working, and productive, and he has some experience in the 3-4. It's tough to project him in the 3-4 defense in the NFL though. Either way, he's gone now, so let's look at the other options the Jets have.

Runningback Darren McFadden
McFadden has been the man most linked with the Jets, and it makes a lot of sense. They put a lot of money into addressing the holes on their offense and defense, which puts them in the position to draft the best player available, and McFadden is the best player in the draft. He's got size, speed, quickness, and great hands, and he was extremely productive from the moment he walked on to the Arkansas practice field. The Jets need a playmaker on offense badly, someone who actually puts fear in the opposing defense. Right now, they do not have that player, and they have not had that player for years. If he reaches his potential, and he stays out of trouble, he could be a Hall of Famer and the superstar that New York covets.

Outside Linebacker Vernon Gholston
If the Jets are looking to get a pass rusher, look no further than Gholston. He's an athletic specimen with all the size, speed, and sack totals you want. Not too long ago, it was considered a lock that he would go in the top 5, but his stock has been slipping a little as some people are viewing him as a player who takes plays off and isn't passionate for the game of football, two things Eric Mangini does not like. If he's there and McFadden isn't, look for him to be the pick, unless the Jets find a trade partner who likes someone at #6 more than the Jets do.

Quarterback Matt Ryan
Ryan is a guy that scouts and fans cannot seem to come to a consensus. Some think he is the best pure QB prospect to come out in years, with the intelligence, intangibles, accuracy, and arm to succeed. Others don't think his arm is good enough and don't really see the big difference between Joe Flacco, Brian Brohm, and Ryan. In my humble opinion, Ryan is the best quarterback in the draft. It took me a while to come to that conclusion, but there really isn't anything you can hate about his game. Sure he doesn't have a Jamarcus Russell arm or athleticism, but that might not be necessary. Ryan has enough arm to be very successful, and while he isn't that mobile, a lot of quarterbacks don't need to run to be successful. If he's there at 6 and Gholston and McFadden are gone, he'll be the likely pick, but the Jets will likely look to shop this pick to see if they can stockpile picks and fill a different position round 1. The key to selecting Ryan is this. Do the Jets still feel Kellen Clemens is their quarterback of the future? If he is, then there's no chance they pick Ryan. If he's not, then they very well may make this pick.

Trading Down Options
The Jets would also love to move down if their top players are gone. Here are some guys they might target.

Jonathan Stewart: Word is the Jets really like him, and he might be the best pure runningback in the class, with size, speed, and power.
Leodis McKelvin: Has everything you look for in a cornerback except for maybe the hands. If he can work on that, he has the playmaking ability to be a star.
Derrick Harvey: The best pass-rushing option after Gholston.
Devin Thomas: Only one good year in college, but has everything you want in a receiver.

Round 2 Options
Joe Flacco/Brian Brohm: Either one would be a good way for the Jets to address the quarterback issue without spending a first round pick.
Limas Sweed/DeSean Jackson/James Hardy: The Jets need another receiver badly. They all fit the bill in different ways.
Lawrence Jackson: Good pass rushing prospect who should be there when the Jets pick. Word is the Jets like him, too.
Jerrod Mayo: Chances are he is gone, but if he's still there, he would be a perfect fit next to David Harris in the middle of the defense.

My Jets 7 round mock draft.
1. Vernon Gholston: DE/OLB, Ohio State
2. Jerrod Mayo: ILB, Tennessee
4. Keenan Burton: WR, Kentucky
4. Quinton Demps: S, UTEP
6. Jack Williams: CB, Kent State
7. Kirk Barton: OT, Ohio State