To Do List for the 2012 New York Jets Draft

Apr 25, 2009; New York, NY, USA; New York Jets fans cheer as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (not pictured) introduces quarterback Mark Sanchez (USC) (not pictured) as the number 5 overall pick to the New York Jets in the 2009 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-US PRESSWIRE

We are two days away from the NFL draft. The wait is almost over, and Radio City Music Hall will be filled with screaming Jets fans, such as the ones that are seen to the right.

As such, it’s time to talk about what the Jets need to get done over the three days. Tomorrow morning, we will be putting out a three round mock draft for the Jets. But for now, like we have in our house, I am going to give you a to-do list for the draft. These are the holes that the Jets have to fill for it to be a successful draft. Here it comes:

1-Pass Rusher 2-Free Safety 3-Offensive Tackle 4-Wide Receiver

These issues are not breaking any ground. Number one is an edge pass rusher. We need to figure out a way to make Tom Brady and other quarterbacks eat dirt on a regular basis. The Jets just don’t generate enough of a pass rush to give them any headaches. They rely on the blitz, and when it gets picked up, they have problems. They need someone to get to the QB on any down, at any time.

Another obvious issue is at free safety. Anyone who watched Eric Smith allow 3 billion receiving yards to tight ends, or watched him whiff on the Tim Tebow tackle in primetime knows what I am talking about. They need a guy that can stay with a tight end, and make plays on the football.

Offensive tackle is up next. It sounds like they might not address it early, but they need to address it. Wayne Hunter anyone? I think anyone of us reading this could be Wayne Hunter around the edge. He was very good about watching pass rushers get by him. Not good.

I put wide receiver at #4 on the list, and running back not all, because they aren’t as high of a priority in my opinion. The Jets need to add depth at the position, but I believe that Chaz Schilens could play well enough to be the number two guy, if he is healthy.

The Jets may have the depth at running back on their roster. We really don’t know what Joe McKnight and Bilal Powell can do, and they will get their chance this summer.

Don’t forget to stop by tomorrow to see my three round Jets mock draft.