Jets use first pick on New Jersey player again

Two straight years, two straight players from New Jersey.

Last year it was CB Kyle Wilson, who grew up in Piscataway and attended Boise State. Last night, the New York Jets used their first round pick on Temple’s Muhammad Wilkerson, who grew up in Linden.

Surrounded by friends and family, Wilkerson was happy to be a Jet.

“I didn’t grow up a Jets fan, but right now I’m a Jet,” Wilkerson said on a conference call with reporters. “I’m proud. I’m happy.”

Wilkerson visited the Jets a few weeks ago and had good feeling about the visit. “I thought it was going to happen,” he said. “I had a great visit and did the workout for them and when that 30th pick came around, I just had the feeling they were going to pick me.”

Wilkerson looks like a good replacement to Shaun Ellis, an unrestricted free agent.  He can start immediately in the Jets 3-4 scheme and even play the middle in the nose tackle position. (Rex Ryan seem him as a Haloti Ngata type player).  Remember, the Jets were looking at Wilkerson, Akeem Ayers, Brooks Reed and Da’Quan Bowers with the 30th pick and took Wilkerson.  Is it risky to take a 3-4 Defensive End this high in a draft?  Time will tell.