New York Jets 2014 NFL Draft Preview

Big Mo and Dame celebrate a sack of Drew Brees. But do the Jets add another young lineman next year for depth?

At this point in the season, the Jets are sitting at a very respectable 5-4, and with seven games remaining in the season, the Jets have a great shot to make the playoffs. I am sure that the last thing on John Idzik and Rex Ryan’s mind in the 2014 draft since the 2013 season is still going on. But just as I do every week, I will examine three college football players who I believe would be a good fit on the New York Jets. It is impossible to know where the Jets will be picking in the draft, so these are players I feel would be a good fit simply based off of their talents.

DT Bruce Gaston Purdue Boilermakers– I know what you are thinking. “A defensive lineman?? That is a strength of the Jets”, and with that statement you are absolutely correct. I am not saying the Jets should be picking a lineman in the first round, or even the top 3-4 rounds actually, but I think adding depth to the already solid line later in the draft is a good idea. This is why I think Gaston is a solid pick. Gaston would be a very good backup to Damon Harrison, and would be a nice addition when stopping the run. Gaston has had a very nice season thus far for Purdue, and even has two sacks. For a guy his size to be able to get to the QB is rare. Gaston would be a nice late round selection for the Jets.

OLB Carl Bradford Arizona State Sun Devils– For years Rex Ryan has been looking for that pass rusher that can cause havoc for a QB and the opposing teams offensive line. While Antwan Barnes looked like a guy who could do that earlier in the year, he unfortunately went down with a season ending injury. When Barnes is healthy next year, having a guy like Bradford on the other side would be a dangerous duo. Bradford is solid against the run, and also has the speed and power to get pressure on the QB. While Calvin Pace has done well this year registering 5 sacks, Bradford could come in as the OLB of the future for the Green and White.

WR T.J. Jones Notre Dame Fighting Irish– It is no secret that the Jets need help at the wide receiver position. In my opinion, I believe the Jets should be looking to add at least two receivers in the draft. A guy early on, and a guy in the later rounds. Jones is a player who the Jets should target in the later rounds. Despite a rough year for the Irish QB, Jones has had some success. He has good speed and good routes, he just needs to find consistency, which will come. He would be a good pick late in the draft for the Jets.

These are three players I feel would help the Jets. Any players you have in mind?