FanNation

Gang Green drafted better than most analysts are grading, in this humble fan's opinion.  We drafted for need for the most part, and adressed the few holes that we haven't already plugged this off-season.

Pick One- #6 Overall

Vernon Gholston DE(6'3", 266, 4.669) Ohio St.

This guy is an absolute freak physically.  His 37 bench-press reps at the combine tied Jake Long, and his game film really displays how he transfers that strength to the field.  Like most overpowering pass-rushers, Gholston was double-teamed constantly yet still found a way to the QB 14 times (not to mention 15 tackles for a loss) his senior year.  He obviously posses great pass rush abilities, but his overall skills as an outside linebacker (which is his projected position in the Jets 3-4 defense) are unproven.  He will without a doubt help our biggest problem last year on defense, which in my opinion was putting pressure on the opposing quarterback.  Gholston also performs well in pursuit.

When Darren McFadden was selected by Oakland at No. 4, our 2nd best option had to be Gholston if we couldnt trade down.   Ryan Clady might have been an option to fill another spot on the offensive line with Ferguson and Mangold for years to come, but Faneca and Damien Woody should help bolster that side of the ball for at least 2 or 3 years.  Gholston could possibly become the future face of our defense, and the thought of him and Calvin Pace terrorizing opposing backfields is certainly intriguing.

Pick Two- #30 Overall (from Green Bay)

Dustin Keller TE (6'2", 242, 4.549) Purdue

Keller led all TE's at the combine with a 4.54 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical. (not to mention a 10'11" broad jump and a 4.14 20-yd shuttle time to lead the tight ends as well) Although he's not a tight end in the traditional sense, he more than makes up for it with his outstanding pass catching abilities. Bulking up a little bit shouldn't be a problem, seeing as how he came to Purdue as a 185 pound WR.  His blocking ability is the first thing called into question, and Keller adressed that by saying he thinks he can improve in that area, and that he views others questioning his ability as motivation for him to improve. . .Sounds like a Mangini kind of guy.  He caught 124 passes in his last two seasons, including 68 for 881 yards and 7 touchdowns his senior year, making him a finalist for the Mackey award, given to the nation's top TE.

When we first traded up into the first round, i initially thought we had our eyes on either a WR (possibly Limas Sweed or Devin Thomas) or Virginia Tech CB Brandon Flowers. As im sure many fans were, I was sort of shocked when i heard Keller's name called. I didn't know too much about him, but after reading up on him and checking out some of his game film I'm estatic. He can add another dimension to our passing attack and create mis-matches by lining up as either an in-line TE, an H-back or in the slot.  His speed should make it difficult for linebackers to stay with him, while his size is more than enough to overpower most defensive-backs.  I suspect we traded up to aquire him because of Miami's interest in him, as he met with Miami several times, and they had the next pick after the Giants. (and who knows what they were thinking at the TE position with the possibility of Shockey not there)

Pick Three - #113 Overall (from Green Bay)

Dwight Lowery CB (5'11", 201, 4.54) San Jose State

 I don't know much about this kid at all. He's a JuCo transfer, where he recorded 13 INTs in 15 games, returning 2 for touchdowns.  His 40 time was unimpressive, but he's a performer on the field posting 13 interceptions (including 9 his junior year, tying for most in the nation) in two seasons at SJSU.  He has good hands, and looks good when he turns to run out of backpedaling.  He has good size at nearly 6 feet, 200+ pounds, and will fit in well with the Jets cover-2 scheme across from Revis, although i wouldn't rule out a move to safety in light of his ballhawking skills.

Pick Four - #162 Overall (from Green Bay)

Erik Ainge QB (6'5", 225, 4.98) Tennessee

A solid decision maker with a NFL prototype frame for a QB, although he doesn't possess a "rocket" arm or great mobility.  Ainge is more of a field general and a cerebral quarterback who makes good decisions, and moves around inside the pocket well.  He posted 31 TDs and 10 INTs his senior year, despite tearing his miniscus in the spring and then breaking his pinkie finger on his throwing hand in August. Since then he's been relatively healthy.  He could possibly contend for playing time in his 2nd year, and in the meantime could light a fire under the back-sides of both Pennington and Kellen Clemens.

Pick Five - #171 Overall

Marcus Henry WR (6'3", 207, 4.549) Kansas

Henry has great size and just average speed for an NFL wideout prospect. He lit it up his senior year posting 54 catches for 1,014 yards and 10 touchdowns.  He runs solid routes and could develop into a valuable possesion receiver as he has no qualms with going over the middle and catching balls in traffic.

Pick Six - #211 Overall

Nate Garner OT (6'6", 326, 5.469) Arkansas

A mountain of a man, Garner helped power Arkansas' dynamic rushing attack for the past 3 seasons.  Much more adept at run blocking than backing up in pass protection, Garner could develop into either a solid right tackle or a guard eventually.

Although I do belive that we possibly waited too long to address the receiver situation, i think Keller will help solve some of the problem.  The emergence of Brad Smith in his third season should help out the passing game as well. 

Thats all i have for now! Thanks for reading, any comments are more than welcome!