New York Jets Team Needs for 2013 NFL Draft

April 22, 2013

NFL Draft Team Needs

Steve Shoup

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1. Quarterback

2. Inside Linebacker

3. Safety (x2)

4. Cornerback

5. Outside Linebacker

6. Wide Receiver

7. Tight end

8. Running back

9. Guard

Due to the Jets serious salary cap constraints, they are thin at just about every position. With so many needs, the Jets have the flexibility to upgrade at just about any position. Their top overall need though, does have to be quarterback, as the Mark Sanchez experiment has just about come to an end.

Though typically the strength of the 3-4 defense, the Jets linebackers have underperformed in recent years. On top of that, the team was forced to cut multiple starters in an effort to get under the salary cap. Their most pressing need is finding a top level inside linebacker to be the leader of that defense. In addition, they need to find an edge rusher to help their pass rush.

Though quarterback is the Jets biggest need, they desperately lack playmakers on offense. Santonio Holmes is recovering from major injury and last year’s rookie Stephen Hill proved not to be ready quite yet, meaning the Jets could look to grab another early receiver. With Dustin Keller departing in free agency tight end has also become a big void. In addition, the Jets running game has struggled in recent years. While they have some young options, they are all unproven and New York should also address this position early.

The Jets lost starting safety LaRon Landry in free agency, weakening a position that was already a need. New York could use multiple safeties and could double up given the strong class. Given the trade of Darrelle Revis, cornerback will become another area of need.