ON THE CLOCK-NEW YORK JETS

Dr. Donovan

With the 17th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select………After choking away a hopeful season, getting rid of Coach Mangini and the Brett Favre era lasting only one year, Jets fans are back to square one. Or are they? Bringing in defensive Guru Rex Ryan has proven to be the right move so far. He has shored up the defense by bringing in some of his former players from Baltimore, notably LB Bart Scott. He also went and got Lito Shepard at the CB position which was probably their biggest need on Defense.

Now, here in lies the question. Who is going to be the Jets QB? They have Kellen Clemons and Brett Ratliff but neither have much experience or have proven they can win games. Do this mean the Jets grab a QB with the #17 pick? Probably not. Ryan seems to be content letting these 2 duke it out in training camp and addressing other needs with this pick.

The biggest glaring hole on offense would be at the WR position. Jerrico Cotchery is a good WR but not a true #1. They also have other unproven no-namers at the position in Brad Smith, Chansi Stuckey and David Clowney. This would mean the Jets could use this 1st round pick to grab WR Jeremy Maclin, if still available, or Florida wide-out Percy Harvin. I wouldn't rule out Hakeem Nicks from North Carolina either.

If the Jets don't go with a WR at #17, look for them to fill a need on the defensive line. I like LSUs DE Tyson Jackson or Tenn DE Robert Ayers here as well.

Don't be surprised if the Jets move this first round pick. The last 2 years they have traded up or down in the draft to get the guy they want. Once they have a proven QB they may be one or 2 players away from being a contender. I hear the Rams are shopping the #2 spot. Crabtree in green anyone?