It finally happened the New York Jets traded Darrelle Revis to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the result now have two picks in the top 15 of the 2013 NFL draft. Offensively the two biggest needs are at running back and wide receiver and on defense need help to stop the run and a replacement for Revis.
Here’s a look at how the Jets will draft.
First Round No.9: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
Rex Ryan supposedly loves the athleticism of Mingo and in 2012 he registered 38 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three passes broken up and a forced fumble. During the 2011 season he recorded 46 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two passes broken up and forced a fumble.
First Round No.13: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
After a strong performance at the combine, Rhodes solidified himself as the second best cornerback in the draft. At 6’2″ has great height for a cornerback. In 2012 was in on 39 tackles, two tackles for loss, intercepted three passes, broke up seven passes and forced a fumble. His best season with the Seminoles was in 2010 when he picked off four passes, recorded 57 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and broke up 12 passes.
Second Round No.39: Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
After improving the defense with their first two picks, the Jets will turn their attention to the offense. Bernard is a perfect pick here and he was impressive at North Carolina in 2012 when he carried the ball 184 times for 1,228 yards, a 6.7 yards per carry average and 12 touchdowns. He also caught 47 passes for 490 yards and five touchdowns.
The Tarheels used him on special teams and returned two punts for touchdowns. Bernard’s 2011 season he rushed for 1,253 yards on 239 carries good for a 5.2 yards per carry average and found the end zone 13 times. Caught 45 passes for 362 yards and a touchdown.
Third Round No.72: Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State
Wheaton is a playmaker with tremendous speed. He caught 91 passes for 1,244 yards and 11 touchdowns. Carried the ball 20 times for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Had 966 yards and a touchdown receiving and 25 carries for 190 yards in 2011.
Fourth Round No.106: Travis Kelce, TE, Cincinnati
A tight end is a need and Kelce is among one of the better prospects. He didn’t participate in the combine due to injury and in 2012 did catch 45 passes for 722 yards and eight touchdowns. Did complete a pass for 39 yards and a touchdown as well.
Fifth Round No.141: Cooper Taylor, S, Richmond
Played extremely well in the East-West Shrine game. His height at 6’5″ could mean he moves to linebacker at the NFL level. In 2012 he recorded 77 tackles with five tackles for loss, nine passes broken up, four interceptions and three forced fumbles.
Sixth Round No.178: J.C. Tretter, G, Cornell
Missed the Senior Bowl after breaking his nose. Will move from tackle to guard or center. Did earn an All-Ivy League selection at left tackle.
Seventh Round No.215: Dwayne Beckford, Purdue, ILB
Didn’t play in 2012 after getting kicked off the team after being arrested for the fourth time in just over a year. Beckford is a calculated risk and when he did play performed well in 2011 with 90 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks, four passes broken up, an interception and a forced fumble.
