New York Jets 2012 Draft Preview

Rex Ryan has held off on the Super Bowl talk this offseason, maybe because the Jets' bombastic head coach is well aware that his team requires some fine-tuning in several areas in order to return to top- shelf status in the AFC. New York intends on reprising the "ground and pound" offensive philosophy that was so successful in Ryan's first two seasons at the helm, but an upgrade over returning right tackle Wayne Hunter and a big-play threat to mix in with grinder Shonn Greene at running back are necessary to make than plan work smoothly. Ryan will also be on the lookout for an every- down outside linebacker than can pressure the quarterback, with situational rusher Aaron Maybin the only defender from last year's group with more than five sacks and veterans Calvin Pace and Bryan Thomas getting a bit long in the tooth. The back end of the defense is still an issue as well even after the offseason pickup of strong safety LaRon Landry, as the ex-Redskin has been injury-prone the past two years and returnee Eric Smith has range limitations, and a reliable complement to No. 1 wide receiver Santonio Holmes doesn't exist on the present roster. The Jets do currently hold 10 picks in this draft, though most of the surplus is in the latter stages and they relinquished their fourth-rounder in the trade for quarterback Tim Tebow.

2011 Record: 8-8

Top Needs: RT, S, WR

First Three Picks: No. 16, No. 47, No. 77

Number of Selections: 10 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7)

RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2011 - Muhammad Wilkerson (DE, Temple); 2010 - Kyle Wilson (CB, Boise State); 2009 - Mark Sanchez (QB, USC); 2008 - Vernon Gholston (OLB, Ohio State), Dustin Keller (TE, Purdue); 2007 - Darrelle Revis (CB, Pittsburgh); 2006 - D'Brickashaw Ferguson (OT, Virginia), Nick Mangold (C, Ohio State); 2005 - none; 2004 - Jonathan Vilma (LB, Miami-Florida); 2003 - Dewayne Robertson (DT, Kentucky); 2002 - Bryan Thomas (DE, UAB).