Why the Jets Should Draft a 3-4 DE in the 1st Round

I believe that there is a good possibility that the New York Jets could draft a DE. First of all, the Jets run a 3-4, so they would need to pick up a 5 technique. Most 3-4 DEs that can play a 5 technique play 4-3 DT in college. 3-4 DEs that could be drafted in the 1st are Ndamakong Suh, Cameron Heyward, Allen Bailey, Jared Odrick, and Carlos Dunlap.

New York has many other needs as well. They need a WR because Braylon is a free agent after this year and is very inconsistent. The Jets could draft Dez Bryant or Damian Williams with their 1st pick. Even though Mark Sanchez is a young QB who does need a WR to help, I think the Jets will draft a DE in the 1st round.

WR Braylon Edwards is Mr. Butterhands and will most likely not return to the Big Apple next year. All the other WR on the squad are David Clowney, Jerricho Cotchery, Brad Smith, and Wallace Wright. They also have the WR/RB hybrid Danny Woodhead. None of those names stick out so they would need to get a #1 WR now, and not one in 2 or 3 years. There are many big name WR that will be available after this season. Some of those big names are Brandon Marshall, Vincent Jackson, Miles Austin, and Antonio Bryant. All of those players could be a #1 WR in new York. The Jets could make a move for one of these players and get a reliable player. Also, they could get a WR in the second round to develop into a #2 WR with the free agent like Golden Tate or Arrelious Benn

The Jets have been allowing over 100 rushing yards in all but three game since the first month of the season. If they want to be an elite defense, they will need a run stuffer at DE. Across from Shaun Ellis, they have no one. Marques Douglas is ok and Mike DeVito is a career backup. I like the 3-4 DE class this year. The best choice at the position they will most likely be drafting from is Cameron Heyward out of Ohio State. He is an underclassmen who had 9 TFL and 5.5 sacks. Standing at 6-6 and 285, he will gain another 10-15 pounds in the NFL and could excel at the next level.

After the 2nd day of the draft, I think they will draft Cameron Heyward in the 1st round and Golden Tate in the 2nd round, but it's only December and anything can change until April.