2008 NFL Draft Preview: New York Jets' Wishlist

The Jets struggled to a 4-12 record in 2007. All is not lost for the New York franchise. They have pieces to build around in 2008 in addition to a top-6 draft choice in April. The Jets came out of the gates with 1-7 record in 2007 and their only win of significance was a 19-16 win against Pittsburgh. Some positives did come out of the year for New York. Kellen Clemens got some playing time and many think he is more likely to stick with the team that incumbent quarterback Chad Pennington. Both Thomas Jones and Jerricho Cotchery surpassed 1,000 yards and can be key pieces of the puzzle in 2008 and beyond. D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold are talented young anchors on the offensive line. Darrelle Revis and David Harris are young pieces are defense, along with veterans Jonathan Vilma and Shaun Ellis.

Going into 2008, the Jets do have decisions to make. Quarterback is the most important of those decisions. Is Pennington on his way out? Will Clemens be the signal caller New York is committed to for 2008? The smart money is on Pennington moving on and the Jets drafting another young quarterback to compete for playing time. The 2008 draft is a great class of quarterbacks for the Jets to choose from. In addition to quarterback, the Jets' need areas are defensive end (3-4 scheme), cornerback, safety and wide receiver.

With the Jets' 1st-round pick, they will look at quarterback, especially if Matt Ryan - a Northeast guy from Boston College, is available. Derrick Harvey is a physical specimen (6'5", 250 lbs.) at defensive end out of Florida that is a wild-card in the top-6. Ryan Clady (Guard), shut-down corner Mike Jenkins (South Florida) and top safety Kenny Phillips (Miami) will also be in the mix.

In the 2nd round, New York will shift more importance to need areas. Cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Dejuan Tribble are ball-hawks that can upgrade New York's secondary immediately. Donnie Avery and Harry Douglas are speedy receivers (sub 4.4) that can help the Jets (finally) stretch the field, projected as 2nd round selections for April's draft.

In the later rounds, Kendall Langford is a sleeper for New York. He's a strong 3-4 defensive end measuring 6'6" and almost 300 lbs. Run defense has been an Achilles heel of New York (29th in the NFL in 2007) and a wide body on the line can only help their cause. Linebackers Jeremy Lehman (Illinois) and Thomas Williams (USC) would inject some youth into the defensive front seven.

Upgrading up a few positions and getting Laveraneus Coles and Jonathon Vilma back healthy would return New York to a competitive state in the AFC East. It all starts with the NFL Draft in April 2008.