Fantasy Football 2009: The Top 5 New York Jets to Draft

Three losses in December left the New York Jets with a 9-7 record and outside the playoffs last season. This season, having drafted USC quarterback Mark Sanchez in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Jets will be looking to rebuild. Still, there should be plenty of offensive talent on this team, and the Jets will offer Fantasy Football owners a few good starters and backups for their franchise. Here then are the top 5 New York Jets to take in a Fantasy Football Draft this season.

Thomas Jones (RB)

After bouncing around the league for the first half of his career, Thomas Jones quietly put together his 4th straight +1,000 yard season. Jones enjoyed a career year, gaining 1,312 yards rushing (1519 from scrimmage) and 15 total touchdowns in 2008. Though rookie Shonn Greene and Leon Washington may take carries away from him this year, Jones should still be good for another 1,000 yards season and 6-8 TDs. While he is not an elite back, Jones will go early enough in the draft not to be around by round 4.

Leon Washington (RB)

Washington is an amazing all-purpose back that had a stellar season in 2008, racking up 2,337 total yards and 9 TDs. More valuable in leagues that count kick returns, Washington is nevertheless a good 3rd back option who will get you 700-800 yards from scrimmage this season and score a dozen times for you. Pick him up in the late rounds if he's available.

Dustin Keller (TE)

Keller had an impressive second half of a season last year getting 29 of his 48 receptions in November. This first round draft pick out of Purdue should improve on those numbers as the Jets try to develop one of their young QBs this season. Look for Keller to post 55-60 catches and +700 yards this season, and steal him late in the draft.

Laveranues Coles (WR)

Coles' numbers have been down the last two years, and the fleet FSU receiver may no longer be a reliable +1,000 yards receiver. Cole however is still a homerun threat who had catches of over 20 yards in 8 out of 16 games last season. He is good for a half dozen touchdowns, and should get you 70-75 catches and +900 yards this season. You can safely pencil him in as a 2nd or 3rd option at receiver for 2009.

Jay Feely (K)

For a highly reliable kicker Feely has bounced around the league a bit. Still, he has hit on 85% of his field goals for three seasons in a row now, and is 3 for 3 outside of 50 yards the last two seasons. Though he will not get as many chances to score this season, Feely is still a legit mid tier kicker who will not hurt your team.

Sleeper: Shonn Greene

Don't worry about going after Sanchez, the rookie QB will take time to develop. If you are looking for a rookie sleeper on the Jets, then Shonn Greene should be your man. Greene is a solid no none sense 235 lbs back that likes contact and is coming off a, 1,850 yard season at the University of Iowa. Though he does not have breakaway speed, Greene might be getting the Jets red zone carries this season, and maybe a fantasy surprise in the process.

Statistical Sources:

www.sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/nyj/stats