New York Jets 2008 Draft Review

With the sixth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft the Jets had all but five options. With the running back and quarterback off the boards the Jets went defense with their first pick.

Vernon Gholston (DE)

If nothing else was learned from the Giants Super Bowl win over the Patriots last year it was that one way to beat the them is to pressure Tom Brady. The Jets picked up 6'4" defense end Vernon Gholston to do just that. In the 3-4 defense he can play both from the end but also step back into coverage giving different looks to the offense and should be able to disrupt passers from day one. It was the need and best pick and therefore a good one.

Jet Kingdom Grade: A-

Dustin Keller (TE)

The Jets weren't idle too long into the first round as they traded back in and picked up big Dustin Keller from Purdue. The highlight on Keller is fast and athletic with great hands but needs to work on his blocking. The history of the draft is littered with poor tight end picks by the Jets but this player looks special and could be a force in the red zone to get open and go up and get the ball. A pick that certainly sends some chills down Chris Baker's spine. We would have rather seen a line backer picked up here.

Jet Kingdom Grade: B

Dwight Lowery (CB)

Clearly the backfield situation needed to be addressed and the Jets picked up a tall corner from San Jose State in the fourth round. It doesn't look like Lowery will make the immediate impact that Revis did but adding to the depth and talent of the defense is always a good idea.

Jet Kingdom Grade: B+

Erik Ainge (QB)

Here is where things get interesting, picking up a quarterback from Tennessee in the fifth round. While lots of Jets fans want to read deep into this pick, it is more of upside backup than a starter in the next two years. Ainge is tall at 6'6" and can certainly throw the ball, but he wasn't picked to win games in 2008. Expect him to be the third string backup and move up in the charts as the years go on. If he shows promise, it could be an interesting 2010 season.

Jet Kingdom Grade: C

Marcus Henry (WR)

The Jets wide receiver core needed a little height and they are getting it in a 6'4" Henry from Kansas picked up in the sixth round. Expect him to do a lot of special teams work to start and possibly be a weapon in a year or two but without much immediate impact. A solid project pick.

Jet Kingdom Grade: B-

Nate Garner (OT)

Tangini won't leave a draft without picking up some beef and get some hear in 6'6" 334 pound Garner from Arkansas. Another project pick for guy who doesn't even have a picture on NFL.com.

Jet Kingdom Grade: C+

Overall Grade

This wasn't a very sexy draft and the Jets did what they could with their picks. The got the best player on the board that they could, hit some needs and picked up a few projects with potential upside. As we said last year, if you can walk away from any draft with one or two players who make an immediate impact you have done well and it looks like the Jets have at least picked up two starters in Gholston and Keller who can make a difference in 2008.

Jet Kingdom 2008 New York Jets Draft Grade: B