New York Jets Team Needs
By: Jason Chernofsky

Runningback:
Curtis Martin has finally begun to show his age, and even before his injury, backup and former Chiefs RB Derrick Blaylock did little. They did draft rookie Cedric Houston in the sixth round last draft, but they have been hesitant to use him, even as a change of pace back. He likely won't be the one who fills the void. They would be wise to draft a runningback on Day 1 this April. In round 1, USC playmaker and Heisman candidate would be a great pick if he is available, and if not, Laurence Maroney out of Minnesota and Deangelo Williams of Memphis would be other first round options. Dontrell Moore from U of New Mexico, LenDale White from USC and Joseph Addai of LSU would be worth looks in the second or third rounds if available.

Offensive Tackle:
The loss of Kareem McKenzie has been bigger than expected. The Jets could really use some help here as they've done a poor job protecting the QB and opening holes for the RB. Marcus McNeill from Auburn, who's play style is very similar to that of McKenzie, would be a great fit in round 1, but likely a poor value if they select high. If that is the case, Eric Winston from Miami, D'Brickashaw Ferguson from Virginia, Jon Scott from Texas, and Joe Thomas out of Wisconsin would all be good picks in round 1. Round 2-3 options include Jeremy Trueblood of BC, Andy Whitworth of LSU, and Daryn Colledge of Boise St.

Defensive End:
With their salary cap issues and poor play from him this season, I doubt the Jets re-sign John Abraham this offseason. If they do, this isn't a need anymore, but it is highly doubtful that he stays. And, don't expect a late rise from former first round pick Bryan Thomas. He just isn't a good starter on this level. Daryl Tapp (VT) and Tamba Hali (PSU) would be great picks if they fell to the Jets second rounder.

Quarterback:
This is a huge need, but, as big as it is, it is unlikely that the Jets invest a lot of money in a QB. Why? Because they already owe so much to Pennington, and they might, even though it seems as if he will never recover from his injury, give him another chance. Jay Fielder will likely be cut due to a long injury history and yet another IR appearance. They will definitely address the situation somehow this offseason, either adding a vet to compete with Pennington, or drafting a QB to raise and eventually start. They could do so as early as round 2-3 with someone like Bruce Gradkowski out of Toledo, who would be a great West Coast fit, or look for a player such as Josh Betts out of Miami of Ohio or Brett Basanez out of Northwester at some point on Day 2.

Defensive Tackle:
As much as this is a big need with Dewayne Robertson still not playing up to expectations, James Reed being a bad DT option at just 285 pounds, and Sione Pouha disappointing so far, I doubt they even address this need this offseason. They instead will rely on Robertson and Pouha at DT, with Reed off the bench. I could see them taking Orien Harris from Miami, or Claude Wroten out of LSU in rounds 2-3, but I wouldn't expect it.

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