The 2010 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft rolls on, with each SB Nation blogger making selections for their respective teams. John B, lead blogger at SB Nation's New York Jets blog, Gang Green Nation, checks in to make the No. 29 overall selection in this year's mock. Take it away, sir!
2010 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft: Round 1, Pick 29
With the No. 29 overall pick in the 2010 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft, the New York Jets have selected Jerry Hughes, defensive end/outside linebacker, TCU.
John B says: How is it possible to improve the league's best defense? The Jets may have had the top unit in statistical terms, but they struggled to generate a consistent pass rush without blitzing. Rex Ryan loves to blitz, but the Jets had to do it more than he would prefer last year. Peyton Manning and the Colts picked the team apart in the second half of the AFC Championship Game.
The trade for Antonio Cromartie will help improve the pass defense on the coverage end. Taking Hughes here helps improve the pass rush. Hughes may not have a big assortment of pass rushing moves, but he does have an explosive first step and times the snap count well. He's very athletic and would transition well to 3-4 outside linebacker. While he learns the finer points of the position, he'll rotate with Bryan Thomas who isn't much of a pass rusher but is excellent in coverage and against the run. The two will compliment each other well.If the Draft plays out this way, Hughes is the way to go at 29.
The Jets are in a fortunate position in that they have no glaring needs. They could go with Golden Tate to play the slot, but there should be a good slot prospect in the second round.
Mocking Dan reacts: Everyone knows that Rex Ryan loves two things in football: Cornerbacks and pass rushers. He got his cornerback with Cromartie and Hughes would represent the pass rusher. Personally, I think this is a little early for Hughes, but it fills a really good need. John B is right thinking the other choice could be Tate. But some coaches go after what they like early, and this pick wouldn’t shock me.
Mocking the Draft’s Top 5 remaining prospects: 1 - Everson Griffen/DE/USC, 2 - Charles Brown/OT/USC, 3 - Golden Tate/WR/Notre Dame, 4 - Bruce Campbell/OT/Maryland, 5 - Jonathan Dwyer/RB/Georgia Tech
Sound off, SB Nation! What say you of New York’s selection of Jerry Hughes? Please be sure to check out Gang Green Nation for all of your Jets needs.
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