After trend towards offense, Jets aim for top defensive player

When Rex speaks, I usually listen.

New York Jets coach Rex Ryan sounded off about a variety of things recently, including the team’s approach to the draft. The Jets could use a defensive lineman, a backup quarterback for Mark Sanchez, an outside linebacker and offensive tackle.

Ryan said the team will take the best player available. When asked if they would aim for a pass rusher, Ryan brushed off the notion. 

“We were 10th in the league last year in sacks and third in the league in defense, and yet we need pass rushers,” he said. “If we need them, then how about these other teams? Everybody needs pass rushers. Clearly, if a pass rusher’s there and we think he’s the best player, then that’s the guy we’ll take.”

Like I said, when Rex speaks, you stop down. 

I do love the notion that fellow colleague Adam Wells throws out when he suggests that the Jets go after Baylor’s Phil Taylor.

“Since the Jets run a 3-4 defensive scheme and are without a proven nose tackle, their top priority should be finding a big body to put in the middle of the line,” he writes. “That’s where Phil Taylor from Baylor comes in handy.”

“Taylor is a huge presence, literally at 330 pounds, in the middle of any defensive line. There are character concerns with him, but character has never been a detriment for the Jets in their evaluation of players.”

A defensive player would be quite a switch from the Jets’ recent draft history.

Since Rex Ryan became head coach, the team has had seven draft picks, six of which have been used on offensive players. Defense will especially be a priority now that Jason Taylor, Vernon Gholston and Kris Jenkins have been released.

There are plenty of options out there. If it’s me, I grab Taylor, or go with Akeem Ayers from UCLA if he’s still available. I think both are Rex Ryan type guys, too. I have started noticing Rex likes certain kind of players on his team, much like Bill Parcells used to when he was with the Giants and Patriots.

Teams like New York are in a great position. They’re not in horrible shape, and they’ve got lots of momentum as a franchise. What you’re trying to do is fill needs, keep building and get parts for the future. It’s the same position Green Bay and Pittsburgh are in.