With the 17th Pick in the 2009 Stampede Blue Community Mock Draft, New York Jets selects...

by Brad Wells on Apr 9, 2009 11:52 AM EDT in Community Mock Draft

Brian Cushing, LB, USC

17. New York Jets

Drafter: TouchdownMonkey

Reasons for drafting: "The obvious choice here would be a QB for the Jets, but I don’t like any of the remaining prospects enough to spend a first rounder on them. WR and RB are also positions of need, but it’s a deep WR class and RBs can be had in later rounds. OLB Vernon Gholston hasn’t panned out the way they had hoped and though I think he will be much better this year, adding depth (and a potential star) at the position isn’t a bad idea. Brian Cushing is an extremely talented and versatile player that will fit nicely into Rex Ryan’s system. Various scouting reports had the following to say about him: has NFL strength; he is fast to the ball carrier, has great instincts, and is agile and fluid; he can rush the passer and is a good tackler; works through blockers and is a hard worker. It wouldn’t surprise me if he takes over the starting OLB position late in the season. His athleticism coupled with his ability to play either inside or outside and Ryan's defensive schemes will be a formidable combination.

Note: I am disregarding the reports that Cushing tested positive at the Combine since there hasn’t been an official word from the NFL."

Check out Brian Cushing's scouting report at Mocking The Draft.

Also, see who Gang Green Nation plucked in the SB Nation Writers Draft.

The Denver Broncos, and mgrex03, are now back on the clock after getting Chicago's first round pick in the Jay Cutler trade...

Poll

Do you like the Jets taking Cushing at #17?

Yes, pairing him with Bart Scott is starting to make the Jets defense look fierce

19 votes

Yes, but who is there QB again?

29 votes

No, too many holes in other areas (QB, WR, DB, etc.)

30 votes

No, Cushing is over-rated and risky at #17

6 votes

84 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

RB

T. Jones is going to be 31 this season and he’s holding out right now. Leon Washington is a great change of pace back and a good returner, and I think he may be holding out too, but I doubt he can hold up under a full load. I think the Jets defense is pretty solid, and if anyone can teach Gholston how to live up to expectations it’s Rex Ryan. Their defense is much stronger than their offense, you need to at least field something respectable to bring to the table. If anyone knows that, it’s Ryan. His tenure with the Ravens was almost exactly like that until this season. With focus placed on offense, the Ravens easily had the defense to win 1 or 2 more during Ray Lewis’ tenure.

I do think they can wait until round 2 for a receiver, and there is depth at RB, but Moreno is easily the best prospect in my opinion. Not to mention Faneca isn’t getting any younger, but Beatty or Britton would be a reach at 18. I think Moreno would be adding a replacement for Jones, and give the Jets leverage over both Jones and Washington. Wells may fit the offensive system Ryan saw with the Ravens and their power run game. Come to think of it, since they have Washington and Jones isn’t a receiver anyway, Wells would probably be a better option.

However, the Cushing pick would make their defense scary.

Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.

by monstersbox on Apr 9, 2009 12:07 PM EDT reply actions