Previous Pick: San Diego Chargers

17. New York Jets

--Mark Sanchez (QB/USC)

Mark Sanchez (NFL.com)

I know that most Jets fans are scared of drafting a quarterback with their 1st round selection, especially one with as peculiar a situation as Mark Sanchez. There isn’t sufficient film to evaluate him properly, but what little information scouts do possess seems to be quite positive. His intangibles are superb, and he really seems to have the disposition of a competitor at quarterback. Also, his numbers for 2008 were rather impressive compared to the other top quarterbacks (Mark Sanchez 2008 statistics).

The Jets will hold a private workout for Sanchez, which should give them a chance to see what he’s made of. If he impresses there, I have little doubt that Sanchez becomes New York’s primary target.

If he doesn’t do well there, the Jets just might rely on Kellen Clemens and Eric Ainge to carry the team for one more season. I wouldn’t rule out this possibility if Rex Ryan wants to see what he has on his current roster.

-Hakeem Nicks (WR/North Carolina)

Hakeem Nicks (NFL.com)

Losing Laveranues Coles in free agency leaves the Jets’ receiving corps pretty dry talent-wise. If Mark Sanchez isn’t their man, drafting a solid pass catcher is another solid option.

Hakeem Nicks is perhaps one of the most complete receivers this draft has to offer. I have said multiple times that I just don’t care much for Jeremy Maclin as an early pick. Same for Darrius Heyward-Bey.  I just don’t see them making an impact during their rookie years especially since they are unpolished prospects.

This brings me to my interest in Nicks. He is a good route runner, has excellent hands, and jumps for the ball well. Although, his speed is average, I see many of the same qualities in him that I see in Desmond Mason of Baltimore. In the case that New York drafts a 1st round receiver, Nicks would be my choice.

-Clay Matthews (OLB/USC)

Clay Matthews (NFL.com)

Rex Ryan loves plugging versatile athletes into his aggressive fluid 3-4 defense.  I understand this is a luxury pick, but USC linebacker Clay Matthews has the intensity and smarts to play in Ryan’s system. Think of Matthews as a poor man’s Terrell Suggs-OLB/DE who often rushes with his hand down.

Next on the clock: Chicago Bears

If you vote “other” in the poll, let me know who you’d rather select.