Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
A sense of urgency should be settling in around the NFL. The league has entered a final countdown to the 2013 NFL Draft. At this point plans have most likely been made as far as targeted prospects. Backup actions also have been thought out just in case a player of choice has been taken. For one particular organization there is still a lot of work to be done.
After making a blockbuster trade by dealing cornerback Darrelle Revis to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the New York Jets have two first-round picks at the ninth and 13th overall selections. After a painful 6-10 record in 2012 left a fan base in despair, there is an added pressure to land elite talent with each choice. A long list of needs stares New York in the face. Although defensive personnel will look almost completely different, most issues exist on the other side of the ball.
Quarterback Mark Sanchez needs to be replaced by a long-term option. No upgrade currently resides on their roster. For the most part, there is no outside playmaker at wide receiver. Jeremy Kerley provides hope, however Santonio Holmes has uncertainty as far as health. Braylon Edwards should be retained by the team, but negotiations have yet to take place. There must be the addition of a playmaker. Tavon Austin from West Virginia lacks ideal size but he brings great speed.
Barkevious Mingo adds an element of pass rush that the Jets have not had in years. Drafting an exciting player on offense should be the next objective for new general manager John Idzik and the rest of the Jets organization.
