The New York Jets should draft LSU DE Tyson Jackson if he still on the board at pick 17. He is considered the best 3-4 end in this weekend’s draft and would provide the Jets aging defensive line an upgrade.  Currently on the roster at the position is starter Shaun Ellis who will be turning 32 years old before the  09 season. Ellis a ten-year veteran had just one sack in the team’s final eight games. Keynon Coleman is 30 years old and at best is a serviceable starter. The Jets signed former Raven DE Marques Coleman who will be a should be a backup for the team. 

Jackson started his last 40 games games and earned second-team All-SEC this past season. He anchored a line that was 17th in the nation against the run and tallied 10.5 tackles for a loss. The 6′4″ 296 pound end ran a 4.95 40 which is considered slow at his position. However, his style of play is constructed around his size and power. He is not known for rushing the quarterback but did have 10 sacks as a Sophomore. The Jets allowed 94.9 rushing yards per game which was 7th best in the league in 2008. However, they had trouble stopping the run when DT Kris Jenkins was slowed down by injuries towards the end of the season.

Jackson has seen his stock rise the past couple of weeks because teams are impressed with his all-around size and run stopping ability. He has been compared to starting 3-4 defensive lineman Richard Seymour and Ty Warren who play for the Pats. Tyson is versatile enough to play nose guard in a 3-4 scheme. The three-year starter played for a top program which has produced several first-round defensive ends in the draft. Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan is a denfensive mastermind who molded many players into his scheme when he was defensive coordinator with the Ravens. The Jets need help at QB and WR but adding another defensive lineman is also a need.