30. 3-4 DE Muhammad Wilkerson B-

Defensive end was a major need for them given Mike DeVito’s struggles as a pass rusher and Shaun Ellis’ age and free agent status. However, I had a 2^nd round grade on Wilkerson because he struggled whenever he played tough competition.

94. NT Kendrick Ellis B

Nose tackle was a need for them with Kendrick Ellis gone. They needed a more powerful tackle to compliment Sione Pouha, who is no spring chicken himself at 32 years old. I had Jerrell Powe rated higher though, especially in the wake of Ellis’ legal troubles.

126. RB Bilal Powell D

Powell can take LT’s place in the running back committee when he retires, but if that is going to happen, they’re going to have to carry 4 running backs next year. I also didn’t think Powell fit the range in the 4^th round. I had a 5^th or 6^th round grade on him.

153. WR Jeremy Kerley A

Kerley gives them much needed depth at wide receiver, given that they have 3 free agents there and he fits the range as I had a 3^rd or 4^th round grade on him. The two time MWC special teams player of the year also helps in the return game if Brad Smith leaves as a free agent.

208. QB Greg McElroy B+

Last year they had to wake Mark Brunell from the dead to be their backup quarterback and then prayed that Mark Sanchez stayed healthy. McElroy solves that problem and fits the range, but they had bigger needs (rush linebacker, safety).

227. WR Scott McKnight B-

Given that they have 3 receivers who are free agents, adding a 2^nd one though the draft makes sense and McKnight is Mark Sanchez’s BFFL (for realz), but I didn’t have him in my top 300 and they really needed a rush linebacker.

Overall:

Their biggest needs, believe it or not, were on the defensive side of the field, needing someone to replace Jason Taylor, defensive line help with Shaun Ellis and Sione Pouha getting older, and a safety to replace free agent Brodney Pool. They also needed wide receiver depth, having 3 free agents at the position. They filled their defensive line needs early, smart, but I thought they could have gotten better players. I like the decision to draft two wide receivers, especially Jeremy Kerley who can also help on special teams. Greg McElroy was also a nice addition. The only pick I didn’t like was Powell and overall I thought this was a decent, but unspectacular draft. They should have added a rush linebacker or safety somewhere.

Grade: B