Draft Day 3: Leon Washington Traded, McKnight and Conner drafted.

It wouldn’t feel right if Mike Tannenbaum didn’t make at least a few trades during the 2010 draft. The Jets started the day off by moving up 12 spots in the 4th round and selecting Joe McKnight, running back from USC.  McKnight, who played his college ball with Mark Sanchez, is a shifty, change of pace back. McKnight was very productive at Southern Cal, rushing for 1,014 yards in 2009 for the Trojans. He is also a threat catching the ball out of the backfield and in the return game.

Trader Mike wasn’t done quite yet. With the acquisition of Joe McKnight, running back Leon Washington suddenly became expendable. The Jets traded Washington and a 7th rounder to Seattle for their 5th round pick. With this pick, the Jets selected John Conner, running back from the University of Kentucky. I would imagine that the Jets plan on using “The Terminator” as a fullback. Tony Richardson is pushing 40, and is likely playing his last season before he retires. Conner can spend a year learning from one of the game’s best fullbacks before he is needed as a full time starter.

The Jets ended the 2010 draft without addressing the defensive line. Defensive line depth was thought of as one of the Jets’ biggest needs going into the draft, and is something that has been ignored the last few years.  Sione Pouha and Kris Jenkins are both on the wrong side of 30, and Jenkins can’t seem to stay healthy for a full season. Also, Ellis is 33 and has battled injuries throughout the last few seasons. Last year’s starter opposite Ellis, Marques Douglas, hit free agency and has not been resigned. My thinking is that the Jets must be eying some undrafted free agents. Rex Ryan seems to thrive on finding undrafted talent, especially in the defensive front seven.

Tags: draft, Joe McKnight, John Conner, Mark Sanchez