"The Jets took the first step toward replenishing a roster built to win now by grabbing one of the better pass rushers in the draft Thursday night. Gang Green scooped up versatile Temple defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson with the 30th pick to inject youth into an aging and thin defensive line that struggled to get consistent pressure on the quarterback last season. "We think this young man is really going to do some great things for us," Rex Ryan said. "(He) can play defensive end in our system and tackle as well. I see him as possible three-down contributor for us. ... He's going to come in here and earn his reps." The most appealing part of the 6-4, 315-pound Wilkerson's skill set is his ability to wreak havoc lining up outside the tackles in the Jets' 3-4 defense and also slide inside to bring heat on QBs. "He was a guy we had identified for a while," general manager Mike Tannenbaum said. "He's going to come in and give us depth and versatility on the defensive line. ... He's one of those players in Rex's defense that's going to do what it takes to be successful." Despite the Jets statistical success on defense with Ryan in charge - they ranked in the top three in total defense each of the past two seasons - they needed to address concerns across the front seven. Wilkerson, who had 9-1/2 sacks last season and 17-1/2 in his college career, could fill unrestricted free agent Shaun Ellis' spot. "He was an outstanding fit for what we do defensively," Ryan said of Wilkerson. "You love to have a pass rusher, whether it comes from the outside or inside. This young man can certainly do it. ... I compare to him to a young Trevor Pryce." Tannenbaum admitted the Jets felt "depth at the defensive line position was a concern" so he'll likely jump right into a rotation with Mike DeVito, Marcus Dixon and Ropati Pitoitua, who should be back after missing last season with an Achilles injury. "Our depth had been dwindling on that defensive line," Ryan said. "He was an excellent player in college, but we think he's got more to give. We're going to push him and push him and push him."" Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2011/04/29/2011-04-29_what_a_rush_jets_grab_de.html
