The New York Jets have needs all over the field.
On Thursday night, Gang Green chose to pad their defense by adding LSU safety Jamal Adams with the sixth-overall pick.
The pick gives New York one of the draft's most talented defenders, a hard-hitting, downhill tackler who exits college renowned by his former teammates and coaches as one of the best leaders in LSU lore.
"I think this is the second-best football player in the draft," NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah said after Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the selection.
The 6-foot, 214-pound Adams joins a wanting Jets secondary that includes Marcus Gilchrist and Calvin Pryor at the safety spots. The rookie will be given a chance to step in and shake up the pecking order right away for third-year coach Todd Bowles.
"He can play all over the field and he could have an immediate impact on defense just like Landon Collins did coming out (for the Giants)," one scout told NFL.com. "I love him. I think he's a winner."
The Jets have now used nine straight first-round picks on defensive players since taking quarterback Mark Sanchez in 2009. And why not, considering Gang Green has ranked in the bottom half of the league in scoring defense in five of the past six seasons.
The Jets have a long way to go to challenge for the AFC East, but Thursday's decision gives this team one of the draft's most treasured assets. It's a start.
