Draft Preview: New York Jets
Pick 17: New York Jets
Strengths: An owner with enough stroke to play games whenever he wants
Weaknesses: Not exactly a "weakness," but more of a "fondness" for personal seat licenses
New York is heading into this season facing the prospect of starting Kellen Clemens, Brett Ratliff or Erik Ainge under center--Clemens is the call there, by the way. If Matthew Stafford really is on the board at 17, the pressure on the Jets front office to nab him will beyond brutal. Recall reactions from the Philly contingent in 1999 when new coach Andy Reid passed on Ricky Williams in favor of Donovan McNabb, then multiply that times 10o. Stay strong, Jets--Stafford is not your man. (More on him later.)
If I'm running the Jets, I say give me Pettigrew. He's a physical freak who plays tight end with the receiving aplomb of a high-end wide receiver and the blocking skills of a starting offensive tackle. When he gets the ball in his hands, he's a bear to bring down, even if he's not the fleetest of foot.
OK, so Pettigrew has some skeletons in his closet. And, granted, touted tight end prospects seem to disappoint more often that not. Still, Pettigrew is a safe pick who will be a nice little security blanket for whomever is playing quarterback in the Big Apple for the next seven or eight years.