NThe Jets' front office continued its aggressive approach to the 2007 NFL Draft Saturday evening, trading up for the second time in as many rounds to snatch up Michigan LB David Harris - a projected first-rounder - with the 47th overall pick.
The Jets gave up their remaining second round pick (#63), their third round pick (#89), and the sixth round pick they received from Carolina (#191) for the Green Bay Packers' second round pick (#47) and a seventh-rounder (#235).
Harris, a 6'2", 240 lb. inside linebacker from the University of Michigan, was projected to go in the late first round of the draft. He was reportedly being considered by the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers late in the first round, and prior to trading up from the 25th overall pick to draft CB Darrelle Revis, Jets' GM Mike Tannenbaum and Head Coach Eric Mangini had Harris on their radar as a potential candidate for the late first round pick.
While Gang Green already has a young, Pro Bowl-caliber ILB in Jonathan Vilma, Harris fits the mold of the prototypical 3-4 inside linebacker much better than Vilma, who had a difficult time adjusting to the new 3-4 defensive scheme in 2006. Vilma will undoubtedly retain a starting job in the Jets' much improved defense - at least for the time being - but expect the addition of Harris to add some much needed competition and depth at the position.
As a result of the Jets' trades on Saturday, Gang Green's next draft pick won't come until the sixth round, where they own the 177th overall pick in the draft.
