The belief: Jets can afford to make a 'luxury' pick

Leading up to the NFL draft, Sporting News writers will debate one key belief for each team.

Today's belief: The Jets can afford to make a 'luxury' pick at No. 30.

Jets defenders gang-tackle Patriots running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis during their AFC divisional playoff game last season. (AP Photo)

Skeptic: Vinnie Iyer

Why we don't believe: As good as the organization is at filling holes around its core younger players with veteran castoffs (both big names and small), the uncertainty surrounding the collective bargaining agreement and the free-agent market means the Jets must focus on rookies who can contribute right away.

What we believe instead:
There is a need to upgrade the defensive front seven under Rex Ryan. His blitz packages have been effective, but the team's pass rush would get a big boost from fresh legs on the edges. Look for them to add an end or outside linebacker to their 3-4.

What else we believe: There's a chance most of the good values at run-stopping end and pass-rushing linebacker will be gone by the time the Jets pick near the end of the first round. If they don't like anyone, they might trade down a few spots in the second round and add a late-rounder in the process.

Believer: Russ Lande

Why we believe:
The Jets are a good team with a lot of talent. Next season should be even better. Mark Sanchez will have another year of experience and the offensive line. While their defensive line is getting old, it's still solid considering Kris Jenkins was injured in 2010. There's a lot of talk of grabbing an outside linebacker, but with Bryan Thomas and Calvin Pace still productive, it's unlikely the Jets will reach and bypass a better player. The Jets feel they're a good all-around team that can't afford to start reaching to fill a need. The Jets will try to stay true to their board and pick the best player even if it's not a position of need -- a true luxury pick.

What else we believe: At some point early (first three or four rounds), the Jets will look at adding a running back and nose tackle.

While they still hope Shonn Greene is going to develop, he struggled in 2010. The Jets need to protect the future at that position. Despite the defense doing well after Jenkins' injury, the Jets know there's a need to find a good nose tackle for the future if their 3-4 is going to be productive the next four or five seasons.