With the 53rd pick
The NYJ Select Donald Brown, RB UConn
Many doubt Brown's ability to translate into success at the NFL level, but there are also some pundits that think he should be a first rounder. Many detractors point to the level of competition he faced in college. Still, he led the nation in rushing and was named Big East Offensive Player of the Year with three 200+yard games.
New HC Ryan has made it clear that the Jets will operate a very run oriented offense. The Jets were fortunate in that both Thomas Jones and Leon Washington avoided the injury bug in 2008, something that is not likely to happen again in 2009, especially if the workload each recieves increases. The third RB on the roster last year, Chatman went down early and landed on IR.
What the Jets need is another all purpose back like Jones who may not be overly fast, perhaps isn't a great power runner inside the tackles, or a great reciever, but he does all of those things well enough to be successful in this offense. That sounds a lot like Brown to me. 4.5ish speed, may run a 4.4 to 4.45 in a combine/pro day evaluation, and at 5'10" and 210 pounds has the ability to emerge from a pile, the speed to take advantage of that, has some abilty to run between the tackles and with one of the best staright arm moves I've ever seen combined with at least some wiggle is just what the Jets are looking for.
He has demonstrated his durabilty with over 300 carries in his senior year and has leadership qualities. Brown comes with no character worries. When his parents asked what he wanted for Christmas he said nothing. Instead he wanted to "adopt a family". His first goal after he signs with a team is to open a soup kitchen. He is also a local kid, having played his HS ball in NJ and college ball in Connecticut.