Alabama's Mark Barron

ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay released his lastest mock draft late last week. McShay had the Jets taking Alabama safety Mark Barron.

Here’s what AFC East Blogger James Walker had to say about McShay’s pick for the Jets:

I also agree with this pick for the Jets. New York has several needs, but perhaps no need is bigger than safety. The Jets may need to replace both safeties next season. Jim Leonhard is a free agent coming off a season-ending knee injury and Eric Smith had a terrible year. Opponents often avoided New York’s corners and had a field day throwing over the middle against the safeties. Barron could help stop that trend.

Several other draft analysts have had the Jets taking Barron with the 16th pick, including the guys at SI and SBNation.

Unfortunately, Joe Everett of RookieDraft.com is now reporting via his Twitter that Barron, “has a double sports hernia & will be out until at least July/August.”

This will no doubt cause Barron’s draft stock to fall out of the first round, BUT it does not necessary mean bad things for the Jets on draft day, as Barron could theoretically fall far enough for the Jets to move up into the second round to take him.

Frankly, many other believed that Barron was a bit of a reach at 16, while others did not feel his was even a first round pick.

Obviously this is rather unfortunate for Barron and let’s not let that get lot here. I wish him happy healing.