Call Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum “Trader Mike.”
Tannenbaum, who executed the offseason trade for running back Thomas Jones, was at it again yesterday, not only moving up in the first round, but moving up in the second round.
After moving up to get Pittsburgh cornerback Darrelle Revis in the first round, they moved up in the second round to pick Michigan middle linebacker David Harris, a 6-foot-21/4, 243-pounder who could be a good fit in their 3-4 defense.
The Jets gave Green Bay their 63rd overall pick in the second round, their 89th overall pick in the third round, and their 191st overall pick in the sixth round. They got, along with the 47th overall, Green Bay’s 235th overall pick in the seventh round.
That leaves the Jets with a sixth- and seventh-round pick in today’s conclusion of the draft.
Harris – who met with the Jets at the NFL Combine, where he had a strong workout – went on to thank Tannenbaum, team owner Woody Johnson and Eric Mangini for picking him.
“I’m excited to be a New York Jet,” said Harris, who some mock drafts projected to be a late first-round pick. “The Jets have great linebackers and a great defense.”
Well, not exactly a great defense. The Jets ranked 24th against the run last season, and Harris, a run-stuffer, could be an immediate help. He was a big part of a Michigan defense that held opposing offenses to a paltry 43.38 rushing yards per game last year.
Harris will fit into the Jets’ linebacker corps with Jonathan Vilma, fellow Michigan alum Victor Hobson, Eric Barton and Bryan Thomas.
“He played in a big program and is another player we feel will fit into what we’re trying to do,” Tannenbaum said of Harris. “We thought it was a good opportunity to go up and get David.”
Harris is familiar with Hobson, who was a senior early in Harris’ career, and Jets linebackers coach Jim Herrmann, who was the Michigan defensive coordinator until he was hired by Mangini last year.
“I have a great relationship with coach Herrmann. He was always a good person to talk to and a good coach,” Harris said.
Asked what his strengths are, Harris said, “I’m a well-rounded athlete trying to come in and try to work on myself overall to compete on the NFL level. I’m thankful that the New York Jets called me.”
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Revis said published numbers of his 40-yard dash time have been incorrect. Revis ran a 4.39 on his pro day and said that was the only time he’s ever run a 40.
“Obviously, I guess it rose (his stock),” Revis said of his pro-day performance. “A lot of people said I ran a 4.5 and I never did. It motivated me to go out there and showcase my talent and that’s what I did. I had never run a 40 in my life until my pro day.”
Revis said he’s been in contact with former Patriots and Jets cornerback Ty Law, who’s also from the Pittsburgh area.
“I look up to him,” Revis said. “I’m going to continue to [talk to] him even more to get more insight on the NFL.”
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Revis was the fifth player the Jets have drafted from Pittsburgh, joining guard Jim Sweeney (1984), linebacker Troy Benson (1985), wide receiver Bill Wallace (1985) and defensive end Mark Gunn (1991). Curtis Martin is also a Pitt alum. . . . Revis is the first defensive back the Jets have picked in the first round since they drafted corner Aaron Glenn with the 12th pick in 1994. . . . Revis is the third player in Jets history drafted 14th overall, joining linebacker/defensive end Jeff Lageman (1989) and defensive end Marty Lyons (1979).
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Yesterday’s first round was the longest in the history of the NFL Draft at 6 hours, 8 minutes, providing more proof that the first-round time limit for picks should be reduced from 15 minutes to 10.