Here’s a look at the perceived draft needs of the New York Jets, with heavy input from Matt Miller and David Gardner of NewEraScouting.com.    

Cornerback:  The Jets must add a potential starting cornerback via the draft.  Darrelle Revis has serious potential to be a long-term stud (and a really good cornerback), but Revis is still learning and the team would like to eventually move David Barrett into a nickel role.  Look for the Jets to target Leodis McKelvin or Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie with their first pick, the sixth overall selection in the draft.

Tight End:  Chris Baker has been a good player for the Jets, but he lacks breakaway ability and is not a playmaker in the passing game.  Bubba Franks has been added via free agency, but he is not a downfield threat.  The Jets have been scouting tight ends heavily at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine this offseason.

One player we’ve seen the Jets linked to is Fred Davis of USC.  Davis could make sense as a second-round pick.

Inside linebacker:  Jonathan Vilma is now a member of the New Orleans Saints, via a trade.  Replacing Vilma on the inside will be David Harris, a 2007 second-rounder pick.  They need a long-term answer next to Harris on the inside.  The Jets have Eric Barton, but he’s on the downside of his career.  Jerry Mackey and Cody Spencer are back-ups at best.

Adding an inside linebacker in rounds two or three would give New York flexibility and depth at the most critical position in a 3-4 defense.  Look for the Jets to show a lot of interest in Xavier Adibi, an outside linebacker from Virginia Tech, who can move inside.

Wide receiver:  Giving star receiver Laveranues Coles a new guarantee will keep him happy (or at least not as upset) for the next year or two.  But the Jets need to be thinking about who’ll replace him in 2010.  The team has high hopes for fifth-year player Jerricho Cotchery, who led the team in receptions last fall.  Behind the two starters there is potential, but little productivity.  Brad Smith continues to be a gimmick player, while neither Chansi Stuckey or David Clowney has shown much on the field.

Adding a legitimate No. 3 receiver is a priority.  There is a great amount of depth in the 2008 class, which will allow New York to identify whom they like and get solid value.

Running back:  Thomas Jones has entrenched himself as the team’s starter.  Leon Washington has made an impact as a third-down back and return man, securing his spot on the roster.  Jesse Chatman was signed from Miami to fill out the depth chart.  The downside is that Jones has not been able to remain healthy throughout his career, nor has Chatman.  Washington is an undersized back who is vital to the special teams unit.  Adding a late round back will give the Jets insurance should Jones go down.

And then there’s the possibility that Darren McFadden will be on the board at No. 6.  If he is, tailback could suddenly become a significant area of need.

Quarterback: The team has invested heavily in the idea that Kellen Clemens will be their franchise quarterback.  Chad Pennington remains one of the best back-ups in the business, and could actually win the job this year.  The late Bill Walsh believed that you should draft a quarterback every year for developmental purposes, and because of their value on the trade market.  The Jets can afford to use a late pick on a quarterback.

And then there’s the possibility that Matt Ryan will be on the board at No. 6.