Jets still on Pace to draft outside linebacker early

BY NICK ST. DENIS

With the New York Jets' February release of Calvin Pace and their likely cutting ties with Bryan Thomas, going outside linebacker early in the 2013 draft looked like a certainty for Gang Green.

And after signing former San Diego Chargers' Antwan Barnes and bringing back Pace, well, OLB is still a draft priority.

The Jets re-signed Pace to a one-year deal, as first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. Pace could still start in 2013, but he's now at stopgap status. (photo: Daniel Speiss, Flickr)

New York needs an up-and-comer to be its long term solution on at least one of the two outside spots alongside second-year inside 'backer Demario Davis and now-veteran David Harris, both of whom are entrenched as the starters.

Barnes is under contract for three years but obviously isn't a franchise player and will be best used primarily in pass-rushing situations.

Georgia's Jarvis Jones and LSU's Barkevious Mingo are two names that have been thrown around in mock drafts for the Jets.

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