Over and over, the New York Jets and their new head coach, Rex Ryan, are linked to free-agent-to-be linebacker Ray Lewis. So when Ryan conducted a press conference Friday at the scouting combine in Indianapolis, needless to say one of the very first topics he was questioned about was what Lewis would add to the Jets’ defense.

“Right now, I’d rather add our draft picks because I’d rather not talk about any potential free agent out there,” Ryan said diplomatically and wisely. “With the tampering rules and with everything else the way they are, I’d rather just hold on to our draft picks right now. I’ll avoid that question.”

Another reporter then asked Ryan about the possibility of reuniting with Baltimore free-agent-to-be safety Jim Leonard.

“Let me hit the rewind button here if you don’t mind,” Ryan said. “I’d like to keep our draft picks.”

At that point, there was no need for any more questions about whether the Jets might pursue potential Baltimore free-agent linebacker Bart Scott or quarterback Kyle Boller or anyone else coming from the Ravens. So a reporter tried the next best thing, asking Ryan if there is another player in the draft that resembles Lewis.

“I think somebody,” Ryan said, “has the first name.”

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