Rookies

ESM’s Experts Grade the New York Jets’ Draft

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New York Jets

ESM’s New York Jets experts look back on an eventful three days for Gang Green and pass their opening judgment.

Three days, nine picks, and seemingly infinite transactions later, the New York Jets’ 2020 draft proceedings are complete. 

How did they make out? ESM’s experts weigh in…

Geoff Magliocchetti: B

The concept of immediately grading drafts was tired and unfair before live sports were put on hiatus, but we’ve got nothing better to do, so here it goes…

It’s safe to say that, after Joe Douglas’ first draft at the helm, the Jets improved on all three sides of the ball. The draftings of Mekhi Becton and Denzel Mims are moves that are going to define the most hopeful era the Jets’ perpetual rebuild has seen in a long, long time. No long must their backfield saviors Sam Darnold and Le’Veon Bell conjure miracles to single-handedly win ball games. Defensively, the team strengthened their depth in both the pass rush (Jabari Zuniga) and the secondary (Bryce Hall). Even special teams enjoyed a must-needed boost. Third-round pick Ashtyn Davis can bolster a return game that sorely missed Andre Roberts (and later hypothetically fill in at safety if Jamal Adams or Marcus Maye depart) while Braden Mann is a great brand of insurance for an offense that struggles to reach the end zone consistently. Further strengthening their secondary depth with veteran Quincy Wilson was also a fine finishing touch.

The three-pick cluster on day three prevents this from being a perfect grade. Expected reliance on James Morgan to be Sam Darnold’s backup is iffy at best after last season’s understudy misadventures. Veteran backups/mentors for Darnold were there for the taking, so picking the young Morgan creates controversy where there is none. Additionally, while a spell option for Bell was necessary, it seemed a bit early to take Perine, especially with choices at need positions like guard Logan Stenberg or cornerback Reggie Robinson still on the board. They managed to salvage the session with another blocker, Charlotte’s Cameron Clark.

Dylan Price: B+

Build the Joe Douglas statue! Okay, not yet, but Joe Douglas had an excellent draft on paper. Douglas started the draft off with the high upside selection of the mountain of a man, Mekhi Becton. He followed that up with a savvy trade down to net an extra third-rounder and still grabbed Denzel Mims. Mims has high upside potential and could be a difference-maker immediately. Douglas grabbed Ashtyn Davis, the freak athlete from Cal. Davis could be the successor to Maye but will be a Swiss Army knife immediately.

La’Mical Perine, Cameron Clark, and Jabari Zuniga were two picks who can slot in as rotational players, but both have high upside. James Morgan was a questionable pick, but the Jets struggled to mount any offensive presence without Darnold. Morgan can at least be a developmental prospect at backup QB. Bryce Hall is a talented corner who may be their best steal because of a sketchy medical history. Braden Mann can be the punter for the long term future because he has a cannon for a leg. Joe Douglas had a B+ draft with significant upside.

Alex Wilson: A

The New York Jets did exactly what they needed to do in the 2020 NFL Draft: protect and support Sam Darnold. Having been sacked over 60 times over the past two seasons, Darnold needed to be prioritized and GM Joe Douglas did exactly that. Drafting Mekhi Becton instantly improves the line and opens up holes for Le’Veon Bell in the run game. If Darnold wasn’t satisfied with Becton in the first round, Douglas added a talented wideout in Denzel Mims in the second. A big, fast pass-catcher who can replicate Robby Anderson’s production and then some. If I were Darnold, I would be one happy camper.

Brendan Carpenter: B

Joe Douglas had a successful draft this past weekend. Taking Mekhi Becton at pick 11 gives them a mammoth of a lineman on the left side. He has some room to grow but could become a great tackle. The best move on Douglas’ part was trading down, though. Originally supposed to be at pick 48, he traded down to pick 59 and still got his receiver in Denzel Mims, someone Sam Darnold needed. Also, rather than picking a “possibility player” to end his night, he traded the pick for up-and-down veteran CB Quincy Wilson.

 

New York Jets: LIVE Undrafted Free Agent Tracker

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New York Jets

The New York Jets’ roster continues to expand after the 255 names of the NFL Draft have been called through rookie free agency.

ESM updates the Jets’ undrafted free agency movements, as they continue to add players to their roster after Mr. Irrelevant’s name was called. ESM keeps things in order via a live tracker…

(LAST UPDATED: 4/26/20, 1:30 p.m. ET)

WR Lawerence Cager, Georgia: A less elusive Michael Pittman Jr., Cager has a Good catch radius and solid athleticism. (Zach Klein)

DB Shyheim Carter, Alabama: A former teammate of Quinnen Williams, Carter returned two interceptions back for touchdowns in 2018 and put up 100 tackles. (Yo Murphy)

DL Domenique Davis, UNC-Pembroke: The fourth member of the Division II Braves to join an NFL camp, Davis put up 40 tackles and three sacks. (Brandon Tester)

CB Javelin Guidry, Utah: Guidry is a freak athlete, having run a 4.29 at the Combine in the 40. (Sam Farnsworth)

OT Jared Hilbers, Washington: Hilbers started every game of the Huskies’ 2019 season at right tackle, earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors from Pro Football Focus. (Mike Vorel)

LB Bryce Huff, Memphis: Huff earned back-to-back second-team All-ACC honors, earning 16 sacks over the last two seasons. (Bryan Moss-Namcowicz)

CB Lamar Jackson, Nebraska: It might not be THAT Lamar Jackson, but this LJ of the defensive variety was named the Cornhuskers’ Defensive MVP. (Steven M. Sipple)

DT Sterling Johnson, Coastal Carolina: Johnson runs a 5.08 40 and he was pretty productive at CCU with 41 tackles, 10 TFLs, and 3.5 sacks last season. (Draft Diamonds)

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

NFL Draft: New York Jets select Virginia CB Bryce Hall

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Entering the second half of their Saturday selections, the New York Jets made Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall their fourth pick of the day.

With their fourth of six late selections, the New York Jets added cornerback Bryce Hall out of Virginia with the 158th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Hall missed most of his senior season in Charlottesville after undergoing ankle surgery. He nonetheless was able to make a name for himself during his junior year, tallying 21 pass breakups, good for best in the nation and the 13th-best single-season mark in NCAA history. Overall, Hall tallied 38 pass breakups to accompany 154 tackles and five interceptions during his time as a Cavalier.

The cornerback becomes the Jets’ first Virginia alum taken in the draft since 2013’s fifth-round tackle Oday Aboushi.

Barring any trades, the Jets have two more picks to work with on Saturday. They next pick in the 191st slot before potentially ending the afternoon at No. 211 with a pick acquired from Kansas City.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

NFL Draft: New York Jets take FIU QB James Morgan at No. 125

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Formerly of Bowling Green and Florida International, James Morgan was the New York Jets’ second of six Saturday picks.

The New York Jets added to their quarterback room with their second of six picks of Saturday’s 2020 NFL Draft. With the 125th overall pick, the Jets chose James Morgan, an alum of both Bowling Green and Florida International.

Morgan tallied 8,645 passing yards and 65 touchdown passes over his four collegiate seasons with the Falcons and Golden Panthers. His banner year came with FIU in 2018, when he led Conference USA with a 157.6 passer rating and 8.4 yards per attempt.

Morgan also raised his draft stock by participating in the most recent East-West Shrine Game, where he threw a touchdown pass in his East squad’s victory at Tropicana Field.

Though Sam Darnold is still the presumptive starter, Morgan becomes the second thrower added this offseason. Former Dallas Cowboys draftee Mike White joined up in late December, while incumbent backup David Fales was re-signed.

The pick used to take Morgan was the first of two picks acquired from the New England Patriots in a trade enacted late Friday night. New England got back the 101st overall pick from the Jets and also sent over the 129th choice and a sixth-round pick for next season.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

NFL Draft: New York Jets open day three with RB Lamichal Perine

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The New York Jets shored up their rushing game in the form of another Florida Gator, taking Lamical Perine with the first of six picks.

The New York Jets opened up the final stages of the 2020 NFL Draft proceedings by taking Florida running back Lamical Perine with the 120th overall pick.

Perine tallied 2,285 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns over four seasons in Gainesville. He put up 11 scores in his senior season alone, good for ninth in the SEC. His finest performance was his last as a Gator, coming in the 2019 Orange Bowl. Perine reached the end zones three times and tallied 181 yards of total offense as Florida rolled to a 36-28 win over Virginia.

Football runs through Perine’s bloodline. He is cousins with both Miami Dolphins running back Samaje Perine and Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack.

Perine is the first of six Jets picks scheduled for Saturday. Their next selections comes at No. 125.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

NFL Draft: New York Jets draft Florida’s Jabari Zuniga with 79th pick

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The New York Jets’ second Friday selection, Zuniga missed most of his senior year with an injury, but built a solid career in Gainesville.

With their second of three third-round picks, the New York Jets chose Florida defensive end Jabari Zuniga with the 79th overall selection.

Zuniga originally began his athletic endeavors with plans to follow his father to the hardwood. Carlos Zuniga was a basketball player at Tulane, averaging 6.1 rebounds over three seasons.

He dedicated his career to football in his senior year of high school and went on to play at Florida. Though most of his senior year was lost to a high ankle sprain, Zuniga earned 116 tackles and 18.5 sacks. Notably, he six tackles, half of which resulted in a loss, during Florida’s opening weekend win over Miami back in August.

The Jets certainly hope this third-round selection from Florida goes better than the last time they embarked on such a journey. Last season, they added linebacker Jachai Polite, but he failed to make the team out of training camp.

Barring any trades, the Jets’ final Friday selection will come in the 101st slot, a pick they obtained from the Seattle Seahawks earlier in the evening.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

NFL Draft: New York Jets select Cal S Ashtyn Davis with 68th overall pick

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New York Jets, Ashtyn Davis

With their pick obtained from the Leonard Williams trade, the New York Jets selected Cal-Berkeley safety Ashtyn Davis.

With the 68th overall selection of the 2020 NFL Draft, the New York Jets took Cal-Berkeley safety Ashtyn Davis. The Jets earned this pick through a trade with their MetLife Stadium co-tenants, the New York Giants.

Davis totaled 166 tackles and seven interceptions during his four years with the Golden Bears. He also worked as the Golden Bears’ kick returner for two seasons, finishing second in the Pac-12 in return yardage in each of those campaigns (2017, 2018). New York finished 22nd in kick return average last season after 2018 Pro Bowler Andre Roberts departed for Buffalo.

The Cal product is the first safety the Jets have taken in the NFL Draft since they went with current starting pair Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye over the first two rounds of 2017. Davis’ predecessor in terms of Golden Bears chosen by the Jets is another 2017 pick, fourth-round receiver Chad Hansen.

The Jets also hold the 79th and 101st selections to cap off their Friday night proceedings, barring any trades.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

NFL Draft: New York Jets select Baylor WR Denzel Mims with No. 59 pick

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New York Jets, Denzel Mims

With their first Friday night selection, the New York Jets took Baylor receiver Denzel Mimis with a pick obtained from Seattle.

The New York Jets used the 59th overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft to take Baylor receiver Denzel Mims.

Mims departs Waco ranked third in touchdown receptions (28), fifth in overall receptions (186), and sixth in yardage (2,925). He set career-bests in his senior season with 66 receptions and 12 touchdowns, while also putting up 1,020 receiving yards. His college career was capped off with seven touchdowns over his final six games, including one last score in Baylor’s Sugar Bowl tilt with Georgia.

The Jets were in desperate need of receiving help after the departure of Robby Anderson to Carolina. Mims has the playmaking ability the Jets could desperately use to make Sam Darnold more comfortable. He appeared in the Big 12’s top ten in average receptions twice, including a career-best 17.8 during his sophomore season (seventh in the conference).

Mims is the first Baylor Bear drafted by the Jets since they took quarterback Bryce Petty in 2015’s fourth round.

The Jets will next choose in the 68th slot, in a pick obtained from the New York Giants in a fall trade.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

Now What? What to Expect from the New York Jets on Day Two

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New York Jets

The New York Jets added another stone to their blocking gauntlet in the form of Mekhi Becton. What comes next in Friday’s pair of rounds?

One pick down, seven to go. 

The virtual draft fun has just begun for the New York Jets, who will be on the board three times when the second and third rounds commence on Friday night (7:00 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN/ESPN2/NFL Network).

Many felt the Jets got off to a good start with the selection of Louisville offensive lineman Mekhi Becton at No. 11 overall, the team knows there is still work to be done.

General manager Joe Douglas knows about the big opportunity the Jets have on Friday. New York was allotted the 48th and 79th selections on the draft board and also own the 68th pick, obtained from the New York Giants in a trade for Leonard Williams.

“I don’t take this opportunity lightly,” Douglas said before the draft, per Brian Costello of the New York Post. “We’ve got eight picks and four in the top 79. We have to do our best to get the right type of player, the right type of person that’s going to come in here and turn things around and get us going in the right direction. We’ve seen impact drafts make a real difference in a short time.”

What should Jets fans expect in the draft’s first post-Becton stages? ESM has three possibilities…

Catch A Receiver 

Becton’s name was called before any of the draft’s renowned receiving corps. Shortly after, the catchers flew off the board. Henry Ruggs was first chosen by Las Vegas immediately after the Jets’ choice. Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb respectively went to Denver and Dallas at Nos. 15 and 17.

Though the latter stages took out three more (Jalen Reagor, Justin Jefferson, and Brandon Aiyuk), plenty of viable options are still on the board and should be available by the time the Jets choose at No. 48. Clemson’s Tee Higgins and Baylor’s Denzel Mims might not make it there, but Michael Pittman and his strong hands could be a viable option. The sizable Laviska Shenault of Colorado is another intriguing Pac-12 product, while the small but speedy Chase Claypool of Notre Dame will draw suitors as well.

Though veterans will return (Jamison Crowder and the injured Quincy Enunwa) and they added Bredshad Perriman in free agency, the Jets are in need of explosive receiver help. Such an option can indeed be found on day two. Second-day yields on the receiver front from the past five drafts alone include Michael Thomas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Cooper Kupp, Chris Godwin, and Courtland Sutton, among others.

Defensive Struggle

This day two defensive struggle comes in the sweetest form: there are so many viable depth options for the Jets that it’s going to be hard to make a decision, even if a little extra capital is headed their way after the Williams trade.

While the Jets shored up their blocking on Thursday and will probably address their receiver situation at some point in the draft’s middle portions, the team must emerge from Friday’s proceedings with pass rush and secondary assistance. The former took on added importance during the first round, as Miami’s first selection means the Jets are going to have to deal with the arm and legs of Tua Tagovailoa twice a year in the near future.

The Jets dealt one of their premiere pass rushers to earn an extra pick, so it would perhaps be poetic to welcome in a replacement. It might be a little too much to hope for to see both Zach Baun and A.J. Epenesa to fall into the Jets’ grasp, but their comrade Yetur Gross-Matos might be well on his way. Bradlee Anae and Curtis Weaver have each made appearances in ESM mock drafts. In the secondary, Jaylon Johnson and Bryce Hall should be watched on the cornerback front.

Don’t Block the Idea of Another Blocker

The Jets’ offensive line has featured more renovation than an afternoon block of HGTV programming. Some saw Becton has the finishing touch, set to join a unit that already welcomed in George Fant, Greg Van Roten, and Connor McGovern (among several other depth additions) in through free agency proceedings.

But if Joe Douglas has made one thing clear, its that he views blocking as indispensable. His regime has done away with the blocking negligence of the Mike Maccagnan era and has instead brought it to the forefront of offseason concerns. Day two could be a day to stockpile depth on the line, ones who can stoke the fires of potential training camp competition.

Boise State tackle Ezra Cleveland is probably the top lineman available on Friday, but the Jets will probably look to bolster their interior units. Michigan’s Ben Bredeson would be an intriguing option in round three, as his experience on the left side could give returnee Alex Lewis some competition. LSU’s Damien Lewis could also put some heat on veteran Brian Winters.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

New York Jets Countdown to Draft Day: The Best No. 48 picks in NFL Draft History

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As draft day approaches, ESM looks back on the best players chosen in the New York Jets’ current draft slots.

The New York Jets currently own eight draft picks in the 2020 NFL Draft, which begins on Thursday night in a virtual setting (8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC/NFL Network).

To commemorate the path to the draft, ESM counts down the greatest picks chosen in their respective positions. The penultimate installment deals with the Jets’ second pick of the draft, coming at No. 48…

1980: C Dwight Stephenson, Miami

It was hard to draw praise from Bear Bryant, but the notoriously stoic Alabama football coach called Stephenson “a man among children”. It took him little time to win starting duties with the Dolphins and he later became the anchor for a line that allowed the fewest sacks in football for six straight seasons. Stephenson’s career was cut short due to a devastating knee injury suffered in a 1987 tilt against the Jets, but he nonetheless earned Hall of Fame honors in 1998. Other honors include 1985’s NFL Man of the Year Award for his community service and the fact that Pro Football Focus bestows the Dwight Stephenson Award to the blocker they deem best, regardless of position.

1981: DE Howie Long, LA Raiders 

Thanks to the antics of Jay Wright, we’re used to seeing Villanova athletes early in drafts…albeit on the basketball circuit. Long’s selection from the Division I-AA Wildcats was quickly well justified, as he went on to bring home eight Pro Bowl nods and the Super Bowl XVIII title, where he and the Raiders’ defense held the lauded Washington run game to 90 yards on 32 carries. After a brief acting career as an action film star (headlining the 1998 film Firestarter), Long made a name for himself as a part of Fox’s NFL coverage.

1990: DB LeRoy Butler, Green Bay

Butler accomplished plenty during a career spent entirely with the Packers. He missed just four games over his first ten seasons and reached four Pro Bowls. His most permanent legacy, however, is his status as the originator of the Lambeau Leap. Butler’s touchdown scored in a 1993 blowout win over the Raiders officially began the Packers’ 1990s heyday, clinching the first of six straight playoff trips. He would play a huge part in helping the Packers bring the Vince Lombardi Trophy back home to Wisconsin in 1997, earning a sack of Drew Bledsoe in the 35-21 triumph over the Patriots.

2001: T Matt Light, New England

One of the longest-tenured members of the New England dynasty at the turn of the century was Light, who became one of Tom Brady’s most trusted protectors. He donned the Flying Elvis helmet for 11 seasons, reaching three Pro Bowls and winning three Super Bowls. Light had previously provided protection for another future Hall of Fame quarterback, Drew Brees, when the two shared time at Purdue.

2013: RB Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh

The current Jets running back heard his name called during the darkest of times for rushers; despite going 48th overall, Bell was actually the second running back selected (Giovanni Bernard went to Cincinnati 11 picks prior). His ugly divorce with the Steelers notwithstanding, he made it a ridiculously worthwhile investment. In just five seasons, Bell placed himself among the ranks of Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis with 7,996 yards from scrimmage to go with 88 total touchdowns. He was able to play that into a four-year, $52.5 million deal with the Jets last offseason.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags