Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws the ball against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
It’s amazing how quickly the turnarounds have been for the New York Jets over the past three seasons in regards to their fortunes.
In 2015 they were drafting 6th overall and got Leonard Williams. With him they went 10-6 that season and just missed the playoffs. Then this year they collapsed to 5-11 and are right back holding the 6th pick for the second time in three drafts. Almost like a single blip of a heartbeat on a monitor. The question is what do they do now?
This feels like a team that is on the cusp of a rebuilding phase with several older players on the roster. Having a quality draft would go a long way towards helping them to regain their winning edge. It’s a matter of how to attack it. One thing is for sure. There is a giant elephant in the room they can’t avoid.
1st Round
1
Mitch Trubisky
QB, North Carolina
Assessments are all over the place on Mitch Trubisky. Some view him as a 2nd rounder. Others feel he’s got the best skill set of any QB in this draft. He’s athletic, mobile and shows good footwork in the pocket. He’s able to sense pressure and can deliver the ball quickly with good accuracy. His arm strength is solid as well. Teams fear him mostly due to his limited experience, but the tape shows a young man who can make plays.
Aug 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; LSU Tigers defensive back Tre’Davious White (16) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
2nd Round
2
Tre'Davious White
CB, LSU
In normal years it’s probable that Tre’Davious White would be a 1st round pick. He’s got the tools from the size, instinct, athleticism and experience. His production never jumped off the page but numbers are deceiving. White was a handful for any receiver who went up against him. He plays the press game well and shows the quick downhill burst to break up underneath passes as well. He should be able to play right away
Oct 29, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes offensive lineman Garett Bolles (72) celebrates a touchdown by Utah Utes tight end Evan Moeai (not pictured) during the second half against the Washington Huskies at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Washington won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
3rd Round
3
Garett Bolles
OT, Utah
Garett Bolles has climbed boards steadily since the end of the college season. He turned in a standout campaign for Utah, being a big part of their rushing attack with his strong, physical style. He’s still working on some fundamental issues in pass protection but he’s got the physical tools to handle it. Normally he’d be a classic 2nd round pick but his being 24-years old already is what drops him to the 3rd.
Nov 5, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) sacks Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Kyle Shurmur (14) during the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
4th Round
4
Carl Lawson
DE, Auburn
This is something the Jets have really missed for quite a few years at the outside linebacker position. Despite their dominant defensive line, their defense as a whole has underachieved to an extent because they couldn’t get the edge rush going. Lawson is the type of high upside gamble a team can make in the mid rounds and potentially get a steal. Lawson has 1st round talent but it’s all a matter of whether he can shake his injury woes.
5th Round
5
Donnel Pumphrey
RB, San Diego State
It’s early at the Senior Bowl and a buzz is already picking up on Donnel Pumphrey. Don’t be surprised when the Darren Sproles comparisons start. This young man is very short and light for a running back but he makes up for it with speed, quickness and agility. In fact he’s now the all-time NCAA rushing leader. Every time the football gets in his hands, he does something positive with it. Maybe not a pure three-down back, but a dangerous offensive weapon.
6th Round
6
Lorenzo Jerome
S, St. Francis
Safety was another position that really underachieved for the Jets. Particularly when it came to making impact plays, forcing turnovers. Todd Bowles understands as well as anybody how important that is. Lorenzo Jerome comes from a smaller school at St. Francis but he has pro physical dimensions and showcased his nose for the football with 18 interceptions over his four years there. The size and speed to match up in coverage are there. Can he handle the jump in competition?
7th Round
7
Tony Adams
C, N.C. State
Nick Mangold is on borrowed time with the New York Jets. It’s apparent retirement isn’t far off. That means center is becoming a more pressing issue for the team moving forward. While maybe not being able to find a long-term replacement, adding depth there is certainly a start. Tony Adams isn’t getting lots of attention due to his being somewhat undersized, but he was a major component of the successful ground attack N.C. State had. He’s experienced, smart and gives constant high effort.
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