NY Jets Flight Weekly …

NY Jets  – 2014 NFL Draft

 

The New York Jets ended the season as one of the most anemic scoring teams in the league. The lack of offensive weapons to help quarterback Geno Smith was evident all season long. Second-year GM John Idzik had a plan in place, and that plan really began a year ago.

First of all, he removed all the locker room cancer, and in doing so, he created CAP room for 2014 and beyond. Yes beyond, this team has no CAP strains left, and once the dead money from departed QB Mark Sanchez and departed CB Antonio Cromartie come off the books, it will be even better.

It’s obvious he is building a team the way he learned in Seattle. The Jets are bringing in big bodies that are very athletic; Sheldon Richardson is a great example of the Idizik mind set.

What I learned from this draft about Idzik – There is no question in my mind (not that there was before), that he and Rex are a team. By picking Calvin Pryor in the first round, Idzik listened to Rex. I hope all the jokesters and writers stop the “Idzik wants his own man” campaign.

My grade for the Jets Draft = B       The only regret is not using some of their fourth round picks to get a better WR; for that, I didn’t give Idzik an A.

 

How all Experts Graded the Jets Draft

Matthew Fairburn – SB Nation    —————————- Grade: B

With 11 picks, the Jets should certainly hit on a few of these choices. That starts with Pryor and Amaro who are slam dunk choices. Pryor will set the tone on defense with his big hitting and coverage skills. Amaro is a good pass catching tight end who can attack the seam. Later in the draft, keep an eye on Dozier who will press for a starting guard spot early. Finding a few options at wide receiver was smart with an excess of picks. Reilly could factor in as a pass rusher and provided good value in the seventh round.

 

Mel Kiper – ESPN   —————————- Grade B

The Jets came into this draft committed to add playmakers to an offense that was hopelessly bereft of them in 2014. They did that, but also remembered who the head coach was and nailed a pretty good safety, a position that I considered a need coming in. Calvin Pryor should start at strong safety, and will quickly make his mark as a playmaker. They are different kinds of safeties, but I had Pryor rated ahead of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Jace Amaro is an obvious fit, and adds a reliable, big target to the passing game. Jalen Saunders offers some shiftiness and slot depth, and Shaq Evans is solid if not a burner. Dakota Dozier can become a starter, and if Dexter McDougle plays up to his potential he could be a steal at No. 80. He was down on some boards after getting hurt, but I’ve seen him a lot and can see why Rex likes him. Tajh Boyd is a nice little stowaway that far down on the board when you consider his arm. If you’re going to take a shot at QB late, go for the ceiling. I thought the Jets did a nice job with my one question being whether they really added a player in the passing game that will scare defenses. Hopefully Amaro becomes that guy.

 

Chris Burke & Doug Farrar – Sports Illustrated  ——————————- Grade: B

Maybe the Jets can trade a receiver to Cleveland for a cornerback. New York at least attempted to fix its chasm at corner, even if Dexter McDougle was a Round 3 reach and Brandon Dixon faces an uphill battle to make the squad. Though the Jets added three receivers (Jalen Saunders, Shaq Evans, Quincy Enunwa), the biggest new threat in the passing game is TE Jace Amaro. Safety Calvin Pryor definitely fits the mold of a Rex Ryan defense, as does seventh-rounder Trevor Reilly.

 

Bryan Fischer – NFL.com   —————- Grade: GM Gets A Sticker (B)

The skinny: After a great first two days, the Jets continued to add weapons for their quarterback on Day 3. Saunders is a tough kid who should also contribute a lot on special teams, and Evans is a speed player who can help in the slot. Dozier is raw, but he might be the best value of any of New York’s picks. George is undersized but could be a contributor all over the place. New York found some great players toward the end, with Boyd and Reilly both adding some good depth.

 

Eric Edholm – Yahoo Sports  ————————- Grade: B-

It was a class that started with promise, leveled off in the middle rounds and actually seemed to get stronger by the end. Late round picks such as Shaq Evans, Dakota Dozier and Brandon Dixon could end up helping out.

Best Pick: Calvin Pryor                             Worst Pick: Jalen Saunders

 

Rob Rang – CBS Sports   —————————-Grade: B

Calvin Pryor was my top-rated safety and I have no doubt that he’s going to be Broadway hit for the Jets. He plays with the instincts and physicality to star in Rex Ryan’s aggressive scheme. I not as high on the physicality factor of the Jets’ skill-position additions of TE Jace Amaro and WRs Jalen Saunders and Shaq Evans but they each offer speed and are mismatches that Geno Smith (or Michael Vick) can exploit. I like the upside of Day Three picks Brandon Dixon (CB) and Quincy Enunwa (WR) and feel that OLB Trevor Reilly is going to prove a steal. Reilly is an older prospect (turns 26), which is why he dropped to the 7th round, but he’ll make this squad.