Jim O’Connor – USA TODAY Sports
New York Jets
TEAM NEEDS: QB, OLB, CB, OL, TE, RB
John Idzik had his work cut out for him when he took over the Jets from Mike Tannenbaum. The Jets had dug themselves in a hole with overpriced contracts and some so-so drafts. Since the Jets struck gold in 2006 (D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold) and in 2007 (Darrelle Revis), they have whiffed in round one (jury still out on Wilkerson and Coples).
Idzik’s splash in the offseason came when he traded Darrelle Revis to the Buccaneers, acquiring an extra first round pick in the draft. Losing Revis hurts but Idzik and the Jets didn’t have much of an option as they attempt to dig out of cap hell.
For what they had to work with the Jets didn’t do a bad job in free agency. The cap strapped Jets had to let a significant haul of players walk in free agency but replaced them with low cost options. They were able to find a new pair of starting guards in Willie Colon and Stephen Peterman, made a trade for Chris Ivory, and made three underrated signings on the defensive side of the ball in Antonio Garay, Antwan Barnes, and Dawan Landry.
All things considered it was a successful offseason heading into the draft as they were able to fill a couple of holes with solid veterans, on the cheap.
After the break, check out a pick by pick analysis of the Jets 2013 NFL Draft selections.
Round One, (9) – Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Dee Milliner was the top rated corner in the draft as he gives them a versatile corner that does everything well. He can play press or off man, shows a solid grasp of zone concepts, and is a more than adequate tackler. The loss of Revis is costly from a talent perspective but having Milliner fall to them at No. 9 should help offset it. Milliner will be counted on early to contribute if Kyle Wilson can’t take a firm grasp on a starting spot opposite Antonio Cromartie.
Round One, (13) – Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
The Jets fan were mildly upset with this selection as the Jets appear to be solid up front. That said, I expect Rex Ryan to use more four man fronts. Richardson is a dynamic three-technique that can penetrate and brings the versatility to play end in a three-man front. I’m a Richardson fan, so I was a fan of this selection.
Round Two, (39) – Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
The Jets quarterback circus continues to roll on. Mark Sanchez will be on the opening day roster as the Jets can’t afford to cut him loose. I expect the Jets to begin training camp with a three headed quarterback controversy with Smith, Sanchez, and an aging David Garrard. I like the value of where they land Geno Smith and I agree with the pick but this isn’t going to help out in this locker room.
Round Three, (72) – Brian Winters, OG/OT, Kent State
I would be shocked if Winters wasn’t a starter in week one. As to where he’ll be playing, you’re guess is as good as mine. The Jets will likely give him a shot to compete with Austin Howard at RT initially and move him inside if that doesn’t work out. He could take over at either guard spot. This was hands down the best selection for the Jets in this draft.
Round Five, (141) – Oday Aboushi, OT, Virginia
A nice selection for a team in desperate need of youth and depth all over the line. Aboushi is a right tackle that could be a solid swing tackle in the league for many years. I don’t think he has the goods to start but should provide them with solid depth for years to come.
Round Six, (178) – William Campbell, OG, Michigan
Back to back to back selections on the offensive line. I think it’s clear where this team feels it was at it’s weakest. Campbell is going to make the conversion to the offensive side of the ball after playing DT at Michigan. Campbell worked out at guard in pre-draft workouts and was said to have shown promise at the position.
Round Seven, (215) – Tommy Bohanon, FB, Wake Forest
Lex Hilliard isn’t going to pan out in Marty Mornhinweg’s West Coast offense. His hands are abysmal at best, so the Jets take a FB that played HB with soft hands. Despite great weight room strength he isn’t the greatest blocker. Bohanon played with John Idzik’s son at Wake and brings the mentality that Rex Ryan covets out of his players.
UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT SIGNINGS: Ryan Spadola, WR, Lehigh – K.J. Stroud, WR, Bethune-Cookman – Antavious Wilson, WR, Marshall – Zach Rogers, WR, Tennessee – Mike Shanahan, TE, Pittsburgh – Chris Pantale, TE, Boston College – Dalton Freeman, C, Clemson – Mark Popek, OL, South Florida – Trey Gilleo, OT, Northern Arizona – Roosevelt Holliday, OL, Northern Arizona – Jake McDonough, DL, Iowa State – Spencer Nealy, DE, Texas A&M – Troy Davis, OLB, Central Florida – Mike Edwards, CB, Hawaii – Rontez Miles, S, Cal (PA)
The Jets draft has taken some heat for drafting three guards and another defensive lineman when they needed upgrades at other spots, most notably with the offensive skill positions.
I think when you get the best quarterback in the draft at No. 39, it constitutes a reason to celebrate. Yes, this draft lacked a top end quarterback prospect but getting Smith gives them a guy to groom for the future, ala Colin Kaepernick in San Francisco. If they aren’t forced to push Smith in from day one, I think this could be a successful marriage.
The quality and talent on the offensive line was abysmal outside of Ferguson and Mangold. Vlad Ducasse has been a bust and the Jets signed stopgap free agents. I’m a fan of the moves to add to the overall depth and quality at the position and I wouldn’t rule out Winters at RT.
John Idzik and the Jets weren’t going to fix all the problems with this roster in one year (probably not even two), so taking talented players at value spots (Sheldon Richardson) deserves a hats off in my opinion.
It was clear with the Darrelle Revis trade that this organization realizes they aren’t going to compete for a Super Bowl anytime soon and need to build this team through the draft and spend wisely to avoid future cap problems. It’s the recipe for success in today’s NFL and I think Idzik hit a homerun in his first offseason.
