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| Quinton Coples is the newest Jets defensive end. (AP photo) |
First Round
Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
The Jets absolutely had to draft a player with the ability to rush the opposing quarterback, so this pick makes complete sense, even though there were two others players (Melvin Ingram and Courtney Upshaw) still on the board that many fans preferred. Coples could become a star, as he has the size (6-6, 284 pounds) and talent to create havoc at defensive end. But there are also questions surrounding his work ethic and love for the game, which has the same exact red flags that Vernon Gholston, a No. 1 pick gone very wrong, had when he was drafted sixth overall. The Jets can't be burned twice, can they? Don't answer that question. Coples played poorly last season at North Carolina, but the Jets are hoping that had more to do with the scandal involving several players that resulted in many suspensions in Chapel Hill. Coples was exonerated of any wrong-doing. If Coples plays to his ability, watch out. If he doesn't, well, that would be worst case scenario for Tannenbaum and Ryan. The Jets need Coples to make an immediate impact next season and should be given every opportunity to succeed.
Second Round
Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
The Jets didn't stand pat on the second day of the draft, moving up four spots to grab a player many had going in the first round. Hill has the size (6-4, 215 pounds) and potential to become a Calvin Johnson-type player, which is obviously huge praise. The Jets needed a wide receiver to complement Santonio Holmes, and Hill, if he can adjust quickly to an NFL offense, would become just that. But that's a big question mark. Georgia Tech runs the triple-option offense, so Hill wasn't asked to do much as a receiver. He needs to learn how to run correct routes and to get open over the middle as opposed to simply bringing in deep passes. Still, he has blazing speed and can be a home run hitter on offense right away. We all know the Jets desperately need that. This has the potential to be a great pick, and is easily the best of the draft for the Jets.
Third Round
Demario Davis, LB, Arkansas State
No one could argue with the first two picks of the draft for the Jets, but on this selection in the third round, feel free to argue loud and clear. The Jets didn't need an inside linebacker, especially one that is deemed a project. The Jets apparently went off his great combine numbers (Gholston?) and reached for Davis. The Jets should have went with offensive tackle Bobby Massie, who we had the Jets taking in our mock draft. But Davis is the pick. He'll provide depth at linebacker and should be a solid special teams players, as he does have good speed. Reportedly, special teams coach Mike Westhoff had him rated as one of the best special teams players in the draft. That's nice. But not third-round nice.
Sixth Round
Josh Bush, S, Wake Forest
The Jets liked Bush a lot more than other teams, but it shouldn't be enough to gain a starting position on the team. Bush plays free safety, which the Jets need, and can play corner as well, making him valuable in terms of depth. He also can contribute on special teams.
Sixth Round
Terrence Ganaway, RB, Baylor
For some reason, the Jets can never have too many young running backs. This is the fourth straight draft where the Jets drafted one. Ganaway had a great season for Baylor last year, but he's similar in style to current starting running back Shonn Greene. How that will work, I have no idea. There should be no reason to put Ganaway in for Greene next year. The Jets have Greene, Joe McKnight, Bilal Powell and Ganaway on the depth chart. So, it's special teams for Ganaway.
Sixth Round
Robert T. Griffin, OG, Baylor
Bet you never thought the Jets had a chance to draft Robert Griffin from Baylor this year? Of course, this Griffin is just a little bigger than his former Bears teammate, RG3. The Jets took Ganaway and Griffin, teammates, on back-to-back picks. Griffin is huge, at 6-foot-6 and 340 pounds, and will provide immediate depth, something the Jets lacked last season.
Seventh Round
Antonio Allen, S, South Carolina
I've grown to not listen to mock drafts and player grades from so-called media experts. But I'll throw this out there for the Jets first pick of the seventh round. Mel Kiper had Allen ranked as a third-round talent, which means the Jets got great value with the pick. Allen played up at the line of scrimmage a lot at South Carolina, forcing four fumbles and intercepting three passes. He's a strong safety that will back up LaRon Landry. We'll see how he develops during the year.
Seventh Round
Jordan White, WR, Western Michigan
White is a questionable pick, only because it'll be nearly impossible to make the team. The Jets have Holmes, Hill, Chaz Schilens, Jeremy Kerley and Patrick Turner as the top five. White is on the slower side and will be mainly a possession receiver in the NFL.
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