The New York Jets 2013 draft began with enthusiasm, continued with apprehensive applause and ended with ho-hum deflation.
In other words, as a fan of this depleted NFL franchise, this latest class of prospects could only do so much to engender a notion of greener pastures ahead.
The Jets entered the draft with the most positional needs across the board. They lacked viable offensive weapons, were a veritable mess on the right side of the offensive line and needed outside pass rushers.
And let’s not forget the all-important quarterback position.
Yet, they may have found a potential replacement for a former stalwart cornerback.
We’ll now evaluate each pick and dole out an overall grade for the Jets 2013 draft class.
Round 1 (No. 9 Overall): Dee Milliner, Cornerback, Alabama
Round 1 (No. 13 Overall): Sheldon Richardson, Defensive Tackle, Missouri
For a team that ranked No. 30 in total offense and No. 8 in total defense, drafting towards the latter seemed a rather curious move.
Fortunately, the Jets acquired the best player on the board with their opening pick.
Dee Milliner was the top-rated defensive back and brought maximum value at No. 9 in the first round. Former All-Pro Darrelle Revis signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and left a void at cornerback.
The Consensus All American was the one guaranteed shutdown corner coming out in 2013. Milliner led the NCAA with 22 pass breakups. He also added two interceptions, 1.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss.
With his elite instincts, cover skills and run defense, Milliner will control an entire side of the field. This will take pressure of the defense and maximize its effectiveness, allowing the secondary in particular to realize its greatest potential.
Sheldon Richardson isn’t nearly the same type of player.
The defensive tackle out of Missouri possesses great short-area quickness. He’s explosive off the line and is an excellent run-stuffer. He also has some versatility as a 4-3 three-technique and DE in the 3-4.
On the other hand, durability issues, character concerns and ineffectiveness as a pass-rusher diminish his draft stock.
More so is that Richardson doesn’t fill any sort of present need. The Jets actually have a bevy of talent across the defensive front.
A much better pick would have been tight end Tyler Eifert out of Notre Dame. He would have provided a dynamic and much-needed pass catching target—to whoever plays quarterback.
Take a gander at that positional area and pretty quickly one discerns that little, if anything, exists on the depth chart.
Round 2 (No. 39 Overall): Geno Smith, Quarterback, West Virginia
There wasn’t any questioning the Jet’s need for a franchise quarterback.
But did they find one in Geno Smith?
Smith was the top-ranked quarterback on most analysts’ draft boards. He led the NCAA with 42 touchdowns, threw just six interceptions and was atop the Big 12 with a 163.9 passer efficiency rating.
Being drafted in the second round brought appropriate value as well.
Smith possesses an NFL arm, has good mobility and can operate both in the pocket and run a high-octane spread offense. He can make all the throws.
However, Smith remains a developmental prospect, at least in the short term. There are issues with his footwork, accuracy (at times) and decision-making.
The Jets will receive a quarterback talent with most of the physical measurables, a fairly high upside and a commendable work ethic. If properly developed in Year 1, this desperate franchise will have a quality pocket-passing field general for the future.
But if the Jets follow a Mark Sanchez-type route and rush him to the field, Smith’s career could be over before it even begins. The onus is on offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Round 3 (No. 72 Overall): Brian Winters, Offensive Guard, Kent State
Round 5 (No. 141 Overall): Oday Aboushi, Offensive Guard, Virginia
Round 6 (No. 178 Overall): William Campbell, Offensive Guard, Michigan
There is legitimate reason for placing three offensive linemen in the same section.
New York’s O-line was in absolute shambles entering the draft. Serious questions exist outside of left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold.
Right guard Stephen Peterman and right tackle Austin Howard are in no way starting-caliber linemen. Willie Colon at left guard is a nice veteran addition. But the former Pittsburgh Steeler has difficulty staying healthy.
Both Brian Winters and Oday Aboushi were drafted with correct value in mind. Each offers above-average power, toughness and intelligence. They wouldn’t start on Day 1 for all teams, but are certainly capable of doing so for the Jets.
Aboushi, though, is better suited for the interior. Protecting the quarterback from the right tackle remains an issue.
Additionally, William Campbell was a highly problematic selection.
The 6’5’’, 311-pounder is a physical specimen, but played defensive tackle at Michigan. He is an extremely long-term developmental project at guard and would have gone undrafted.
The Jets absolutely failed at drafting an offensive weapon in the middle rounds for quarterback Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith and David Garrard.
Clemson running back Andre Ellington is a great pass-catcher out of the backfield and was available. The same went for 6’2’’, 212-pound wide receiver Cobi Hamilton out of Arkansas. He was a reliable possession receiver and had a chance to make an impact on opening day.
Taking Campbell in the sixth round was simply a head scratcher.
Round 7 (No. 215 Overall): Tommy Bohanon, Fullback, Wake Forest
The New York Jets concluded their draft with a positive selection.
Tommy Bohanon is a reliable receiver from the fullback, tight end or H-back position. He brings versatility, great blocking and a competitive drive to the offensive side of the ball.
Seventh-round picks are never spectacular. Bohanon, though, offers some light at the end of the tunnel.
It’s just too bad that it was too little, too late for the Jets fandom.
Overall Grade: C+
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