Grading the New York Jets 2014 Draft

By Casey Conroy on Wednesday, May 14th 2014
Grading the New York Jets 2014 Draft

The New York Jets are in the middle of a playoff rut, and have a head coach who’s on the hot seat, and although he doesn’t make the draft day decisions, these picks may be what keeps Rex Ryan either in New York, or put him on a couch at home waiting for a job offer.

 

First Round, 18th Pick: Calvin Pryor, Safety, Louisville

In the hopes of upgrading their secondary the Jets selected Pryor, many mock drafters would laud this pick, but in reality it’s likely a big reach. Pryor is an in the box type safety who often takes poor angles defending the run, and makes few plays in the passing game. He’s a big hitter who shouldn’t have gone this high.

 

Second Round, 49th Pick: Jace Amaro, Tight End, Texas Tech

Amaro won’t be much help in the running game, but he’ll be a much needed safety blanket. Amaro is really a tight end in name as he rarely lines up in-line. He’s an oversized slot receiver, and he’ll create mismatches out in the slot against cornerbacks.

 

Third Round, 80th Pick: Dexter McDougle, Cornerback, Maryland

With average size for the position, McDougle goes in the third. McDougle missed much of his final season at Maryland with a shoulder injury and that likely hurt his value. Corner was a huge need for the Jets this offseason, they hope McDougle can upgrade the position for them.

 

Fourth Round, 104th Pick: Jalen Saunders, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma

Saunders is a very small receiver, who plays bigger than he is. If Saunders were bigger, no question he’d have been an earlier pick. He can play inside and outside well, and he’ll help open up the Jets offense.

 

Fourth Round, 115th Pick: Shaq Evans, Wide Receiver, UCLA

Evans is different than Saunders in size and style. Evans is more of a big body receiver with the ability to stop in a zone and make a catch while taking a hit. Evans isn’t sure handed, but he’ll bring talent to the outside of the Jets offense.

 

Fourth Round, 137th Pick: Dakota Dozier, Offensive Line, Furman

Dozier has practically perfect size with his height/weight and long arms. Played left tackle at Furman but should move inside to guard in the NFL as he isn’t the best on the edge as he’s slow to kick out and pick up rushers.

 

Fifth Round, 154th Pick: Jeremiah George, Inside Linebacker, Iowa State

One of my personal favorites in the draft this year, George landed in a very good position. George is an undersized/ downhill style linebacker who will need an excellent defensive line in front of him to succeed, and that’s what he has in New York.

 

Sixth Round, 195th Pick: Brandon Dixon, Cornerback, Northwest Missouri State

Dixon is making a big leap in terms of competition coming from Northwest Missouri State. He can get grabby at corner and will struggle early but hopefully develop into a solid role player.

 

Sixth Round, 209th Pick: Quincy Enunwa, Wide Receiver, Nebraska

Another big body receiver, the thing with Enunwa though is that he’s a height/weight/speed guy. He needs to develop his route running and his catching to make an impact.

 

Sixth Round, 210th Pick: Ik Enemkpali, Defensive End/ Outside Linebacker, Louisiana Tech

Enemkpali will have a hard time making the Jets roster as he’s pretty stiff and slow, and he’ll have to move to linebacker in their 3-4 scheme. He’ll likely stick onto their practice squad where he may develop and look to compete for a roster spot later.

 

Sixth Round, 213th Pick: Tajh Boyd, Quarterback, Clemson

Boyd was an interesting pick, more for the fact that he simply isn’t very good. Boyd will be a developmental quarterback who will look up to and learn from Michael Vick.

 

Seventh Round, 233rd Pick: Trevor Reilly, Outside Linebacker, Utah

A lackluster athlete and pass rusher, Reilly has ideal height for the position, but may move inside as he lacks the weight and ability to rush from the edge in the Jets 3-4 defense that has bigger than average outside linebackers.

 

Overal Grade: C

It’s way too early to know how these players will turn out, but right now it looks as though the Jets passed on many good players for more developmental players. Grabbing these developmental/ small school players could be a huge mistake if the Jets struggle and Rex Ryan gets fired. A scheme change with a new head coach, or a new position coach can really stunt the development of these players. The Jets did upgrade their offense by adding some talented pass catchers, but was it enough?

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