My Thoughts on the New York Jets Draft

The Jets could not afford to have a poor 2013 NFL Draft. They needed to draft at least 4 guys who they see as starters and most of the other guys to make the team and contribute in some way. I will go over what I think of each pick from 1-7.

First Round, Pick 9: CB Dee Milliner, Alabama

This was a very solid need pick for the Jets because they traded arguably the best corner back in the game in Revis. This will be his replacement. Of course, Milliner is no Revis but he will be a great compliment to Antonio Cromartie (who played great with out Revis last year), as well as move Kyle Wilson back to the number 3 corner which is what he plays best. The Jets apparently loved Mingo and Austin here, but they were picked up 6 and 8 respectively.

First Round, Pick 13: DT Sheldon Richardson, Missouri

Richardson is a crazy athlete who was one of my favorite defensive players in the draft. I was personally shocked the Jets did not trade back here. The Jets run a 3-4 and Richardson is a 4-3 guy so I am not exactly sure how he fits, although I have heard the Jets plan on running some 4-3 this year. I guess this is one of those picks you have to trust Rex Ryan on.

Second Round, Pick 39: QB Geno Smith, WVU

As a WVU alum and Jets fan, I can not say I am too thrilled with this pick. The Jets had too many needs on their roster and I liked the potential QB class a lot better next year. If new Jets GM John Idzik believes this is his guy, then I will respect it and see what happens. Geno no doubt can play quarterback, but absolutely needs weapons to be successful. Not quite sure the Jets have enough yet. I still think he should sit this year out and learn from veteran David Garrard, not Mark Sanchez. It is also worth noting the Jets thought about him at pick 13, so the fact they did not have to trade up in the second round to get him, makes me feel better.

Third Round, Pick 72: G, Brian Winters, Kent St.

This is a guy who when I read more into, really started liking the pick. At first I wanted WVU Wide Receiver Stedman Bailey here (Geno’s teammate since high school) but guard is a huge need for the Jets because they lost both their guards to free agency. They signed Willie Colon and have 2nd round draft bust Vlad Ducasse so I believe Winters can start. The one concern is Winters has not played guard before. He played left and right tackle in college. Most believe he can easily make the transition.

4th Round: Traded their pick to the New Orleans Saints for Running Back Chirs Ivory

I love this pick up for the Jets. I believe he can start for this team (he signed a 3 year, 10 million dollar extension while Mike Goodson signed a 3 year, 6 million). I am a big fan of the Jets stable of running backs. Ivory, Goodson, Bilil Powell, and Joe McKnight. My guess is McKnight gets converted to receiver, he can be dangerous with the ball in his hands, especially in the return game. I liked Ivory better than most running backs in this draft so I am excited about this pick.

5th Round, Pick 141: OT Oday Adoushi, Virginia

I did not like this pick too much. He played left tackle in college and he will most likely play right tackle at the next level. I like what Austin Howard did for this team last year at that position and I believe he will continue to get better. So pretty much this will be a depth pick that hopefully can play well if someone goes down. I would not be shocked if they tried him at guard as well. I hope I am wrong about this pick but I have read good things about his character.

6th Round, Pick 178: OL William Campbell, MIchigan

This pick made zero sense to me. 3 straight picks on offensive lineman? Campbell switched back in forth from the defensive and offensive line in college (mainly defensive). He projects as a guard at the next level.

7th Round, Pick 215: FB/HB Tommy Bohanon Wake Forest

I really like this pick for the Jets. They will not get much from him from a rusher, but he is a great blocker and good at catching the ball. I think he will be huge on short yardage and in the red zone. Something the Jets have struggled with over the years.

Overall: I liked the Jets draft, nothing too special but it was not bad either. They will get some starters and solid contributors out of this draft. 2 positions that i would have liked to have seen addressed were Outside Linebacker and Safety. I hope they get some solid undrafted free agents.