New York Jets Complete 2014 NFL Mock Draft
By Erik Lambert
November 3, 2012; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans cornerback Darqueze Dennard (31) knocks ball away from Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Kenny Bell (80) during the second half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Nebraska won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Crazy as it sounds, the New York Jets might be playoff bound if they can get the upcoming draft right. Does this latest 2014 NFL mock draft reflect that possibility?
#18 – Darqueze Dennard – CB – Michigan State
Eric Ebron should be off the board when the Jets pick, but this might be prime territory to grab that needed corner for Rex Ryan’s defense. Darqueze Dennard lived on an island for MichiganState, brings a great character and leadership and is very tough and physical against the run and in coverage.
#49 – Jace Amaro – TE – Texas Tech
He’s not quite the athlete that Ebron is but Jace Amaro was far more productive as a pass catching tight end in 2013. He had a big 6’6″ frame with the desired speed to threaten teams deep down the middle and the hands to make the tough, contested catches.
#80 – Dakota Dozier – OG – Furman
The New York Jets, when at their best under Ryan are able to pound the football in the running game. That requires excellent guard play. Dakota Dozier comes out of a small school but he plays and looks big in every way. Tough and gritty, he loves run blocking.
#104 – Bruce Ellington – WR – South Carolina
Size is not the forte of wide receiver Bruce Ellington but he is an outstanding athlete with speed who can threaten defenses in a variety of ways. A true offensive weapon with the ball in his hands.
#115 – Ronald Powell – OLB – Florida
Interior pass rush led the way for New York in 2013 but they could stand to get more from the outside. Ronald Powell is an intriguing physical specimen from Florida with great potential. He does need work though, mostly from a discipline point of view.
#137 – Craig Loston – SS – LSU
Safety has never really been settle for the New York Jets since Ryan took over. They could use a presence on the back end, preferably one with some punch and leadership. Craig Loston built his entire college career at LSU on those two traits.
#154 – Jordan Zumwalt – ILB – UCLA
Speaking of leadership, the Jets could also use an upgrade at inside linebacker. Jordan Zumwalt isn’t an elite athlete but he was very versatile at UCLA, plays with fire and constantly got teammates in the right position.
#195 – Keith Wenning – QB – Ball State
Geno Smith and Michael Vick are the two primary options at quarterback but the Jets should still consider adding to the position. Keith Wenning is a big, smart and experienced passer from BallState who fits the West Coast scheme of Marty Morninwheg.
#209 – Ryan Hewitt – FB – Stanford
Power running is how the Jets will find success in 2014 and for that they need a fullback. Ryan Hewitt thrived in a power scheme at Stanford and brings added value as a pass catcher.
#210 – Deion Belue – CB – Alabama
Undersized for the outside and dealing with injury, Deion Belue nonetheless could be a late round gem. The Alabama product is equally good in coverage and against the run and has the smarts and toughness to carve a role in the slot.
#213 – Quincy Enunwa – WR – Nebraska
Not only big and strong but explosive in his lower body. Quincy Enunwa is good after the catch and can go up and get jump balls. High effort player with great locker room value.
#233 – Jonathan Newsome – OLB – Ball State
He’s not a complete outside linebacker type given his limited athleticism, but Jonathan Newsome has definite value as a pure pass rusher with speed off the edge and the leverage to beat blockers.