New York Jets 2015 NFL Draft Grades and Recap
Sep 12, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Bryce Petty (14) passes during the first half against the Buffalo Bulls at University of Buffalo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Day Three
Baylor. Bryce Petty. 103. player. 30. With a new coaching staff and front office, the team has no allegiance to QB Geno Smith. He has a lot of work to do and is most likely looked at as a project by the front office. Petty to me is a very similar talent to Geno Smith: throws a very nice ball, came from a similar offense, and possesses a similar playing style. To be sure he is not the big armed QB that some people want to make him out to be, his arm is average at best, failing to show enough zip on intermediate and short passes. The main thing that holds Geno back, is an area where Petty thrives: in between the ears. Petty seems to be much more mentally consistent, and has a really likeable personality. He’s tough, he’s also sneakily athletic, but I am unconvinced that he is the answer for the Jets at QB. In the fourth round with persisting Quarterback questions, he is a solid pick up, but do not expect him to be the franchise’s savior. <strong>Grade: B</strong> . Quarterback
Developing offensive linemen is very crucial for a team’s success and at this point it is never a bad thing to grab one in hopes of developing him. From a quick glance Harrison seems to be very talented, consistently winning in pass protection repetitions. Has good hands and seems to have good feet as well. He comes from a program that consistently churns out top notch talent on the offensive line. It was a savvy pick in the 6th round of the draft, adds depth to a position of need. He has the potential to develop into a starting Offensive Guard in the NFL. <strong>Grade: B</strong> . Offensive Guard. Texas A&M. Jarvis Harrison. 152. player. 30
Deon Simon. 223. player. 30. At this point in the draft most picks are likely to not make the final roster. I do not expect Simon to be an outlier, I really don’t think he makes the team, especially when considering the amount of talent the Jets have on the defensive line. But who knows, he could prove himself in camp and force the team to make a spot for him, Damon Harrison went undrafted out of college and he has become an integral part of the Jets defense. The team would of been smarter to draft a player like Tre McBride at this point and load up on offensive talent. <strong>Grade: C</strong>. Defensive Tackle. Northwestern State
Final Grade: B
All in all Mike Maccagnan’s first draft as GM of the Jets was a solid one. The Jets got better and that’s what every team must do when it comes to the draft. If this is a sign of what is to come, Jet fans should be very excited as it seems things are looking better for the Jets. Maccagnan proved to be capable of making smart choices. The Jets got a premium player in Leonard Williams, they also added depth where depth needed to be added (QB, WR, OLB, OG) the Jets should be able to compete next year, and improve on the win total from last season.