2020 NFL Draft: Late-Round targets for the New York Jets
1. James Proche, Wide Receiver, SMU
No matter what the New York Jets do in the first or second round, they need to pick up multiple receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft. Especially after losing Robby Anderson in free agency, the Jets wide receiver room leaves little to be desired. The only proven wideout on the roster is Jamison Crowder filled with a bunch of question marks. Vyncint Smith showed promise, but he’ll likely be limited to a return specialist, same with Braxton Berrios.
New York did sign Josh Doctson before free agency, but he hasn’t been overly productive much of his young career. To replace Anderson’s vertical threat, Douglas did sign Breshad Perriman who has been very inconsistent throughout his career. He started out a bust, but did came on strong at the end of last season in Tampa Bay.
James Proche actually reminds me a lot of Robby Anderson in some ways, minus the blazing speed. Like Anderson, Proche’s ball-tracking skills are very impressive. It’s not how Anderson runs past the defense that is impressive it’s the way he would go up and high point the football with defensive backs draped over him that really caught my attention. And I see that in James Proche.
Despite him not having the vertical speed to stretch the field Proche does a good job in short to intermediate routes. He may have to clean up his technique, but with coaching he will improve. If he does gain a step on his man he will reel in the football.
2. Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Running Back, Vanderbilt
The New York Jets will not be drafting their starting running back in the 2020 NFL Draft, but they will need to add someone to their RB room. Behind Le’Veon Bell there isn’t much to be desired. Bilal Powell could be brought back, but they also need to get younger at the position.
I see Ke’Shawn Vaughn as a younger version of Powell. Vaughn can pretty much do everything well, but he won’t blow you away in any one category. I think he’ll be a great fit in the outside zone which Gase loves to run. Last year, he kept switching between inside and outside zone concepts to try to get Bell going, but nothing would work.
The problem there was his patient approach wasn’t effective behind an offensive line that couldn’t hold a block for more than a split second. Vaughn does show patience in the outside zone, but like Powell, he will accelerate like a bullet through the hole.
Vaughn will not go down easily as he has a strong frame to break through arm tackles as well as the quickness to keep defenders guessing. Although he isn’t the quickest he does manage to elude defenders. He’s also very adequate in the passing game. Adam Gase loves to divide the workload throughout the backfield so adding a guy that can literally do it all would only be a plus for his offense.
3. Isaiah Hodgins, Wide Receiver, Oregon State
The New York Jets must be adding as many bodies to their wide receiver room as possible and Isaiah Hodgins is a big one. He’s 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, so he does have the body to play in the NFL, but there are reasons why he could be available on the third day of the 2020 NFL Draft.
He as below average speed (4.61 40 yard dash) which is a problem when he already has trouble getting separation in college. He also needs to get stronger at the point of attack. Hodgins is also prone to getting knocked off of his route by bigger corners in press coverage.
The good thing is all of this is correctable and coachable. The Jets have one of the best wide receiver coaches in the league in Shawn Jefferson, so once he gets his hands on Hodgins they’ll be working on his weaknesses.
As for what Hodgins does well? Catching the football. When the football is in the air he has a very good chance of hauling it in even over defenders. He uses his size well boxing out his man and high pointing the football. Hodgins may have to be limited to situational targets until he develops into a well-rounded receiver, but he is an exciting potential playmaker who could make an impact for the New York Jets.
4. Darius “Jet” Anderson, Running Back, TCU
As mentioned previously the Jets need to fill some spots behind Bell on the depth chart and Darius “Jet” Anderson could be a very good backup option for Gang Green. He’s a back who does well when sharing the workload, so he won’t take too many carries away from Bell.
He does need to improve on how he carries the football in the NFL. Despite not having a fumble in his career, he does hold the ball a little flimsy which will be a problem at the next level. He also needs to improve as a pass blocker, but that can be avoided early in his career.
Anderson could help out as a receiver out of the backfield, which is always a good trait to have. He’s not the fastest running back in the 2020 NFL Draft, but he is shifty and is capable of producing chunk plays. He’s strong enough to bounce off and shed tackles and has the short-area quickness to elude defenders. Adding “Jet” to the backfield would strengthen the position and would add another weapon for Sam Darnold to utilize.
5. Trey Adams, Offensive Lineman, Washington
Joe Douglas has made this offseason all about protecting Darnold and even though he will draft a tackle early in the 2020 NFL Draft he should still add more depth pieces later on. Trey Adams seemed to be a lock for a first-round pick early in his career, but he unfortunately tore his ACL in 2017 and then injured his back in 2018. It’s been a hard road back to being a competent let alone dominant player, but Adams seems up for the task.
He’s shown positive attitude and he has the fire and passion for the game of football. Every team needs tone and culture setters in the locker room, someone that will fight for a full sixty minutes and Trey Adams is that guy. He needs to improve in a number of areas, but if you get him in the building, he’ll make you fight for him.