2020 NFL Draft: Late-Round targets for the New York Jets
1. Dane Jackson, Cornerback, Pitt
The New York Jets may have signed Pierre Desir after he was cut by the Colts, but there is still some work to be done in the secondary. They also re-signed nickel Brian Poole and corner Arthur Maulet, but they do need to fill out the rest of the cornerback room. It’s also worth noting all three of those signing are on one-year deals. They should address this position early on in the 2020 NFL Draft, but if they don’t there are some names that could be taken on day three.
Dane Jackson is a highly competitive player, which could hurt him a bit. He tends to be overly aggressive when contesting a receiver, but that’s the nature of his game. He does like to help out in run support which is a plus. His technique and footwork are advanced and he could transition well to the next level if he plays more disciplined.
2. Michael Divinity Jr., EDGE, LSU
The New York Jets re-signed Jordan Jenkins to a one-year deal, but they desperately need more at the position. Michael Divinity Jr. reminds me a lot of Jenkins in the way that they aren’t touted as great pass rushers, but they do clean up well. He would help out in the run game and he has some versatility as a linebacker lining up both inside and as an edge rusher.
The biggest thing with Divinity Jr. was his multiple failed drug tests for marijuana. However, the new CBA states that a player will no longer be suspended or punished for a positive test for marijuana. With that being said, he still needs to prove to coaches and scouts that he is all in on football, if not it will be a long time before he hears his name called in the 2020 NFL Draft.
3. A.J. Green, Cornerback, Oklahoma State
Add another name that could be a possibility for Gang Green in the 2020 NFL Draft. A.J. Green is a long cornerback at 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds and he uses his size well breaking up passes without being overly aggressive. The Jets already have a big lanky corner in Blessuan Austin so that could be a nice big duo if both progress to the level they are capable.
Where Green can get into trouble is his foot speed. He’s not the fastest nor does he have great footwork to stick with his man. If he gets beat he will grab to stay close which would draw a flag. Speed isn’t essential to the position, but it does help a ton. If he can get his footwork and mechanics down pat he could develop into a decent to above average corner. Proper technique and footwork go a long way in development.
4. Trevis Gipson, EDGE, Tulsa
The Jets need to come away with at least one pass/edge rusher in the 2020 NFL Draft and Trevis Gipson is a name to keep an eye on. He likely won’t hear his name called until day three, but he could make the most of his opportunity. Unlike Jenkins and Divinity Jr., he won’t be much help against the run, but his pass rush potential is much higher.
He needs a lot of coaching and Gregg Williams doesn’t have time for guys that don’t give it their all, so Gipson must be committed early on if he wants to make an impact. He would likely begin as a special teams player and he must do a lot to impress special teams coordinator Brant Boyer.
Gipson does have some raw pass rush moves that he could work on in order to see the field. The preseason would be a great way to showcase his ability to get to the passer as hundreds of guys are trying their best to make the team. The New York Jets need to add more bodies in this area and Gipson is a guy that could impress in time.
5. Josiah Scott, Cornerback, Michigan State
The New York Jets did re-sign Brian Poole, but it was only on a one year deal. They’ll likely need to look for his long term replacement if he improves on his 2019 season and his contract demands rises. Josiah Scott could be a perfect nickel in the NFL as he displays quickness and speed needed to cover receivers in the slot.
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His make-up speed is remarkable and he has very intuitive ball skills. He is known as a ballhawk, as he has six career interceptions in three seasons and totaled three takeaways in 2019. New York could use some turnover magic from their defense so this would be a very nice pickup in the 2020 NFL Draft.