NY Jets Fan Reaction to Round 1 & Best Options for the Jets on Day 2 of the Draft
By Josh Carter
The New York Jets surprised many by going after players nobody quite expected. Their biggest needs which were thought to be addressed early (G, TE, S, WR/HB, pass rushing 3-4 OLB) were ignored and instead, the Jets went for the highest overall players on their boards. With the #9 pick, the Jets took Alabama’s Dee Milliner, the best CB in the class. While I think CB is one of the least pressing positions of need (Kyle Wilson and Cromartie seemed to hold down the position pretty well in Revis’ absence last year), Dee Milliner is an elite prospect many were expecting to go top 5. He should be able to immediately step in as the #2 CB, maybe a #1. This would put Kyle Wilson back at nickel back again, giving the Jets a strong 4-2-5 nickel package. The Jets other first round pick, Sheldon Richardson, also can step in and make it a strong nickel. However, I was a little perplexed as to why the Jets took a Defensive tackle who seemed more suited for a 4-3 defense over Star Lotulelei, a prospect thought to be more elite at the position and who fits the 3-4 scheme the Jets run way more smoothly. The Carolina Panthers, who picked right after the Jets wasted no time getting their pick in for Star after the Jets made their #13. I’m surprised as to why a team with so many pressing needs made their one rich position richer and took a player who suits a defense like the Giants’ better. If Rex Ryan is planning on playing the 4-3 in 2013, this was a great draft, as Richardson would join Ellis, Coples and Wilkerson to make a great 4 man front. The Jets need to use day 2 now to go after needs, below are my top 5 options (in no particular order) for them in rounds 2 and 3.
September 22, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Larry Warford (67) and guard Zach West (75) block against the Florida Gators in the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
1. Larry Warford, G, Kentucky – The Jets best fit I thought at the #9 pick, given everyone who was taken was Alabama’s Chance Warmack. They could use a guard to help open up their run game, making their offense somewhat of a factor no matter how the QB plays. Warford is the best guard on the board and was on lots of people’s mock drafts as a late 1st/early 2nd round pick. Willlie Colon dropped in at the Jets draft party last night and the Jets seem to be very high on him. Colon is a recent free agent guard from the Steelers whose coming to play in his hometown of NY this season for the Jets. That still leaves another G position to be filled. Will the Jets spend their 2nd on Warford? Or will they wait on guard since its now a slightly smaller hole on this swiss cheese of a football team?
Nov 17, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Robert Woods (2) catches a pass against UCLA Bruins safety Tevin McDonald (7) during the game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
2. Robert Woods, WR, USC – If the Jets were interested in a receiver, Robert Woods would be their guy. He’s USC’s reception leader and an elite outside threat. If anyone were to be the receiver to get Sanchez back in the game it’s fellow Trojan alum Woods, he’s a proven weapon and should have good chemistry in Mark. Hopefully the Jets trio of Trojans: Sanchez, McKnight and Woods can make the locker room a better place in 2013 and can bring this Jets offense back together.
Sep 29, 2012; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A
3. Damontre Moore, OLB/DE, Texas A&M – If the Jets are truly staying in the 3-4 and are playing the defense they played last year, Moore is a must. He had a terrible combine and a decent pro day, but played amazing football in 2013 for the Texas A&M Aggies. Like Jarvis Jones, Moore is a guy who was all tape and no workout, recording 12.5 sacks and 21 tackles for a loss, ranking in the top 10 in both categories in all of college football. He’s a young player coming out a year early, and has experience playing in both the 3-4 as an OLB and a 4-3 DE; so no matter where the Jets go package wise, Moore will be a valuable asset to the team in round 2 or 3.
Nov 12, 2011; Miami, FL, USA; Florida International Panthers defensive end Tourek Williams (97) and Florida International Panthers strong safety Jonathan Cyprien celebrate a sack against Florida Atlantic Owls quarterback Graham Wilbert (not pictured) in the third quarter at FIU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
4. John Cyprien, S, FIU – This may be one of the highest rated players left on the board. I saw that some experts and bloggers even had him rated higher than Vaccaro. If the Jets need a safety who can step in right away, small school prospect John Cyprien can be the guy to step in and make an impact for them right away.
Nov 3, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Jonathan Franklin (23) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Fielding-USA TODAY Sports
5. Jonathan Franklin, RB, UCLA – Of all the guys mentioned, Franklin is the only one who I’ve read the Jets have definite interest in. Franklin may be the first running back off the board and has been slowly rising. He’s a back capable of featuring and carried a good performing UCLA offense on his back in 2012, beating rival USC and bringing them to a bowl game. Franklin is not only a dynamic play maker but an intelligent player and a leader who has aspirations to run for mayor of Los Angeles later in life.