New York Jets ‘really like’ Eric Ebron
Eric Ebron speaks at a press conference during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Jets are expected to add pass-catching help or draft a cornerback with the 18th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, and one of their strongest options is Eric Ebron, if he’s even available. Ebron is a physical specimen with a ridiculous blend of size and speed, and he’s the ideal “joker” tight end. Not a polished blocker, Ebron is the most dangerous pass-catching TE in the class, and the UNC Tar Heels product would definitely add another dimension to any passing attack.
According to Rich Cimini of ESPN New York, the Jets “really like” Eric Ebron and, of course, view him as a nightmare matchup for defenses as a “joker”. Ebron can comfortably line up in the slot, and he also has the athleticism to line up outside to create even more mis-matches. His work as an in-line blocker leaves something to be desired and he actually wasn’t used in as many different alignments as Austin Seferian-Jenkins in college, but Ebron is more athletic and fluid pass-catcher (he has much smoother routes than ASJ, which is one big advantage people see in his game).
That said, Ebron probably won’t be there for the Jets at 18, and he’s a projected top ten pick due to the value of “joker” tight ends in the league today. Cimini adds later on in his “Sunday Notes” piece that he thinks Justin Gilbert, Brandin Cooks, Odell Beckham Jr., and Darqueze Dennard are the four most likely picks for the Jets, and it looks like this is based off of plenty of inside info. I think OBJ would be a dream pick for the Jets, and both corners look like stronger picks than Cooks in a deep draft. I like Cooks, but I wonder if Gilbert or Dennard would be too good to pass up on with more depth at WR than CB despite the Jets bigger need for a weapon on offense.