New York Jets 2014 NFL Draft Wrap-up
Nov 23, 2013; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defender Jeremiah George (52) tackles Kansas Jayhawks running back Connor Embree (34) in the fourth quarter at Jack Trice Stadium. Iowa State won 34-0. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Additions
FS Calvin Pryor, University of Louisville
As a freshman out of Port St. Joe, Florida, Pryor played in all of Louisville’s 13 games and record two interceptions, a sack and 43 total tackles, 3.0 of them for loss. As with many college athletes, Pryor’s sophomore season was one of his most productive as he was able to force four fumbles, record 99 total tackles and break up five passes along with two interceptions. In his final season at UL, Pryor was still dominant for a free safety of his caliber. This year, Pryor was able to register 75 total tackles (54 solo tackles), 5.5 tackles for loss (career-high) and three interceptions as the Cardinals went 12-1 and went on to win the Russel Athletic Bowl over the University of Miami 36-9 with help from Pryor’s six tackles. Unlike any other free safeties in this draft, Pryor has capacity to find running backs out in the open and then use his 4.57 40-yard speed to then finish off his opponents. Some may consider Pryor almost too physical, however in the grand scheme of the NFL there can be nothing “too physical.” With the addition of Pryor to the Jets, I think they upgrade their 22nd-ranked passing game, while also helping out their running game too. Pryor is known for his big hits and can show his physical presence in both zone coverage and designed blitzes. I personally expect him to see playing time early on in the season, granted he gets a decent showing during training camp and the pre-season.
CB Dex McDougle, University of Maryland and CB Brandon Dixon, Northwestern Missouri State University
Both of these corners make up for the absence of CB Antonio Cromartie, who left last season to go and join the Arizona Cardinals. At Maryland, McDougle played an almost shut-down style of corner back play. As well, even though Dixon is a small school prospect, he still has mad ball skills. This combination should be the answer to Cromartie and will most definitely help out the Jets’ pass defense next season.
ILB Jeremiah George, Iowa State University, OLB Trevor Reilly, University of Utah and DE Ik Enemkpali, Louisiana Tech University
For the Jets, their front 7 is one of the best in the business. Last season, they ranked 3rd best against the run. With the addtions of George, Reilly and Enemkpali, the Jets get some more pass-rushing and run-stopping power. George at ISU was an absolute behemoth, adding a monstrous 133 total tackles during his senior season, along with 3 forced fumbles, 12 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. With George helping out in the middle, the Jets will most definitely have one of the best rushing defenses in the league. Reilly was great as well, recording 100 tackles, 9 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss during his senior season. As for Ik Enemkpali, at LA Tech, he was more of a pass rusher than a run stopper. During his senior season he was able to sack opposing QBs 5.5 times as well as record 11 tackles for loss. With this load of defensive talent, the Jets should have no problem with stopping the run, nor getting to the QB. Where these draft picks will land remains to be seen. For the most part though, the Jets made some great acquisitions.