New York Jets 2014 NFL Draft Wrap-up
Jan 3, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Tajh Boyd (10) throws a pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during their in the 2014 Orange Bowl college football game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Overall Draft Evaluation
Where they went right:
While I want to say all of their offensive additions made up their great additions, I have to give props to the Jets’ defensive acquisitions. On the offensive side of the ball, the Jets needed receivers and got them. With Jace Amaro and company to combine with Eric Decker and the Jets receiving corps, Geno Smith and all of the other Jets’ QBs should have more than adequate receiving targets next season. If the Jets do fail to resurrect their 31st-ranked pass offense, it is time for either a QB change or a coaching change. Amaro should be used in the goal-line situations due to his size and leaping ability, while receivers like Jalen Saunders and Shaq Evans should stay towards the inside at the slot position for some quick screens or even on the outside for some deep bombs. The key though is that they have the talent to make something great. It is now up to the players to perform and the coaches to mold those players into great athletes. On the defensive end, the Jets made a wise decision selecting Calvin Pryor while he was still on the board. Pryor is a big hitter and gives the Jets desperately needed depth at the safety position. As well the additions of corners Dex McDougle and Brandon Dixon were great additions considering that the Jets’ pass defense needed some help last season. In short I think that the Jets got all of the missing pieces that they needed. One of the reason that they did this is primarily because they did in fact have the most selections in the draft by far.
Where they went wrong:
The Jets didn’t really have any spots in which they did poorly in the draft. Perhaps the addition of another inside line backer could have been a bit unnecessary, however most of their selections were in fact justified. Perhaps I would have gotten some receivers with better production and consistency, however the Jets receivers taken in the draft are definitely adequate enough for the play.
The Bottom Line: A-
With added help in the secondary and passing game, the Jets added just what they needed and perhaps a little bit more. Of course, no team truly deserves an A+, but the Jets most certainly did deserve the A.