New York Jets should pass on Randy Gregory

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Apr 2, 2015

With the No. 6 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the New York Jets have a ton of decisions to make. Should they draft quarterback Marcus Mariota if he’s available? What about taking a top wide receiver like Amari Cooper or even Kevin White? What if they want to add another top pass rusher into their defense by taking a risk with defensive end Randy Gregory? Ultimately, it’ll come down to how the draft turns out until they are on the clock and if Gregory is available, it would actually be a bad decision to draft him.

I recently wrote why Gregory’s draft stock is plummeting due to him failing the drug test at the 2015 NFL Combine. He had a tremendous showing at the combine and his college career proved that he could indeed be a top 10 draft pick but due to his dumb mistake, he will most likely severely fall in the draft.

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With a reputation and history of marijuana use, it would be ill-advised for the Jets to take a risk on a player that could bring more harm than good. After having a splendid free agency period that saw them add top talent to bolster key areas across the team, using their first-round draft pick on Gregory would be a waste if he ends up being a distraction.

In his mock draft, ESPN’s Todd McShay recently released his 4.0 version that saw the Jets actually take a chance and draft Gregory. While McShay said that his failed drug test wouldn’t have that much of an impact on what he brings to the table, I beg to differ.

With the notion of him being a habitual drug user, I think this will be a red flag for many teams, including the Jets. It’s an issue that could either be corrected with the right coaching and leadership or could turn into a disaster if he can’t control his demons.

The Jets have been a franchise that has been riddled with poor player moves and embarrassment the past few years. Whether it was the media circus Tim Tebow brought to town or the inability to address their cornerback issues just a year ago, the Jets need to make better headlines with their new regime in place.

Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide receiver Amari Cooper (9) runs after a reception against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

With a new head coach in Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan, it would be an egregious move to draft Gregory since they would be better advised to go with a top wide receiver instead. By the No. 6 pick, either Cooper or White should be there for the taking and would be a much better option.

Having a successful draft would be the icing on the cake for the Jets to end their offseason with a really high grade. They made some pretty bold statements in free agency and should be a much-improved team in 2015. If they can find quality depth and draft some hidden gems, there is no telling what they can do next season.

Overall, the Jets should pass on Gregory and focus on bolstering their offense. No matter who ends up being their starting quarterback, the Jets need to keep adding top talent into it so they can set the foundation for years to come.

It all starts with adding an offensive play-maker capable of making a difference every single time they are on the field. With their defense pretty much set, it all comes down to offense for the Jets heading into the draft.

Next: New York Jets: Don't Trade Up in First Round

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