NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

New York Jets: 3 Sleeper targets at wide receiver in 2018 NFL Draft

By Stephen Smith

STILLWATER, OK - OCTOBER 14: Wide receiver Marcell Ateman
STILLWATER, OK - OCTOBER 14: Wide receiver Marcell Ateman /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
LUBBOCK, TX – NOVEMBER 11: Keke Coutee #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders returns the opening kick off for a touchdown during the first half of the game between the Baylor Bears and the Texas Tech Red Raiders on November 11, 2017 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX – NOVEMBER 11: Keke Coutee #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders returns the opening kick off for a touchdown during the first half of the game between the Baylor Bears and the Texas Tech Red Raiders on November 11, 2017 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

1. Keke Coutee, Texas Tech

Speed. You can’t teach it and the Lufkin, TX native has it in leaps and bounds. With Robby Anderson’s future with the Jets uncertain due to his legal issues, Gang Green needs a dynamic playmaker. Coutee could fill that role.

The 5-11, 180-pounder was named to the second-team All-Big 12 squad last year after grabbing 93 receptions for 1,429 yards (sixth in the FBS) and 10 touchdowns. The Red Raiders used a spread offense and Coutee took full advantage. He possess excellent deep speed and is a true vertical threat on post, go and sluggo routes. Coutee can take any short pass reception and take it to the house.

He is far from a finished product though. He’s thin and needs to get stronger. He’s also not the greatest route runner in the world. Coutee has to expand his route tree. Improvement is needed on contested catches, making the tough reception in traffic when contact is made. He was able to take advantage of below-average secondary play in the Big 12 by using his acceleration to zoom past defenders. That won’t happen as easily in the NFL.

Coutee dazzled in limited opportunities as a kickoff returner last year, averaging 31.5 yards per return, including a 92-yarder for a touchdown. The Jets have not had a game-breaking kickoff return specialist since the days of Leon Washington (2006-09) so perhaps Coutee could help fill that enormous void.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full two-round projection

Overall, Coutee has the potential to develop into a strong vertical threat. That will take time as he learns more receiving routes. Excellent deep speed is hard to find though so Gang Green should take a hard look at him in the middle rounds.

(Projected Round: 3)

Home/New York Jets