New York Jets: Overall report card for the 2018 NFL Draft
The 2018 NFL Draft is all over now and the New York Jets made some interesting picks. Here we take a look at their overall report card.
Finally. Finally the New York Jets know who their franchise quarterback is. General Manager Mike Maccagnan hit a home run, pardon the baseball term, with the selection of Sam Darnold with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The USC product was my top rated signal-caller and many draft experts felt that the 6-foot-4, 220-pounder was the premier QB prospect in this year’s class. Darnold has the skill set necessary to succeed in the NFL. He possesses a strong and accurate arm, throws well on the run and is a tough, shifty scrambler. The Caplstrano Beach, CA native throws with solid timing and anticipation and he won’t wilt in the face of the blitz.
Darnold is known as an intelligent player with fine leadership qualities. He’s a real competitor, someone who can command a huddle. Although he won’t turn 21 until June 5, Darnold seems mature enough to handle the spotlight of the Big Apple. Ball security is an issue though. He committed 22 turnovers last year (13 interceptions/nine fumbles) and he has to take better care of the football.
It looks like Josh McCown will open the 2018 campaign as New York’s starting quarterback. Not for too long though. With McCown serving as a heady mentor, I would expect Darnold to make his Jets debut sometime in the second half of this coming season. Fans will be dying to see what he can accomplish. It looks like Gang Green has finally found their franchise quarterback. It’s been a long, long wait.
Grade: A+
Now for their other selections:
Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hayes State, Third Round: The Jets needed to build depth along the defensive line so Maccagnan tabbed Sheppard from a Division II college in Kansas. Born in Canada, the 6-4, 315-pounder has impressive power and athleticism.
Shepherd projects as a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme and a defensive tackle in a 4-3 alignment. He should be able to help Leonard Williams avoid constant double teams. Shepherd impressed scouts at the NFL Combine and should eventually work into the defensive line rotation after participating in OTAs and training camp.
Shepherd dominated on the Division II level. The competition level in the NFL will be a huge step up for him. The Jets like his upside though. He’ll be 25 years old in October, a slight negative. A very interesting pick.
Grade: B-
Chris Herndon, TE, Miami, Fourth Round: This was a need pick and a good one by Maccagnan. The 6-4, 253-pounder does not have elite speed but he has good hands and should be effective in the red zone and middle of the gridiron. Herndon suffered a left knee injury last November but should be fully healthy by training camp. He averaged 11.9 yards per reception on 40 catches and four touchdowns last year. Herndon should start right away.
Grade: B
Parry Nickerson, CB, Tulane, Sixth Round: Speed, speed, speed. Nickerson has plenty of it — he ran a 4.32-second 40 at the NFL Combine. He recorded six interceptions for the Green Wave in 2017. He’s small though (5-10, 182 pounds) so he could have issues with strong, physical receivers. Nickerson is raw but he provides some quality depth to New York’s defensive backfield. You know what they say: you can’t teach speed.
Grade: C+
Folorunso Fatukasi, DL, UConn, Sixth round: The 6-4, 318-pounder is versatile as he can line up at nose tackle or defensive end. That will provide head coach Todd Bowles more maneuverability in his rotations. Raw but powerful, Fatukasi is not speedy but he does possesses a quick initial burst on the snap. He’s got a live motor and is a good athlete. This was a solid value selection at this point of the draft.
Grade: B
Trenton Cannon, RB, Virginia State, Sixth Round: Unless the 5-11, 185-pounder can really help Gang Green in the punt and kickoff return game, I am not in love with this pick. Cannon is from a Division II school and I don’t see him making the 53-man roster unless he can really dazzle on special teams. He did average 32.9 yards per kick return and two touchdowns last year but how would he have done against better competition? My guess is he’ll most likely wind up on the practice squad.
Grade: C-
Next: NFL Power Rankings 2018: Post-draft edition
In summary: Let’s face it. This draft was about obtaining a franchise quarterback and I believe the Jets now have one. I think Darnold has all the makings to be a perennial Pro Bowl performer. Maybe not this year but in 2019 moving forward. Maccagnan added some nice pieces — especially Herndon and Fatukasi — but this draft was all about Darnold. Give Maccagnan credit for moving up three slots in order to be in position to draft the USC product. A great move.
Overall Grade: A