New York Jets: How good was their 2015 draft class?
It takes three years to truly evaluate a draft class. Here we take a look at how the New York Jets class of 2015 has panned out.
NFL scouts and experts always say that it takes three years to truly evaluate a particular draft class. That is ample time to see how a group of prospects develop and make a mark with their team. With training camp a month away now, it’s a good time to take a look at how the class of 2015 has performed for the New York Jets.
This marked Mike Maccagnan’s first draft as general manager of Gang Green. Let me warn you — aside from two players, this draft was not pretty. At all.
Here we go:
Leonard Williams, First Round (sixth overall): The former USC All-American dropped in Maccagnan’s lap, and it’s a good thing he did. Otherwise, this draft would have been a disaster. The 6-5, 302-pounder had a somewhat disappointing 2017 campaign (two sacks) due to being double-teamed so often but he’s still the anchor of the defensive line. Williams made the Pro Bowl two years ago and remains a very effective run stopper.
He is entering his prime years so he should bounce back this coming season. Expect his sack totals to rise close to his 2016 level (seven). Williams is still one of the premier linemen in the league and hopefully he’ll be in New York’s Ring of Honor someday. He’s that talented. Grade: B+
Devin Smith, Second Round (37th overall): What a terrible selection. The Ohio State product has compiled a grand total of 10 career receptions and has more ACL surgeries (2) than touchdowns (1). Smith has played in only 14 games. He missed the entire 2017 season due to a torn ACL. I’d be shocked if he wasn’t cut before training camp. Brutal. Grade: F-
Lorenzo Mauldin, Third Round (82nd overall): Another injury-plagued performer. The outside linebacker missed all of last season with a herniated disk in his back. He could get his walking papers soon as well. Mauldin has recorded just 6.5 sacks in 26 career outings. Another lousy pick. Grade: D
Bryce Petty, Fourth Round (103rd overall): Drafting a quarterback in the middle rounds is always a risky proposition. Petty played in a spread offense/shotgun formation at Baylor and that didn’t translate well to the pro game. In seven starts with Gang Green, Petty was 1-6 with a paltry 57.7 QB rating. He’s now with the Dolphins. That’s their problem. Grade: D-
Jarvis Harrison, Fifth Round (152nd overall): The offensive guard from Texas A&M was another bust. He didn’t play a regular season game for New York. He played on the practice squad and was waived twice by Gang Green, the last time in August 2016. Harrison is now a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. Oh Canada! Grade: F
Next: NFL Free Agency 2018: Biggest steal for each team
Deon Simon, Seventh Round (223rd overall): Maccagnan’s final selection is actually still on the roster. It’s a miracle. The 27-year old nose tackle has been a member of the practice squad for two seasons (2015, 2017) but registered 23 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 16 games in 2016. That’s pretty good for a seventh rounder. He’s a member of New York’s active roster again heading into next month’s training camp. A solid pick for the last round. Grade: C