New York Jets: Grading the 2020 NFL Draft class
Joe Douglas just completed the 2020 NFL Draft, his first as GM of the New York Jets. How did he do? It’s report card time for the Gang Green.
The 2020 NFL Draft was the first for general manager Joe Douglas at the helm of the New York Jets. It was an important one in that regard but also for the long-term outlook of quarterback Sam Darnold and the rest of the franchise.
So, starting out with the No. 11 overall pick, how did Douglas fare in the draft for his first time up at the plate? Let’s take a look and give the former University of Richmond gridiron star and overall grade.
In honor of the late great movie critic team of Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, we’ll use a thumbs up and thumbs down format. Away we go:
Thumbs Up
The selection of mammoth offensive tackle Mekhi Becton from Louisville with the 11th overall pick was something that was long overdue. The Jets have neglected their offensive line for many years and the 6-7, 364-pound mountain of a man should anchor the left tackle position for the next decade.
Becton allowed just one sack all last season for the Cardinals and projects as a premier NFL road-grader if he can remain healthy. I would have preferred wide receiver CeeDee Lamb here but Becton was a solid choice.
I also like the Denzel Mims pick at No. 59 overall. Gang Green is desperate for playmakers at wide receiver and although raw, the Baylor standout is 6-3 and is the lone player in college football to record at least eight receiving touchdowns in each of his last three seasons.
He’s a superb athlete with breakaway speed (4.38 seconds in the 40 at the NFL Combine), just what the doctor ordered. The Daingerfield, TX native needs to work on his route tree but he should be a top-notch red zone target for Darnold.
Running back Lamical Perine of Florida was a strong value pick in the fourth round (120th overall). Perine, who will back up Le’Veon Bell, paced the Gators in rushing the last three years and is regarded as a talented pass-catcher out of the backfield (40 receptions, five touchdowns in 2019). He’ll get some reps as a goal-line back.
Thumbs Down
Why did Douglas wait until the fifth round (No. 158) to snare a cornerback (Bryce Hall of Virginia)? Cornerback was, as still is, a real area of need and the Jets have one of the worst corner corps in the entire league as presently constituted.
Instead of grabbing quarterback James Morgan of Florida International at No. 125, Douglas should have opted for cornerback Josiah Scott of Michigan State or John Reid of Penn State, both of whom were available when Morgan was selected.
Hall has the potential to develop into a viable press corner but he’s coming off a serious left ankle injury that required surgery and forced him to miss the second half of the 2019 campaign with the Cavaliers. He will probably fit best in a zone coverage scheme. Hall has ability but this area should have been addressed sooner. No doubt.
The Skinny
A strong overall draft for Douglas — he filled several areas of need with a roster that was full of holes. Becton has to come through in a big way and protect Darnold’s blindside for this to be a successful draft though.
Next. 2020 NFL Draft: Grades for every team. dark
Mammoth Mekhi must develop into a 10-year starter (like D’Brickashaw Ferguson) or else this draft will be a disappointment. I like Mims’ high ceiling and Douglas added some other important pieces as well (safety Ashtyn Davis, guard Cameron Clark) that can help right away.
Overall Grade: B