Diaries of a Draft Jerk (2022 edition)

[Paradis]

 

Two weeks until Thursday night. The moment when we'll finally get clarity on this, one of the murkiest draft classes I can recall in over a decade. The Jets are strapped like First Blood pt2 with draft capital, and beautiful positioned with two picks inside the top 10. Yet somehow, it's laden with "of course"... One of the weakest QB draft classes has minimized the likelihood of monster trade back deal like the one SF paid to move up to #3.  Compounding this frown, is a general a lack blue chip talent, especially on offense where the jets need badly to infuse talent with the likes of a Kyle Pitts, or J'Marr Chase... Instead, they're left tottering on the decision to reach on a receiver at #10. 

With a surge of off-season clips floating around social media, you get the sense that Becton will make a run at living up to his draft pedigree and let Joe Douglas off the hook for the need to consider one of the two stud OTs in Even Neal or Ikem Ekwonu - the former gaining steam as the most trade-targeted prospect as April winds down; The Giants and Saints have been floated as potentially focused on landing Neal. With Jets signing ex-49er OG Tomlinson, they are quietly sitting pretty if Becton's rise from the ashes goes as planned - though you have to think Iowa's Linderbaum's name will surface if the Jets find themselves in a position to trade back deep in the 1st, or potentially as a target to move up from #35. One name to remember is Tulsa's Tyler Smith, a day 2 OT whom the Jets met with and sent various VIPs out to attend his proday.  

Currently, the three most popular names to come off the board before the Jets pick at #4, are the two ends/pass rushers Hutchinson and Thibodeaux, and big OT Neal. While there's a chance Thibodeaux's larger than life "persona" has him slide to the Jets at four, he'll be up against the true gem of the draft and one of only 2 or 3 blue chip players in the class -- Cincinnati's Ahmad Gardner. You wanna get in the good graces of NY, Joe? Channel the Revis-fever and take the 6'3 200lb lockdown CB, one of the draft's cleanest prospects. When the dust settles, unless someone blows or blows away Joey D with an offer representing a coveted QB, I expect Gardner's name to be called at #4 - who will immediately bring legitimacy to an emerging secondary alongside DJ Reed and Bryce Hall

If the Jets do indeed take Sauce at #4, the conversation then steers to pick #10 where the Jet will hold their breath in hopes *possibly* that FSU edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II, who visited the Joe & Rob last week and by all accounts, hit it out of Florham park. "awesome" was the Seminole's words to describe his time with Saleh & Company. On the other hand, if Thibodeaux does land in the Jets lap at #4, word is they have no issues pulling the trigger, and with Sauce (likely) long gone by #10,  the question of what to do looms large. 

 

 

WR Drake London on paper gives the Jets what they lack - a tall frame who can make a difference both outside and in the redzone.  The Jets however, haven't spent (or shown) a lot of interest. Curious considering they've not been shy this offseason, swinging on cascade of WR FAs/Trade targets  and scheduling visits with Treylon Burks, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave and Jameson Williams.  It's anyone's guess when they'll pull the trigger on a WR, but GMs in Joe's position don't ordinarily meet with 4 or 5 prospects when they'll have their pick of the bunch - suggesting a possible trade up from round 2. On paper a healthy Jameson Williams gives Joe what he covets, though not without some injury/development risk. Garrett Wilson conversely offers more versatility and polish, but without "keeping defensive coordinators up at night" mystique. 

Which brings us to Tight Ends, where the Jets band-aided their lack of success in FA with two tall receiving options in Uzomah and Conklin. Both do well to bolster immediate needs, though neither inspire masturbatory release. Jets had a TON of opportunity to see this TE class up close at senior bowl, which featured most of the top names; Tre McBride, Jeremy Ruckert, Isaiah Likely, and others. Though it seems FA investment takes them out of the running of a few popular names, it's interesting to note that Likely was brought in for a top 30 visit, a popular Round 3 TE who offers more versatility than any other prospect in the class - he can line up all over the LOS; a coveted quality in Lafleur's offense. Another name to keep in mind of course is the mutant Jelani Woods, a 6'7 260 phenom with soft hands and a knack for making big plays. He was curiously linked to the Jets by draft media at the combine. 

 

Less arousing and taking up air time, is the need to restock the Dline and LBing' corps. I'd wager a strong bet one of those first 5 picks the jets have will be spent a field general like ILBs Chad Muma, Jake Luketa or Georgia's own Nakobe Dean -- all of whom the Jets have visited with. Quietly, Jets have also made a point sniffing around DT, spending time with linemen Demetrius Taylor (APSU) Devonte Wyatt (UGA) Perrion Winfrey (OU) and others. This, in addition to meeting safeties that fall across the draft - suggests that while choices at WR and TE will make headlines, the narrative of this class could very well wind up being defensive. The Jets appear poised to spend no less that 4 to 5 picks on the D side of the ball.

But back to RB, those with Breece Hall, or Isaiah Spiller on their wishlist might want to prepare for disappointment. The Jets have invested very little time and resources into this RB class, and while of course they could be feigning disinterest -- that "cunning tact" feels pretty black forest ham-ish if you're consider a top 40 pick on a player. Ultimately I expect the Jets to look at economy options later in the draft that fit Lafleur's system; guys like LSU's Ty Davis-Price, Rachaad White, or fingers crossed on Toledo's Bryant Koback... It's worth nothing that the jets have kept the finger on the pulse of South Dakota's Pierre Strong Jr, a personal fave who appears to have emerged from "sleeper" status, into likely day 2 candidate. They've met with Strong, who looks like a fantastic compliment to Michael Carter, the incumbent. 

thats it. I'm out. 

[Spoot-Face]

"Draft Jerk" means something else entirely around these parts.

[Mogglez]

A masterpiece, my friend.

[Integrity28]

Sauce, JJ, WR, Tyler Smith, LBer

[maury77]

@Paradis one running back name I'm keeping an eye on that's been linked to the Jets is the Oregon State kid. I watched a little bit of film on him and he seems to fit that "one cut and sprint" type that SF seems to favor. 

[Paradis]

25 minutes ago, maury77 said:

@Paradis one running back name I'm keeping an eye on that's been linked to the Jets is the Oregon State kid. I watched a little bit of film on him and he seems to fit that "one cut and sprint" type that SF seems to favor. 

Yea they’ve met with him as well. I should have included that but I bet he lands as a priority UDFA

[Paradis]

30 minutes ago, Integrity28 said:

Sauce, JJ, WR, Tyler Smith, LBer

Probably the most astute of mocks 

[32EBoozer]

6 hours ago, Paradis said:

Both do well to bolster immediate needs, though neither inspire masturbatory release.

Classic!

[32EBoozer]

7 hours ago, Paradis said:

 

Two weeks until Thursday night. The moment when we'll finally get clarity on this, one of the murkiest draft classes I can recall in over a decade. The Jets are strapped like First Blood pt2 with draft capital, and beautiful positioned with two picks inside the top 10. Yet somehow, it's laden with "of course"... One of the weakest QB draft classes has minimized the likelihood of monster trade back deal like the one SF paid to move up to #3.  Compounding this frown, is a general a lack blue chip talent, especially on offense where the jets need badly to infuse talent with the likes of a Kyle Pitts, or J'Marr Chase... Instead, they're left tottering on the decision to reach on a receiver at #10. 

With a surge of off-season clips floating around social media, you get the sense that Becton will make a run at living up to his draft pedigree and let Joe Douglas off the hook for the need to consider one of the two stud OTs in Even Neal or Ikem Ekwonu - the former gaining steam as the most trade-targeted prospect as April winds down; The Giants and Saints have been floated as potentially focused on landing Neal. With Jets signing ex-49er OG Tomlinson, they are quietly sitting pretty if Becton's rise from the ashes goes as planned - though you have to think Iowa's Linderbaum's name will surface if the Jets find themselves in a position to trade back deep in the 1st, or potentially as a target to move up from #35. One name to remember is Tulsa's Tyler Smith, a day 2 OT whom the Jets met with and sent various VIPs out to attend his proday.  

Currently, the three most popular names to come off the board before the Jets pick at #4, are the two ends/pass rushers Hutchinson and Thibodeaux, and big OT Neal. While there's a chance Thibodeaux's larger than life "persona" has him slide to the Jets at four, he'll be up against the true gem of the draft and one of only 2 or 3 blue chip players in the class -- Cincinnati's Ahmad Gardner. You wanna get in the good graces of NY, Joe? Channel the Revis-fever and take the 6'3 200lb lockdown CB, one of the draft's cleanest prospects. When the dust settles, unless someone blows or blows away Joey D with an offer representing a coveted QB, I expect Gardner's name to be called at #4 - who will immediately bring legitimacy to an emerging secondary alongside DJ Reed and Bryce Hall

If the Jets do indeed take Sauce at #4, the conversation then steers to pick #10 where the Jet will hold their breath in hopes *possibly* that FSU edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II, who visited the Joe & Rob last week and by all accounts, hit it out of Florham park. "awesome" was the Seminole's words to describe his time with Saleh & Company. On the other hand, if Thibodeaux does land in the Jets lap at #4, word is they have no issues pulling the trigger, and with Sauce (likely) long gone by #10,  the question of what to do looms large. 

 

 

WR Drake London on paper gives the Jets what they lack - a tall frame who can make a difference both outside and in the redzone.  The Jets however, haven't spent (or shown) a lot of interest. Curious considering they've not been shy this offseason, swinging on cascade of WR FAs/Trade targets  and scheduling visits with Treylon Burks, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave and Jameson Williams.  It's anyone's guess when they'll pull the trigger on a WR, but GMs in Joe's position don't ordinarily meet with 4 or 5 prospects when they'll have their pick of the bunch - suggesting a possible trade up from round 2. On paper a healthy Jameson Williams gives Joe what he covets, though not without some injury/development risk. Garrett Wilson conversely offers more versatility and polish, but without "keeping defensive coordinators up at night" mystique. 

Which brings us to Tight Ends, where the Jets band-aided their lack of success in FA with two tall receiving options in Uzomah and Conklin. Both do well to bolster immediate needs, though neither inspire masturbatory release. Jets had a TON of opportunity to see this TE class up close at senior bowl, which featured most of the top names; Tre McBride, Jeremy Ruckert, Isaiah Likely, and others. Though it seems FA investment takes them out of the running of a few popular names, it's interesting to note that Likely was brought in for a top 30 visit, a popular Round 3 TE who offers more versatility than any other prospect in the class - he can line up all over the LOS; a coveted quality in Lafleur's offense. Another name to keep in mind of course is the mutant Jelani Woods, a 6'7 260 phenom with soft hands and a knack for making big plays. He was curiously linked to the Jets by draft media at the combine. 

 

Less arousing and taking up air time, is the need to restock the Dline and LBing' corps. I'd wager a strong bet one of those first 5 picks the jets have will be spent a field general like ILBs Chad Muma, Jake Luketa or Georgia's own Nakobe Dean -- all of whom the Jets have visited with. Quietly, Jets have also made a point sniffing around DT, spending time with linemen Demetrius Taylor (APSU) Devonte Wyatt (UGA) Perrion Winfrey (OU) and others. This, in addition to meeting safeties that fall across the draft - suggests that while choices at WR and TE will make headlines, the narrative of this class could very well wind up being defensive. The Jets appear poised to spend no less that 4 to 5 picks on the D side of the ball.

But back to RB, those with Breece Hall, or Isaiah Spiller on their wishlist might want to prepare for disappointment. The Jets have invested very little time and resources into this RB class, and while of course they could be feigning disinterest -- that "cunning tact" feels pretty black forest ham-ish if you're consider a top 40 pick on a player. Ultimately I expect the Jets to look at economy options later in the draft that fit Lafleur's system; guys like LSU's Ty Davis-Price, Rachaad White, or fingers crossed on Toledo's Bryant Koback... It's worth nothing that the jets have kept the finger on the pulse of South Dakota's Pierre Strong Jr, a personal fave who appears to have emerged from "sleeper" status, into likely day 2 candidate. They've met with Strong, who looks like a fantastic compliment to Michael Carter, the incumbent. 

thats it. I'm out. 

Since when did @T0mShane start his own draft blog? He's better looking than I thought he'd be.

[JustInFudge]

[The Crusher]

6 minutes ago, JiFapono said:

Nothing in life is better than finding out what your special purpose is for. 

[T0mShane]

FTR, all of this is the opposite of what Connor Hughes has been saying about the Jets draft plans all offseason. He thinks it’s a lock to be EDGE at 4, receiver at 10, no LBs, and only a corner if a freaky one falls to them in round two. Also, two IDLs in the first three rounds

[32EBoozer]

3 minutes ago, T0mShane said:

FTR, all of this is the opposite of what Connor Hughes has been saying about the Jets draft plans all offseason. He thinks it’s a lock to be EDGE at 4, receiver at 10, no LBs, and only a corner if a freaky one falls to them in round two. Also, two IDLs in the first three rounds

Will be interesting to see how "plugged in" Hughes is to the regime.

[Gangrene]

Daniel Jeremiah has recently suggested Garrett Wilson at 4 and Jermaine Johnson at 10 if he is still there. 

If the Jets don't trade for a certain wide receiver, it seems like a possible scenario.

He also as the Jets picking Tyler Smith as insurance in the second round at OT.

[The Crusher]

16 minutes ago, Gangrene said:

Daniel Jeremiah has recently suggested Garrett Wilson at 4 and Jermaine Johnson at 10 if he is still there. 

If the Jets don't trade for a certain wide receiver, it seems like a possible scenario.

He also as the Jets picking Tyler Smith as insurance in the second round at OT.

Nice! 2nd round offensive line depth. You go Joe Douglas! 

[Jet Nut]

32 minutes ago, Gangrene said:

Daniel Jeremiah has recently suggested Garrett Wilson at 4 and Jermaine Johnson at 10 if he is still there. 

If the Jets don't trade for a certain wide receiver, it seems like a possible scenario.

He also as the Jets picking Tyler Smith as insurance in the second round at OT.

Actually his latest mock has us taking Sauce at 4 and London at 10.

Interesting part is he doesnt have J Johnson taken in the 1st.

And as usual, great work by @Paradis

EDIT:  I think I screwed up, I think he has JJ at 5.  

[Gangrene]

2 minutes ago, Jet Nut said:

Actually his latest mock has us taking Sauce at 4 and London at 10.

Interesting part is he has London as the first WR off the board so obviously the Jets having their choice at the position.

And as usual, great work by @Paradis

Here is Jeremiah interviewed on YouTube yesterday... 

 

[Jet Nut]

1 hour ago, Gangrene said:

Here is Jeremiah interviewed on YouTube yesterday... 

 

My bad

But always want to know, how does someone’s mock change from Sauce and London to Wilson and Johnson in a week?  And you know there will be a mock draft 3.2 or 3.3 that will look completely different.  What changes from one week to another? It’s like they’re thinking out loud or just fishing for clicks.  

[section314]

@Paradis tremendous stuff. Question,,,,,if they love J,J,, would it not make sense to take him at #4? IMHO, a good edge makes a heck of a bigger difference to a Defense than any CB.

[GKnight83]

I really like your take here - was a great read.

However, I do not agree with your premise.  FA moves or statements supporting Becton most likely have no influence on what the Jets are likely to do.

In fact, I believe it is almost a certainty The #4 pick is traded.

The only thing I see that prevents this trade is the Jet brain-trust really seeing someone at the 4 pick they cannot pass on.

This pick may be an edge, OT, CB or WR they feel will not be there at 10.

JD has repeatedly stated this team will rebuilt through the drafts and from inside out.

Therefore, I am more inclined to believe the pick is an OL because I only see 2 or 3 of the currently projected starters being here in 2 years when this team will really be competing.

[K_O_Brien]

Jeremiah and Schrager's last mock last year had us taking Etienne at 23. I like their content, but they are guessing as to what the Jets may do, just like the rest of us. 

[Dcat]

36 minutes ago, Jet Nut said:

My bad

But always want to know, how does someone mock change from Sauce and London to Wilson and Johnson in a week?  And you know there will be a mock draft 3.2 or 3.3 that will look completely different 

the answer should be obvious...  and all of the pundits do this... they each have versions with some vast differences among them.  Makes it easy to refer back and say, "look, I nailed it".  Yeah, well maybe you did on one of your 8 different mocks, but not on the other 7.

[HawkeyeJet]

Anyone else get the feeling if Hermaine Johnson wasn’t already 36 years old he’d be getting a lot more run as a top 5 pick?

[nycdan]

5 minutes ago, HawkeyeJet said:

Anyone else get the feeling if Hermaine Johnson wasn’t already 36 years old he’d be getting a lot more run as a top 5 pick?

Did someone call my name?

[slats]

8 minutes ago, HawkeyeJet said:

Anyone else get the feeling if Hermaine Johnson wasn’t already 36 years old he’d be getting a lot more run as a top 5 pick?

He’s the top Edge that probably scares me the most. I’d definitely take Thibs or Walker before him. Don’t like the fact that he had to escape Georgia to put up numbers, and then only did that when he was literally often a man amongst boys. 

[Gangrene]

50 minutes ago, Jet Nut said:

My bad

But always want to know, how does someone mock change from Sauce and London to Wilson and Johnson in a week?  And you know there will be a mock draft 3.2 or 3.3 that will look completely different 

You're right, they change their view weekly. Is the new mock influenced by a phone call or a conversation with someone who knows something or is it simply churning out fresh takes for clicks?

[HawkeyeJet]

12 minutes ago, nycdan said:

Did someone call my name?

I have to be honest here, this went over my head.  I see I typoed his name but I don’t have a clue what that picture is.

[Joe Willie White Shoes]

10 hours ago, Paradis said:

You wanna get in the good graces of NY, Joe? Channel the Revis-fever and take the 6'3 200lb lockdown CB, one of the draft's cleanest prospects.

Many Jets fans completely disagree with this analysis, pick and rationale.   The Jets drafted "clean" prospects at non-premium positions  like this for years under Mac (Williams and Adams for example) and look where that landed the team.  I just do not see a Saleh coached team using such premier draft capital on a DB.  In fact, many Jets fans would be shocked and upset - even angry - if Gardner is the pick at 4.  Hutch, Thibs, Walker, Wilson, or Ekwonu would be OK at 4. Trade down (if someone actually wants to trade up). Gardner?  No way.  CB is just not a premium position in the NFL any more and it is less valued in a Saleh defense.  

[slats]

3 minutes ago, Gangrene said:

You're right, they change their view weekly. Is the new mock influenced by a phone call or a conversation with someone who knows something or is it simply churning out fresh takes for clicks?

By changing their picks week to week they have a much better chance about being right about something at some point, and can repost their hits. Usually they save their best guesses for their final mock. 

[Chrebetfan80]

10 hours ago, Paradis said:

 

Two weeks until Thursday night. The moment when we'll finally get clarity on this, one of the murkiest draft classes I can recall in over a decade. The Jets are strapped like First Blood pt2 with draft capital, and beautiful positioned with two picks inside the top 10. Yet somehow, it's laden with "of course"... One of the weakest QB draft classes has minimized the likelihood of monster trade back deal like the one SF paid to move up to #3.  Compounding this frown, is a general a lack blue chip talent, especially on offense where the jets need badly to infuse talent with the likes of a Kyle Pitts, or J'Marr Chase... Instead, they're left tottering on the decision to reach on a receiver at #10. 

With a surge of off-season clips floating around social media, you get the sense that Becton will make a run at living up to his draft pedigree and let Joe Douglas off the hook for the need to consider one of the two stud OTs in Even Neal or Ikem Ekwonu - the former gaining steam as the most trade-targeted prospect as April winds down; The Giants and Saints have been floated as potentially focused on landing Neal. With Jets signing ex-49er OG Tomlinson, they are quietly sitting pretty if Becton's rise from the ashes goes as planned - though you have to think Iowa's Linderbaum's name will surface if the Jets find themselves in a position to trade back deep in the 1st, or potentially as a target to move up from #35. One name to remember is Tulsa's Tyler Smith, a day 2 OT whom the Jets met with and sent various VIPs out to attend his proday.  

Currently, the three most popular names to come off the board before the Jets pick at #4, are the two ends/pass rushers Hutchinson and Thibodeaux, and big OT Neal. While there's a chance Thibodeaux's larger than life "persona" has him slide to the Jets at four, he'll be up against the true gem of the draft and one of only 2 or 3 blue chip players in the class -- Cincinnati's Ahmad Gardner. You wanna get in the good graces of NY, Joe? Channel the Revis-fever and take the 6'3 200lb lockdown CB, one of the draft's cleanest prospects. When the dust settles, unless someone blows or blows away Joey D with an offer representing a coveted QB, I expect Gardner's name to be called at #4 - who will immediately bring legitimacy to an emerging secondary alongside DJ Reed and Bryce Hall

If the Jets do indeed take Sauce at #4, the conversation then steers to pick #10 where the Jet will hold their breath in hopes *possibly* that FSU edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II, who visited the Joe & Rob last week and by all accounts, hit it out of Florham park. "awesome" was the Seminole's words to describe his time with Saleh & Company. On the other hand, if Thibodeaux does land in the Jets lap at #4, word is they have no issues pulling the trigger, and with Sauce (likely) long gone by #10,  the question of what to do looms large. 

 

 

WR Drake London on paper gives the Jets what they lack - a tall frame who can make a difference both outside and in the redzone.  The Jets however, haven't spent (or shown) a lot of interest. Curious considering they've not been shy this offseason, swinging on cascade of WR FAs/Trade targets  and scheduling visits with Treylon Burks, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave and Jameson Williams.  It's anyone's guess when they'll pull the trigger on a WR, but GMs in Joe's position don't ordinarily meet with 4 or 5 prospects when they'll have their pick of the bunch - suggesting a possible trade up from round 2. On paper a healthy Jameson Williams gives Joe what he covets, though not without some injury/development risk. Garrett Wilson conversely offers more versatility and polish, but without "keeping defensive coordinators up at night" mystique. 

Which brings us to Tight Ends, where the Jets band-aided their lack of success in FA with two tall receiving options in Uzomah and Conklin. Both do well to bolster immediate needs, though neither inspire masturbatory release. Jets had a TON of opportunity to see this TE class up close at senior bowl, which featured most of the top names; Tre McBride, Jeremy Ruckert, Isaiah Likely, and others. Though it seems FA investment takes them out of the running of a few popular names, it's interesting to note that Likely was brought in for a top 30 visit, a popular Round 3 TE who offers more versatility than any other prospect in the class - he can line up all over the LOS; a coveted quality in Lafleur's offense. Another name to keep in mind of course is the mutant Jelani Woods, a 6'7 260 phenom with soft hands and a knack for making big plays. He was curiously linked to the Jets by draft media at the combine. 

 

Less arousing and taking up air time, is the need to restock the Dline and LBing' corps. I'd wager a strong bet one of those first 5 picks the jets have will be spent a field general like ILBs Chad Muma, Jake Luketa or Georgia's own Nakobe Dean -- all of whom the Jets have visited with. Quietly, Jets have also made a point sniffing around DT, spending time with linemen Demetrius Taylor (APSU) Devonte Wyatt (UGA) Perrion Winfrey (OU) and others. This, in addition to meeting safeties that fall across the draft - suggests that while choices at WR and TE will make headlines, the narrative of this class could very well wind up being defensive. The Jets appear poised to spend no less that 4 to 5 picks on the D side of the ball.

But back to RB, those with Breece Hall, or Isaiah Spiller on their wishlist might want to prepare for disappointment. The Jets have invested very little time and resources into this RB class, and while of course they could be feigning disinterest -- that "cunning tact" feels pretty black forest ham-ish if you're consider a top 40 pick on a player. Ultimately I expect the Jets to look at economy options later in the draft that fit Lafleur's system; guys like LSU's Ty Davis-Price, Rachaad White, or fingers crossed on Toledo's Bryant Koback... It's worth nothing that the jets have kept the finger on the pulse of South Dakota's Pierre Strong Jr, a personal fave who appears to have emerged from "sleeper" status, into likely day 2 candidate. They've met with Strong, who looks like a fantastic compliment to Michael Carter, the incumbent. 

thats it. I'm out. 

with 100 kids in that house.. where do you find the time.  

[Jet Nut]

29 minutes ago, Dcat said:

the answer should be obvious...  and all of the pundits do this... they each have versions with some vast differences among them.  Makes it easy to refer back and say, "look, I nailed it".  Yeah, well maybe you did on one of your 8 different mocks, but not on the other 7.

Exactly.  They give so many different combos they have to “nail” something.

[nycdan]

9 minutes ago, HawkeyeJet said:

I have to be honest here, this went over my head.  I see I typoed his name but I don’t have a clue what that picture is.

Not a Harry Potter fan, huh?  (Hermione).  Admittedly a bit of a stretch but I'm still working on the first coffee so go easy on me

 

[HawkeyeJet]

Just now, nycdan said:

Not a Harry Potter fan, huh?  (Hermione).  Admittedly a bit of a stretch but I'm still working on the first coffee so go easy on me

 

No, it is well crafted!  I am not a Harry Potter guy so it just flew over my head

[32EBoozer]

13 minutes ago, Joe Willie White Shoes said:

Many Jets fans completely disagree with this analysis, pick and rationale.   The Jets drafted "clean" prospects at non-premium positions  like this for years under Mac (Williams and Adams for example) and look where that landed the team.  I just do not see a Saleh coached team using such premier draft capital on a DB.  In fact, many Jets fans would be shocked and upset - even angry - if Gardner is the pick at 4.  Hutch, Thibs, Walker, Wilson, or Ekwonu would be OK at 4. Trade down (if someone actually wants to trade up). Gardner?  No way.  CB is just not a premium position in the NFL any more and it is less valued in a Saleh defense.  

Don't forget Calvin Pryor! #Rex!

 

[BettyBoop]

10 hours ago, Paradis said:

 

Two weeks until Thursday night. The moment when we'll finally get clarity on this, one of the murkiest draft classes I can recall in over a decade. The Jets are strapped like First Blood pt2 with draft capital, and beautiful positioned with two picks inside the top 10. Yet somehow, it's laden with "of course"... One of the weakest QB draft classes has minimized the likelihood of monster trade back deal like the one SF paid to move up to #3.  Compounding this frown, is a general a lack blue chip talent, especially on offense where the jets need badly to infuse talent with the likes of a Kyle Pitts, or J'Marr Chase... Instead, they're left tottering on the decision to reach on a receiver at #10. 

With a surge of off-season clips floating around social media, you get the sense that Becton will make a run at living up to his draft pedigree and let Joe Douglas off the hook for the need to consider one of the two stud OTs in Even Neal or Ikem Ekwonu - the former gaining steam as the most trade-targeted prospect as April winds down; The Giants and Saints have been floated as potentially focused on landing Neal. With Jets signing ex-49er OG Tomlinson, they are quietly sitting pretty if Becton's rise from the ashes goes as planned - though you have to think Iowa's Linderbaum's name will surface if the Jets find themselves in a position to trade back deep in the 1st, or potentially as a target to move up from #35. One name to remember is Tulsa's Tyler Smith, a day 2 OT whom the Jets met with and sent various VIPs out to attend his proday.  

Currently, the three most popular names to come off the board before the Jets pick at #4, are the two ends/pass rushers Hutchinson and Thibodeaux, and big OT Neal. While there's a chance Thibodeaux's larger than life "persona" has him slide to the Jets at four, he'll be up against the true gem of the draft and one of only 2 or 3 blue chip players in the class -- Cincinnati's Ahmad Gardner. You wanna get in the good graces of NY, Joe? Channel the Revis-fever and take the 6'3 200lb lockdown CB, one of the draft's cleanest prospects. When the dust settles, unless someone blows or blows away Joey D with an offer representing a coveted QB, I expect Gardner's name to be called at #4 - who will immediately bring legitimacy to an emerging secondary alongside DJ Reed and Bryce Hall

If the Jets do indeed take Sauce at #4, the conversation then steers to pick #10 where the Jet will hold their breath in hopes *possibly* that FSU edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II, who visited the Joe & Rob last week and by all accounts, hit it out of Florham park. "awesome" was the Seminole's words to describe his time with Saleh & Company. On the other hand, if Thibodeaux does land in the Jets lap at #4, word is they have no issues pulling the trigger, and with Sauce (likely) long gone by #10,  the question of what to do looms large. 

 

 

WR Drake London on paper gives the Jets what they lack - a tall frame who can make a difference both outside and in the redzone.  The Jets however, haven't spent (or shown) a lot of interest. Curious considering they've not been shy this offseason, swinging on cascade of WR FAs/Trade targets  and scheduling visits with Treylon Burks, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave and Jameson Williams.  It's anyone's guess when they'll pull the trigger on a WR, but GMs in Joe's position don't ordinarily meet with 4 or 5 prospects when they'll have their pick of the bunch - suggesting a possible trade up from round 2. On paper a healthy Jameson Williams gives Joe what he covets, though not without some injury/development risk. Garrett Wilson conversely offers more versatility and polish, but without "keeping defensive coordinators up at night" mystique. 

Which brings us to Tight Ends, where the Jets band-aided their lack of success in FA with two tall receiving options in Uzomah and Conklin. Both do well to bolster immediate needs, though neither inspire masturbatory release. Jets had a TON of opportunity to see this TE class up close at senior bowl, which featured most of the top names; Tre McBride, Jeremy Ruckert, Isaiah Likely, and others. Though it seems FA investment takes them out of the running of a few popular names, it's interesting to note that Likely was brought in for a top 30 visit, a popular Round 3 TE who offers more versatility than any other prospect in the class - he can line up all over the LOS; a coveted quality in Lafleur's offense. Another name to keep in mind of course is the mutant Jelani Woods, a 6'7 260 phenom with soft hands and a knack for making big plays. He was curiously linked to the Jets by draft media at the combine. 

 

Less arousing and taking up air time, is the need to restock the Dline and LBing' corps. I'd wager a strong bet one of those first 5 picks the jets have will be spent a field general like ILBs Chad Muma, Jake Luketa or Georgia's own Nakobe Dean -- all of whom the Jets have visited with. Quietly, Jets have also made a point sniffing around DT, spending time with linemen Demetrius Taylor (APSU) Devonte Wyatt (UGA) Perrion Winfrey (OU) and others. This, in addition to meeting safeties that fall across the draft - suggests that while choices at WR and TE will make headlines, the narrative of this class could very well wind up being defensive. The Jets appear poised to spend no less that 4 to 5 picks on the D side of the ball.

But back to RB, those with Breece Hall, or Isaiah Spiller on their wishlist might want to prepare for disappointment. The Jets have invested very little time and resources into this RB class, and while of course they could be feigning disinterest -- that "cunning tact" feels pretty black forest ham-ish if you're consider a top 40 pick on a player. Ultimately I expect the Jets to look at economy options later in the draft that fit Lafleur's system; guys like LSU's Ty Davis-Price, Rachaad White, or fingers crossed on Toledo's Bryant Koback... It's worth nothing that the jets have kept the finger on the pulse of South Dakota's Pierre Strong Jr, a personal fave who appears to have emerged from "sleeper" status, into likely day 2 candidate. They've met with Strong, who looks like a fantastic compliment to Michael Carter, the incumbent. 

thats it. I'm out. 

Your Magnum Opus.  Well done, sir!