Cimini: Jets Report Card

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Our Jets draft report card

May, 1, 2011

May 1

6:27

PM ET

By Rich Cimini

They say it takes three to five years to accurately judge a draft class, but we're going to do it 24 hours after the fact because that's our job.

For my grades on each individual pick, click here.

Final Grade: B.

Summary: It went pretty much as expected. You knew they were going to address the defense early in the draft, and they did, selecting DE Muhammad Wilkerson and NT Kenrick Ellis in the first and third rounds, respectively. Wide receiver was a need, and the Jets tabbed Jeremy Kerley (fifth) and Scotty McKnight (seventh) -- a pair of slot receivers. GM Mike Tannenbaum always is on the look-out for developmental quarterbacks, which explains Greg McElroy. The only curveball was RB Bilal Powell in the fourth round (another runner?), but the Jets felt there was too much value to ignore him. OK, we'll buy that.

Except for McKnight, who wasn't in Scouts, Inc.'s top 316 players, each player went off the board in the round/area where he was projected. Based on that, you'd have to say the Jets got good value. They didn't address perhaps their biggest need, rush linebacker. They passed on Akeem Ayers, Jabaal Sheard and Brooks Reed to take Wilkerson, but that was the right call. Ayers and Reed, in particular, received a lot of pre-draft hype, but they each have holes in their games. After them, all the good OLBs were gone. In fact, there were no OLBs taken from 74 to 99, which helps explain why they took Ellis at 94.

Best pick: Wilkerson. At 6-4, 315, he has the size to be a two-gapping force in Rex Ryan's defense. He was an outstanding pass rusher at Temple, but there are scouts who wonder how his pass-rushing skills will translate to the NFL. It'll be interesting to see if he's a three-down player. We do know he's a versatile player, with the ability to play DE, DT and maybe NT in certain packages. There was some talk that he could go as high as 18; the Jets got him at 30. Very good value.

Most questionable pick: Ellis. The Jets' top scout said they felt there were only two true nose tackles in the draft -- Ellis and Phil Taylor (chosen 21st). That speaks volumes; Ellis was their last chance to address that need. At No. 94, the Jets felt he was worth the gamble, even with his off-the-field issues, including a pending assault charge. But it's interesting to note that, between picks 30 and 94, a total of six defensive tackles were picked. Six teams with a DT need took a pass on Ellis. He has incredible size (6-5, 340) and intriguing tools, and he plays hard (a lot of nose tackles don't), but he's still a small-school player with risk.

Picks most likely to contribute as rookies: Wilkerson probably won't start, but he will be in the defensive-line rotation. If Brad Smith leaves via free agency, Kerley will be a candidate to step into the kick returner/No. 4 WR role. Ellis, if exonerated, will need time to develop. Powell, McElroy and McKnight will have to wait their turn.

Remaining needs: Outside linebacker and safety. The Jets will be OK at safety if they can re-sign Brodney Pool or Eric Smith, but OLB is a concern. The free-agent market is weak, and the Jets could be restricted by the "Final Four" rules. Tannenbaum may have to make a trade or pick up a player cut by another team.

[Larz]

holy crap, I agree with almost all of this

either I need to have my head examined or cimini got laid last night

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Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple

Round 1, 30th pick

Analysis: Muhammad Wilkerson was projected to be drafted in the 18-to-26 range, so the Jets received good value at 30. He also addresses a need. The Jets' defensive line is thin and old, with only one experienced player under 30 -- Mike DeVito. Wilkerson (6-4, 315) has the size you want in a 3-4 defensive end, and he has enough athleticism to rush as a tackle in nickel situations. He's not the most polished player and he needs a kick in the rear every now and then, but he has a lot of upside. Wilkerson, from Linden, N.J., recorded 17 1/2 sacks in three seasons at Temple. He dominated against some bad teams, but he also played well against Penn State. As one rival GM said, "When you're picking that low in the first round, it's not a beauty pageant."

Kenrick Ellis, NT, Hampton

Round 3, 30th pick (No. 94 overall)

Analysis: Yes, he has talent -- he was rated 36th on the Jets' draft board -- but Ellis is facing up to 20 years in prison for felony assault in Newport News, Va. He reportedly will go on trial July 12 for allegedly attacking a person on campus last April. According to reports, he broke the person's jaw and nose when the person tried to attack him with a baseball bat. Previously, Ellis flunked multiple drug tests while attending South Carolina, according to a league source familiar with his background. This is the ultimate risk-reward pick. The Jets have succeeded with several players that arrived with off-the-field issues, but this appears to be an extreme case. He'll never get a chance to fulfill his immense potential if he's in the slammer.

Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville

Round 4, 29th pick (No. 126 overall)

Analysis: A curious pick, considering the Jets' depth at running back. Clearly, they felt Powell's value was too good to pass up, but it creates questions because they have four tailbacks -- Shonn Greene, LaDainian Tomlinson, Joe McKnight and Powell. Can they keep everybody? Can they keep everybody happy? After three non-descript seasons at Louisville, Powell exploded last year, rushing for 1,405 yards, a 6.1 average and 11 touchdowns. He doesn't have exceptional speed (4.52 in the 40), but he has good vision and fights for extra yards. He tends to run upright, exposing himself to big hits. Some scouts believe his best football is yet to come. Not much experience as a kick returner. Powell considers himself a good receiver, but his production was modest.

Jeremy Kerley, WR/PR, TCU

Round 5, 22nd pick (No. 153 overall)

Analysis: Trader Mike Tannenbaum finally made a deal, moving up eight spots to grab the diminutive receiver (5-9, 188). This pick has Mike Westhoff's fingerprints all over it. Kerley returned kickoffs and punts in college (he was better as a punt returner), and the Jets have been looking for a productive punt returner for years. Kerley isn't super fast (4.59 in the 40), but he's quick and accelerates well. As receiver, he'll have to work out of the slot because of his size. His receiving numbers at TCU were ordinary -- 120 catches, 1,299 and 12 touchdowns over four seasons. The Jets need to be mindful of their depth at receiver, with Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith headed to free agency.

Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama

Round 7, 5th pick (No. 208 overall)

Analysis: Hey, why not? The Jets have a huge gap on their quarterback depth chart -- an entrenched Mark Sanchez as the starter, but no one coming up behind him to be the long-term No. 2. Old-timer Mark Brunell will stick around for one more year as the primary backup, but that role will go to McElroy in 2012 -- at least that's the Jets' plan. McElroy (24-3 as a starter at Alabama) is a proven winner with scary football intelligence. He sounds like a TV analyst when discussing the nuances of his game. The question is, does he have enough arm? He can't make all the throws and he's not particularly mobile -- usually not a good combination for a backup. Clearly, the Jets are betting on his intangibles. GM Mike Tannenbaum subscribes to the Ron Wolf philosophy when it comes to quarterbacks -- try to pick one every year when possible and see how they develop.

Scotty McKnight, WR, Colorado

Round 7, 24th pick (No. 227 overall)

Analysis: It helps to know people in the right places. McKnight and Jets QB Mark Sanchez have been close friends since their boyhood days in Mission Viejo, Calf. Most NFL types didn't think McKnight would be drafted, but he received an assist from Sanchez, who threw to McKnight during his Pro Day workout last month. McKnight (5-11, 182) doesn't blow you away with his size or speed (4.49 in the 40), but he's a producer. He is Colorado's all-time leading receiver, coming off a 50-catch, 621-yard season. He has terrific hands and superb short-area quickness. McKnight has a lot of Wayne Chrebet-type traits, and it's probably safe to say he has good chemistry with Sanchez.

[SenorGato]

Ellis is going to be a bigger, meaner Darnell Dockett of a 3rd round pick. Book it snitches!!!111

[Klecko73isGod]

Kenrick Ellis, NT, Hampton

Round 3, 30th pick (No. 94 overall)

Analysis: Yes, he has talent -- he was rated 36th on the Jets' draft board -- but Ellis is facing up to 20 years in prison for felony assault in Newport News, Va. He reportedly will go on trial July 12 for allegedly attacking a person on campus last April. According to reports, he broke the person's jaw and nose when the person tried to attack him with a baseball bat. Previously, Ellis flunked multiple drug tests while attending South Carolina, according to a league source familiar with his background. This is the ultimate risk-reward pick. The Jets have succeeded with several players that arrived with off-the-field issues, but this appears to be an extreme case. He'll never get a chance to fulfill his immense potential if he's in the slammer.

This is just a moronic statement. Realize something: if the Jets thought there was a snowball's chance in hell of this kid actually getting convicted, they don't draft him.

[bitonti]

This is just a moronic statement. Realize something: if the Jets thought there was a snowball's chance in hell of this kid actually getting convicted, they don't draft him.

the question isn't will the Jets and their lawyers plea bargain this thing down (they will)

the question is what happens when some drunk fool in NYC takes a run at him?

People are penciling in Kenrick Ellis as the Jets NT for the next decade... he's got huge risk factors.

Put it another way Mo Wilk is probably a 50/50 chance to succeed. Most 1st rounders are about 50% statistically that's how they pan out (Charlie Casserly had an article breaking down each round by success for the last 10 years)

Kenrick Ellis, where he was drafted, with his background (2 failed drug tests, kicked out of USC, felony charges pending) is much more of a longshot. Maybe 30% chance. Maybe less.

I know the draft is supposed to be a time of great hope but I wouldn't rush out and buy a Kenrick Ellis jersey.

[Klecko73isGod]

the question isn't will the Jets and their lawyers plea bargain this thing down (they will)

the question is what happens when some drunk fool in NYC takes a run at him?

People are penciling in Kenrick Ellis as the Jets NT for the next decade... he's got huge risk factors.

Put it another way Mo Wilk is probably a 50/50 chance to succeed. Most 1st rounders are about 50% statistically that's how they pan out (Charlie Casserly had an article breaking down each round by success for the last 10 years)

Kenrick Ellis, where he was drafted, with his background (2 failed drug tests, kicked out of USC, felony charges pending) is much more of a longshot. Maybe 30% chance. Maybe less.

I know the draft is supposed to be a time of great hope but I wouldn't rush out and buy a Kenrick Ellis jersey.

Read Cannizarro's article bit. The kid's "issues" are blown way out of proportion. That being said, as a Jets fan I'm glad they were. If that's the reason a couple of other teams passed on him, good. Their loss is our gain.

[bitonti]

Read Cannizarro's article bit. The kid's "issues" are blown way out of proportion. That being said, as a Jets fan I'm glad they were. If that's the reason a couple of other teams passed on him, good. Their loss is our gain.

To be clear I love the pick, I love the value and yes if he was a boy scout and never leaves South Carolina, he's possibly a late 1st. But overall people are killing Cimini for what he said and how he said it... Cimini was rude about it but there was truth in what he said. If Kenrick Ellis got drafted by the Bengals i wonder what we'd think of this player.

[hoping4ASuperBowl]

the question isn't will the Jets and their lawyers plea bargain this thing down (they will)

the question is what happens when some drunk fool in NYC takes a run at him?

People are penciling in Kenrick Ellis as the Jets NT for the next decade... he's got huge risk factors.

Put it another way Mo Wilk is probably a 50/50 chance to succeed. Most 1st rounders are about 50% statistically that's how they pan out (Charlie Casserly had an article breaking down each round by success for the last 10 years)

Kenrick Ellis, where he was drafted, with his background (2 failed drug tests, kicked out of USC, felony charges pending) is much more of a longshot. Maybe 30% chance. Maybe less.

I know the draft is supposed to be a time of great hope but I wouldn't rush out and buy a Kenrick Ellis jersey.

Who's more likely to get into trouble first, K Ellis or Jimmy Smith?

If Ellis doesn't go to jail I think he'll be just fine. Who's to say Smith won't turn into Talib?

[Bleedin Green]

To be clear I love the pick, I love the value and yes if he was a boy scout and never leaves South Carolina, he's possibly a late 1st. But overall people are killing Cimini for what he said and how he said it... Cimini was rude about it but there was truth in what he said. If Kenrick Ellis got drafted by the Bengals i wonder what we'd think of this player.

And if he was drafted by the Pats they would be geniuses who got the steal of the draft. All of these writers are such full of sh*t hacks.

[bitonti]

let me just add the Mo wilkerson pick was the real deal. that guy should have gone way higher and projects as a possible starter with upside for more (pro bowl?)

all the Jets fans are posting about Ellis... that would be like if Bucs fans spent all their time complaining about Brian Price instead of rejoicing about Gerald McCoy. Wilk is the headline. Ellis is the long shot. let's not elevate Ellis to the headline just cause we think Cimini is a jerk. If we are going to be hopeful we should be hopeful about Wilkerson. Ellis is a lotto ticket.

[hoping4ASuperBowl]

And if he was drafted by the Pats they would be geniuses who got the steal of the draft. All of these writers are such full of sh*t hacks.

But the Pats got an extra first and second round pick for next years draft, so that means they get an A+++ for this draft.

/sarcasm

[Matt39]

Jets draft buzz > Osama buzz

[Klecko73isGod]

But the Pats got an extra first and second round pick for next years draft, so that means they get an A+++ for this draft.

/sarcasm

Actually, the Pats now have every single pick in the 2015 draft - all 224 of them, plus, if there are any compensatory picks awarded in 2015, they all go to the Pats.

Most experts believe Belichick will only use about 7 of the picks, trading the rest for more picks in subsequent drafts.

[hoping4ASuperBowl]

Actually, the Pats now have every single pick in the 2015 draft - all 224 of them, plus, if there are any compensatory picks awarded in 2015, they all go to the Pats.

Most experts believe Belichick will only use about 7 of the picks, trading the rest for more picks in subsequent drafts.

He's gonna trade all his picks for Andrew Luck next year.

[Klecko73isGod]

He's gonna trade all his picks for Andrew Luck next year.

Funny you should mention this because it seems Cindy wasn't all that happy with them drafting Mallett. It seems he felt the need to tell a reporter he plans on playing for "at least 10 more years."

Looks like young Ryan is still looking for a mentor. Brady won't be his big brother. He'll only mentor people like him, who were wrongfully drafted in the sixth round or later.

[hoping4ASuperBowl]

Funny you should mention this because it seems Cindy wasn't all that happy with them drafting Mallett. It seems he felt the need to tell a reporter he plans on playing for "at least 10 more years."

Looks like young Ryan is still looking for a mentor. Brady won't be his big brother. He'll only mentor people like him, who were wrongfully drafted in the sixth round or later.

LOL. That's probably why Hoyer is still on the team and Brady's backup.

BTW, speaking of Hoyer, have you heard some of the major BS reports out there that some teams are looking to trade for Hoyer, thinking he might be another Matt Cassel? smh.

[Klecko73isGod]

LOL. That's probably why Hoyer is still on the team and Brady's backup.

BTW, speaking of Hoyer, have you heard some of the major BS reports out there that some teams are looking to trade for Hoyer, thinking he might be another Matt Cassel? smh.

Why would anyone trade for someone that mediocre?

[hoping4ASuperBowl]

Why would anyone trade for someone that mediocre?

Cause they are retarded and are looking for another reason to give NE more draft picks so Belli can continue being called a genius.

[Warfish]

I wouldn't rush out and buy a Kenrick Ellis jersey.

Where would you find teh space to store it, with all those Dewayne Robertson Jerseys you own?

Hey, I hear he's a free Agent, maybe we should sign him? Rex could fix ol' D-Rob, right?

[bitonti]

Ellis is going to be a bigger, meaner Darnell Dockett of a 3rd round pick. Book it snitches!!!111

this is the type of thinking we should be cautious about... Darnell Dockett was a 9 sack pro bowl player in his 4th year. there's nothing in his profile that suggests Ellis will ever impact the stat sheet in that manner.

Kenrick Ellis might have a career like Pouha. 1 or 2 fluke sacks a year and occupies gaps.

[JiFtheOracle]

this is the type of thinking we should be cautious about... Darnell Dockett was a 9 sack pro bowl player in his 4th year. there's nothing in his profile that suggests Ellis will ever impact the stat sheet in that manner.

Kenrick Ellis might have a career like Pouha. 1 or 2 fluke sacks a year and occupies gaps.

Which is fine and why he was a 3rd round selection for a team that is in need of more young bodies that can do that.

I think the logic is simple here. They were 8th in the league in sacks with a bunch of old worn down players holding down the point of attack. Now they are bigger and younger with high motors...me thinks the coaching staff see's there presence helping out every one who plays behind them. Put it this way, its easier to find these guys than it is true OLB pass rushers.

That said, this is the exact reason both players will have contributing roles on defense this season.