Monday, April 28, 2008
Jets Draft Review
1. Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB 6th Overall
This is one of those picks that is a high risk, high reward. Gholston is a complete physical BEAST. One of the best combines of all players, however, his only downgrade is his inconsistency. On some of his tape he looks like he can be the top player in the draft and on some tapes he looks like his name could be Rob Jackson. The way some scouts put it is his plays like he takes full games off and not just plays. If Mangini can get him to play every play like it's the last or at least 75% of plays this could become something real special. With one of the Jet's biggest needs coming into the off-season being to get more pressure on QB's and being a guy who loves projection I will give this;
GRADE: A-.
2. Dustin Keller, TE, 30th Overall
This is the pick I hated with a passion. Not so much by who they picked because the Jets did need a tight end, but the way they went about it was all wrong. If someone can please tell me why it would be great because I was curious as to why the Jets felt they had to trade up to get him? They moved up 7 spots to get him, gave up an extra pick, when they could have taken him 36th because there were no teams who were going to take him. On Keller's talent he is very skilled, fast, and has great athleticism for a tight end, but you would think especially the Jets would be weary of taking a tight end in the 1st round.
Grade: C+
3. Dwight Lowery, CB, 113th overall
This is a kid with a great instincts who knows how to play the game of football. He does not have great speed, but good speed, knows how to read a play, closes quickly, and has good leaping ability. His biggest knock is that he plays for a DI-A and is projected to struggle with pro wide receivers.
Grade: B-
4. Erik Ainge, QB, 162nd Overall
Before the 2007 season I thought Ainge would have went much higher. He fell, however, and the Jets should be glad. In terms of value this has to be a great pick. Ainge is a big kid, but does not have great arm strength and is a younger, healthier Chad Pennignton. He has good accuracy and is a good "game manager" who will lead you down the field with short crisp passes. The only thing that is negative about this pick is Andre Woodson was still available who is a good quarterback and has the potential to be much better.
Grade: B
5. Marcus Henry, WR, 171st Overall
They needed a wideout, they got a wideout, it was just too late in the draft. Henry is a big man at 6'4, but likes the speed and hands to make it as a good wide receiver in the NFL. I am not expecting much from him, but hopefully he proves me wrong.
Grade: C6. Nate Garner, OT, 211th Overall
ESPN:
"Garner is big enough to engulf defensive ends and he can drive defenders off the ball. He is a far better run-blocker than pass-blocker."Grade: D
...Overall I like what the Jets did grabbing a great pass-rusher, a quarterback, cornerback, and tight end. They would have been better off keeping the 4th round pick where they could have drafted a better wide receiver their draft would have been so much better. Overall it's still a good draft.
Grade: B
