With the 2018 NFL Draft behind us, it’s time to begin
the review process on how each team stacks up with the selections they’ve made.
The Jets made the first big splash moving up in the draft weeks before it
began. Moving up in a trade with the Colts ultimately suggested a franchise
quarterback was on the menu to land in New York for the Gang-Green! With no
second, fifth, or seventh pick in this year’s draft class, the Jets still
managed to secure six players from the 2018 draft pool, let’s review…
New York Jets 2018 Draft Class Review:
Round 1 – Pick 3 (3)
Sam Darnold (QB)
ADF was absolutely convinced the smoke screen was real
on the last day before the draft when reports began to swirl suggesting Baker
Mayfield would be selected with the first overall selection. We had Sam Darnold
pegged to the Browns at number one with the upmost certainty as his talent
level suggests huge upside to become a true franchise quarterback. As the
Browns made the rumor a reality regarding Baker Mayfield, perhaps the biggest
benefactor was the New York Jets. Witnessing Sam Darnold slip to the third
overall selection would’ve left the brain trust elated with their new found
luck.
Though Darnold only played two seasons at USC, he was
rather impressive in the process. With that said, Sam did show weaknesses to
his game that would allow scouts to point the finger suggesting he wasn’t
deserving of the clear cut number one selection. In two seasons Sam posted 7229
passing yards while adding 57 touchdowns to his 22 interceptions for the
Trojans. The glaring concern to most was the amount of turnovers Sam produced
in both the passing game and having ball security issues losing fumbles. While
those issues are clearly coachable and could be quite easy for Darnold to
correct, the listing of positives clearly outweighs the negatives. Sam Darnold
is a fantastic talent that almost has the entire toolkit put together but will
require some pro instruction to take it to the next level. Sam has the
appropriate NFL size, and above average arm, excels in reading defenses and
looking off coverages, timing and precision in throws to the outside is
fantastic, very capable to throw darts on the run, and the list goes on and on.
ADF was sold on Darnold as the process moved forward
as the tape surely didn’t lie. While Sam has issues to fix with the most
glaring being his lack of protection for the football (both interceptions and
fumbles), we believe some of that was a by-product of the team USC formed
around him. Sam has the intelligence to fix these traits and it should be
interesting to see if he can steal the starting role in training camp.
ADF Prediction: Has the
looks of a true franchise quarterback, very high upside.
Round 3 – Pick 8 (72)
Nathan Shepherd (DT)
With the Jets cleaning house with most of their top
end talent on the defensive line from a season ago, rebuilding with players
like Nathan Shepherd is a great start. Nathan is a beast of a man that could
easily add more weight to an already impressive frame. Showing great ability to
adapt to his surroundings should give him a leg up when the Jets coaching staff
begin to apply their schemes while attempting to refine his skill-set come the
offseason programs. Testing well at the combine and showing his ability at the
Senior Bowl made scouts take a second glance. Shepherd may begin the year as a
situational rotational player, but has great upside under the tutelage of
defensive minded coach Todd Bowles.
ADF Prediction: Good upside, but will need work to refine his
skills.
Round 4 – Pick 7 (107)
Chris Herndon (TE)
Much like his former college teammate David Njoku,
Chris Herndon possesses great overall talent that might not be unleased in his
rookie season. The new NFL breed of tight ends with great height and speed
teamed with top tier athleticism is the formula that most clubs are looking for
every year in the draft. While Herndon didn’t wow anyone with his statistics in
Miami, the upside to mold a fresh talent with all the correct intangibles is
the reason for this selection by the Jets. You can’t coach speed, size, and
hands which are all traits Herndon does in fact possess. To become a true three
down player rather than just a receiving option, Chris will have to greatly
improve his blocking ability in his first NFL season.
ADF Prediction: Great
intangibles, potential to never put it all together.
Round 6 – Pick 5 (179)
Parry Nickerson (DB)
In a draft class loaded with defensive back talent,
Parry Nickerson could be one of the fastest in the bunch. His 40 time was an
impressive 4.32 which shouldn’t be a big surprise given his size and frame.
While ADF doesn’t shy away from endorsing corners that measure shorter than the
NFL likes these days, Nickerson will have to improve his craft for us to take
notice. Most scouts have him pegged as a competitor for the Jets nickel
position, to which we would have to agree. His ball skills will jump out when
viewed but has shown to get overwhelmed at times. ADF likes the upside but the
jury is still out on Parry.
ADF Prediction: Moderate/low
upside, potential bust.
Round 6 – Pick 6 (180)
Foley Fatukasi (DT)
Yet again the Jets chose to address their defensive
line issues with a talented player in need of coaching and refining of skills. Though
Foley is another gigantic individual that could turn out to become quite a
force, time will have to be on his side to get better at his craft.
Round 6 – Pick 30 (204)
Trenton Cannon (RB)
The Jets took a chance on the speedy running back from
Virginia State. Looking to become more of a gadget player in the Jets offense
as Cannon does have good hands and finishing speed. Has the ability to be New
York’s kick returner as well.
2018 Undrafted Free Agent Signings
Dimitri Flowers, RB, Oklahoma
Cannon Rooker, K, Middle Tennessee State
Frankie Luvu, LB, Washington State
Austin Golson, OL, Auburn
Darius James, OL, Auburn
Tre' Williams, LB, Auburn
Tyrice Beverette, DB, Stony Brook
Dakoda Shepley, OL, University of British Columbia
Lord Hyeamang, DT, Columbia
Comments
Post a Comment