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Mock drafts are really a toss-up, especially when your favorite NFL team holds 12 picks. Yet, it’s hard to deny their appeal, so I’ll take a crack at a 2014 edition. I won’t factor in any trades, because I think that takes playing the role of GM too far.
Round One: 18th overall
We’ve talked about talents for all different positions for the 18th overall selection, but, given the current roster and needs at the offensive side of the ball…
Brandin Cooks — WR — Oregon State
Cooks is known for his speed and short stature, but don’t let that fool you into thinking he’s a one-street player. He’s talented enough to burn the big boys on the outside, and quick enough to get a TD off a slant route in the endzone. Brandin Cooks is a multi-faceted weapon for Geno Smith, rekindling the spirit of West Virginia University’s quick play-style that was in place with wide receiver Tavon Austin. The difference: Cooks may have better hands than Austin. Learn more about Cooks.
Round Two: 49th overall
Possibly even more intriguing than a round one selection, with many choices that the team can’t go wrong with, what direction will Idzik go with the 49th overall selection? Fans may want another offensive threat in a TE or additional WR, but I think the team focuses on a different position of need.
Marcus Roberson — CB — Florida
The Jets have a big hole to fill at cornerback this offseason, so the front office would be wise to address the concern early. It’s not as much as a worry about the current depth, more so that Rex Ryan relies heavily on his corners being able to match up one-on-one on the outside, often without safety or linebacker help.
Roberson possesses good size (6?, 191 lbs)—similar to Milliner—and shows the physicality that Rex Ryan loves. He has very good hips; Roberson keeps up with his man, while being able to quickly change direction to make a play. He drops down mainly because of durability issues and some character concerns. Still, he’d thrive with Ryan.
Some have compared him to NFL CB Alterraun Verner, who the Jets pursued in the offseason with the loss of Antonio Cromartie.
Rounds Three & Four
With one pick in round three, and three picks in round four, this time the NFL Draft will be very interesting for the Jets—assuming they still carry all or most of the picks.
Rd. 3, 80th overall: Telvin Smith — OLB — Florida State
Staying in the ‘Sunshine State,’ the Jets would be very smart to go after this underrated linebacker. He can burst through holes for sacks, and remain an asset in coverage. Smith is what the Jets have been lacking off-the-edge, but I’ll let you read more here: Pass-Rush Possibilities in the 2014 NFL Draft
Rd. 4, 104th overall: Trai Turner — OG — LSU
The Jets have both 2013 draftee Brian Winters and veteran Willie Colon on the roster at guard, but could stand to use insurance at the position with the ‘loss’ of Vlad Ducasse. Colon isn’t the future, but Turner could be developed into that. He’s a strong man with a larger build, even for the position, and can make key blocks in the run game. However, he’s currently a liability in pass protection, so a backup role for now would be ideal.
Rd. 4, 115th overall: Arthur Lynch — TE — Georgia
Fans will chime in for one of the top-tier tight ends in Eric Ebron or Jace Amaro, but it’s not all for naught. Lynch is best known for his talents as a blocker, unlike the wider majority of the tight ends coming out in this day. That’s not a bad thing, though, as the team could stand to use a TE that provides this to open up the teams’ bread-and-butter: rushing. He’s still a big target to throw to—6’5?, 258 lbs—so don’t completely discount his potential production.
Lynch has the confidence to compete for his spot in the NFL:
“I’ve had to block the best players in the country for four years,” Lynch said at the NFL Combine. “There isn’t a tight end in the SEC that has done that and I’ll continue to do that at the next level.”
Rd. 4, 137th overall: Dion Bailey — DB — USC
Bailey is a very versatile player, having played at safety during his redshirt junior season (2013) and linebacker the previous two seasons. Dion Bailey is a smart tackler, despite lacking an ideal body frame. He’s fundamentally sound, but may be limited to a backup role. Rex Ryan’s safeties aren’t asked to do as much in his defense than some other ones in the league, so he could make an easier transition to the NFL.
Rounds Five-Seven
Rd. 5, 154th overall: Cody Latimer — WR — Indiana
This year’s draft is known for its depth at wide receiver, so John Idzik probably won’t walk away without grabbing at least two commodities. To complement the smaller Brandin Cooks, the Jets could select a 6’3?, Big 10 receiver. What Latimer lacks in route knowledge and technique, he makes up for in athleticism and physicality. Once he has the ball in his hands, he can accelerate quickly and break tackles.
Rd. 6, 195th overall: Matt Patchan — OT — Boston College
The offensive line is a place to constantly be grooming capable backups and future starters. Patchan is more than capable at the position, but slips because of a unique and probably maddening string of injuries—from a bystander gun shot wound to a torn ACL. If the Jets can build him up right (and the training staff), Patchan could become the future at right or left tackle. Patchan is 6’6? and 302 lbs.
Rd. 6, 209th overall: Marcel Jensen — TE — Fresno State
Having already selected a block-first tight end, the Jets may look to find a late-round, receiving sleeper. Jensen has been overlooked, due to being underutilized at Fresno State. He’s a scary looking dude, in the best way possible, standing at 6’6? and weighing 259 lbs. In terms of fundamentals, Jensen has a way to go, but it’s hard to deny the potential in a player of his build. In college, Jensen was asked to block more than receive, but his wingspan gives him a very wide window for quarterbacks to throw to.
Rd. 6, 210th overall: Logan Thomas — QB — Virginia Tech
Another QB? Before you aim the guns at me, or in this case the Jets front office, let’s take a step back. A quarterback this late in the draft does not imply any kind of starting role, and Michael Vick is a one-year bridge—backup or starter. Thomas is a highly athletic and experienced QB, having played in games during all three of his playing seasons at Virginia Tech (redshirt). He’s 6’6? and well-defined, and not afraid of hits. He drops because he’s been severely inconsistent and tries to win the ballgame with flashes, not fundamentals. With correct refining, the Jets could have their own Colin Kaepernick in their back pocket, when the time comes. Plus, the value here is just too much to pass up.
Rd. 6, 213th overall: James Wilder, Jr. — RB — Florida State
Wilder shared carries at Florida State, so he wouldn’t have to worry about getting beat up in the NFL, with the Jets’ loaded backfield. Chris Johnson’s addition or non-addition may shake this up a little, but he’s a solid pick-up regardless. Wilder is built like a wide receiver, but runs and breaks tackles with that of the best RBs of the class. It’s amazing the quality of RB talent a team can draft in the late rounds, now, and I see him having the potential to become one of the better number two RBs in the league.
Rd. 7, 233rd overall: Patrick O’Donnell — P — Miami (Fla.)
John Idzik’s mantra is competition, and that does not leave P Ryan Quigley separated from the rest of the team. The Jets often struggled in the field position game, last season, switching from P Robert Malone to Quigley in September. The improvement via the switch was not enough to justify handing Quigley the starting nod.
O’Donnell is a former soccer star, and that usually means some foot talent. He has experience with kickoffs, should the Jets look to work for improvement from K Nick Folk, in that department. In 2013, he set Miami’s single-season record with a 47.1 yards-per-punt average.
So there you have it! Seven rounds, 12 picks, and one exhausted, but satisfied writer. Which picks do you agree/disagree with, and who else should be on the Jets’ board?
