FLORHAM PARK N.J. — An overview of what’s happening around FLORHAM PARK New York Jets:
1. Rare trifecta:Robert Saleh, Coach, called it a “dream first round.” One Scouting service said it was one of the greatest.
Scouts Inc. has made the Jets the first team to draft three players who have a grade of 92 (on a 100 scale) or higher in the same draft.
Cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner: 93
Wide receiver Garrett Wilson: 93
Defensive end Jermaine Johnson II: 92
This is a great haul for the Jets considering that only 14 players got a 92 or higher.
“I think they had an incredible experience.” [first day]”Yes, a scout of an opposing team stated. “You can argue that all three those guys were the most successful at their position this season.”
Joe Douglas, the general manger, had drafted three players with grades of 90 or higher a year ago. This was something new since 2008 Miami Dolphins. This is QB Zach Wilson(93), G Alijah Vera-Tucker(91) and WR Elijah Moore (90).
Although it appears they have stacked two great drafts (let’s not even talk about 2020), we all know that grades, rankings, and post-draft plaudits really don’t mean much. Although it is promising, no one will get a Lombardi until April.
2. Stunning fall:Johnson’s fall to 26 was one the most significant stories from the first round. What happened? He was widely considered a top-10 draft pick. I talked to people from the league about a few factors.
First, No edge rushers were selected between No. 5 (Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants) and No. 26 so it may have been due to a lack of need or a lack thereof. Johnson was also a miracle eight-month old. After a juco-stop and two nondescript years at Georgia he won his one-season at Florida State (12 sacks), performed well at Senior Bowl, and was a master at the scouting/combine testing. Players with little experience can make teams suspicious. Multiple sources have reported that Johnson did not interview well during the pre-draft process with certain teams.
One source claimed that he was a “disruptive prospect” among scouts. “But I’m glad that the Jets were in a position to get him back. Some draft scouts think he might be the best edge rusher in this draft.
He’s a great scheme for the Jets who can use him to be a wide-9 pass-rusher.
3. Scouts have this to say:Here are some comments from scouts about Gardner, Wilson, and Johnson.
Gardner: “I love the way he wires. He has the swag you look for in cornerbacks. He is a quick, agile athlete with a good burst. Many believe he is the best draft pick. … He is a confident and competent person. He has many things going for him. His size and competitiveness is something you will love. Although he will be strong against larger receivers, I do not think he is capable of handling the speedy, quick guys. He was given a late-first-round grade.
Wilson: Wilson is “more dynamic than other receivers.” I believe his skills will translate very well in the league. … I have Jameson WilliamsWilson is No. 1 in wide receivers, but he is also the best in class. 2. Then, there is a drop-off. … Tremendous body control. I believe his route running should be improved. Wilson and (former Ohio State colleague) Chris OlaveThey are very close, but Wilson seems more explosive.”
Johnson: “He has a lot traits that translate into the NFL. … He is a player. He is a competitor. He is tall, thin, and long-armed. He has excellent instincts. It’s a great pick. … He’s a professional-ready run defender. As a pass-rusher, he has many moves. He’s imaginative and has strong hands. He won’t do the same thing twice. He is able to perform a variety of moves.
4. Did you know?It was not only a successful draft for the Jets but also it was quite unusual. Consider:
They chose a wide receiver and ran back and tight end in their first three rounds of the common-draft era (since 1967). Wilson is the first round’s first receiver since Santana Moss 2001. … Breece Hall (No. 36) is their highest-drafted runningback since Blair Thomas in 1990.
5. Hall of a Deal (almost)Hall was so highly valued by the Jets, they attempted to trade up for him in the second round. That would have given them four of their first-rounders. This has only happened once in NFL history — with the 2000 Jets.
6. Big Ticket stays:So much for the rumors that the Jets will be moving on from LT. Mekhi Becton. They didn’t draft an offensive player on Day 1 or 2, so shouldn’t that be taken as a sign of confidence for the big guy? It’s kind of true, as they could easily have taken OT. Ikem EkwonuThe fourth selection.
Saleh previously stated that Becton would compete against him George FantAt left tackle, Saleh backed away on Saturday, suggesting that Becton might move to right tackle. Saleh was unusually vague. Saleh was a bit vague when asked if Becton would switch to the right.
The rule is that teams can’t criticize players for missing voluntary workouts. Becton is doing this, but Saleh said that he’d love to have him in the offseason. The coach looked at the camera once more and said, “We would like to have you back buddy.” We’ll take good care of you.”
Becton won’t let the Jets down, as they no longer have a Morgan Moses policy.
7. Extreme Makeover:One teammate said that Zach Wilson arrived at the offseason program with an entirely different attitude. Fant commented, “My guy came back with more swag. … He certainly returned with something new.”
This is a big year for the second-year quarterback. He now has a support cast that has a chance of being pretty good. The horrible Adam Gase-led offense of 2019, which featured the overpaid, washed-up RB Le’Veon BellThe entire team is gone. The 2020, 2021 and 2022 acquisitions of all the starters on the current offense are complete.
Wilson will not be able to achieve success overnight due to his inexperience. However, the pressure is on him to make a big move and continue growing with the group.
“I appreciate their confidence in me, and I think they understand that quarterback efficiency in this league … it’s how you win games, it’s how you’re explosive on offense,” Wilson said last week. “So I must do my part. I have to improve. I must let my teammates play the roles they were hired for.
8. It’s a uphill struggleGarrett Wilson’s addition raises many questions. Denzel Mims, who best describes himself as the WR5. His chances of success are not helped by the fact that he does not play on special teams, which is a requirement for receivers in this role. This prediction is that the Jets will take him to training camp to give him the opportunity to move the arrow up. This could boost his trade value, if nothing else. If he falters, it’s time to say goodbye.
9. Sam and AdamsFinal tally of the Jamal Adams Sam DarnoldTrades with the Seattle Seahawks Carolina Panthers, respectively:
The Jets made the Adams picks (2021, 2022 first-rounders, and a 2021-third-rounder) guard Vera-Tucker (and Garrett Wilson), two potential long-term starters. They traded up for Vera Tuckerer with their third-round pick.
They received three picks to Darnold, a 2021 sixth round choice and two 2022 second-and fourth-rounders. They converted them into four players — DB Jason PinnockDT Jonathan MarshallOT, Hall, and OT Max Mitchell.
They were able to use the No. 2 pick as an extra pick in Round 2. 35) to trade up in exchange for Johnson. It must be included in the equation. These trades worked out well for the Jets on paper.
10. Last word:This took place in the green room at the Las Vegas draft on Thursday night. Gardner finished his media obligations and saw Garrett Wilson, wearing a Jets hat while speaking to reporters. This was how he discovered that Wilson had been chosen. Gardner thought to himself, “Oh, man! This is going to be crazy!” Gardner found out that Johnson had been traded for him through a phone conversation with Tony Oden, cornerbacks coach.
Gardner stated: “I am like, “Oh, yeah, this group is going to be exceptional.”