During my draft preview, I had The Jets going defense after selecting Zach Wilson with the number two pick overall. However, Dealin’ JDoug used his draft capital to trade up on day one to grab Alijah Vera-Tucker to protect the Mormon Messiah. As I stated in my day one recap, this was the extremely prudent move. Vera-Tucker can play inside and out, and is going to plug in as a starter right away. Drafting Wilson was one of the least kept secrets in the league— and despite how Jets fans feel about the pick— protecting the face of the franchise is of upmost importance here.
After the first round, I pivoted my stance of drafting defense early, and now believed that The Jets would go best available talent on day two. Joe Douglas’ ears must have been burning— with the next two picks, he would grab some more help for Wilson in Elijah Moore and Michael Carter. Moore is in the second tier in this year’s WR draft class, however, he is extremely talented. I could easily see him having a better career than some of his more well-known first round counterparts. Next, using a fourth rounder on a RB, JDoug may have gotten a STEAL in the Carter pick. I still think addressing the defense would have been the safe move here, but I love the value and added weapons for Wilson. Even though Douglas had addressed WR in free agency, the team, pre-draft, still lacked depth at the skill positions.
We all knew defense would be addressed eventually, and The Jets would use their remaining picks on that side of the ball. Heading into the draft, CB and DE were keys areas that I thought Douglas would key in on early (I was wrong, usually am). And, even though with the next six picks, five would somewhat address the pressing needs at those positions, the reality is that fifth and sixth round selections are a crapshoot (at best) to be impact players right off the bat. Dealin’ JDoug may have waited too late to go defense, but Jets fans should trust the process (what am i saying??? Jets fans have no trust!) Moreover, if anyone can make these late round selections work, it’s Robert Saleh.
Now, let’s take a look at the selections…
Round One
Pick 2- Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Pick 14- Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
Round 2
Pick 34- Elijah Moore, WR, OLE MISS
Round 4
Pick 112- Micheal Carter, RB, UNC
Round 5
Pick 146- Jamien Sherwood, LB, AUBURN
Pick 154- Micheal Carter II, DB, DUKE
Pick 175- Jason Pinnock, CB, PITT
Round 6
Pick 186- Hamsah Nasirildeen, LB, FSU
Pick 200- Brandin Echols, CB, KENTUCKY
Pick 207- Jonathan Marshall, DT, ARKANSAS
Overall, I like what The Jets did during the draft. Defense was addressed late, but there could be some hope that one or two of the six late rounders hit. Regarding the offense—Joe Douglas had a plan— protect and arm the Mormon Messiah. Sadly, the previous regime did not give Sam Darnold the same chance, and ultimately, if the Douglas/Saleh partnership wants to last, then they know that Wilson has to be given every opportunity to be good, and be good, fast. BUT, therein lies the rub— the hopes and dreams of Jets Nation rely on the arm of this kid…
You must be logged in to post a comment Login