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The Jets’ biggest issue last year wasn’t quarterback, but it was another area of the team, and they are in luck in this year’s draft. It’s a very strong class of players who can help them fix this problem . . .
They need to fix their secondary and the 2017 draft is a good place to get help.
“The thing that jumps out to me is just the depth we have in the secondary, especially corners is a really, really deep group,” said former scout Daniel Jeremiah, now with the NFL Network. “Safety is loaded.”
The best cornerback in the draft is Ohio State’s Marshon Lattimore. If his hamstrings are healthy, he should be a fixture in the Pro Bowl.
“He’s smooth, fluid, instinctive,” Jeremiah said. “He can play the football at the highest point, can he locate it, which is easier said than done. There are other guys that are really talented in this draft that cannot find, locate and play. Provided he’s healthy, I think he’s got a chance to be a number one corner pretty quickly.”
And the Jets will likely have a shot at one or two potential star safeties when they are on the clock at six.
“This year is unique in that Malik Hooker and Jamal Adams are special talents,” Jeremiah said. “Malik Hooker, his ability, like Ed Reed, to get you the football. To me, he’s pretty special with his instincts, range and ball skills.
“Then Jamal Adams, it’s kind of all of it together. Talk about a guy that can set the tone with his temperament on the field, his energy is fantastic. You hear great stories about him from a leadership standpoint. Talked to folks at LSU, they say he’s the best leader they’ve had there in 20 years. He shows you he’s a premier athlete as well who can match up in the slot if you wanted him to, could play a high safety, a box safety. These are two of the best safeties that have come out in a long, long time.”
The Jets need to land a couple of defensive backs who aren’t just physically gifted, but have top-shelf instincts. One of the big problems for the Jets last year were certain guys being a tick late reacting to what was transpiring in front of them. The Jets need more guys who sense what is about to take place before it happens, and less see-and-go reactors.
What are the weakest positions in this draft class?
“It’s not a good group of offensive linemen,” Jeremiah said. “I don’t think it’s a very good defensive tackle draft.”
This is okay from a Jets-standpoint. I actually think the Jets are going to be okay on the offensive line. I think Wesley Johnson can be an outstanding NFL center – smart, tough and mobile. The two guard spots are set. The Jets have two options at both left and right tackle – Kelvin Beachum and Ben Ijalana on the left side, and Brandon Shell or Ijalana on the right side. They also have Brent Qvale on the right side.
As for defensive tackle, which you can call their end in a 3-4 defense, they are in great shape with Mo Wilkerson, Leo Williams and Sheldon Richardson (if he’s not traded). The wildcard is Lawrence Thomas. Don’t sleep on this guy. The 2016 undrafted agent from Michigan State was playing like a high draft pick last year before hurting his shoulder. He’s a great athlete for an end/tackle.
April 13, 2017
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