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Here is Part 2 of the series.
We are looking how the Jets might have done in the 2020 draft.
Grading the 2020 draft now is foolish. We will leave that to others, as will Joe Douglas.
“It’s impossible to grade a draft after it happens. We will outsource that,” Douglas said at the end of his post-draft press conference, tongue planted firmly in cheek.
So in this series, I’m not going to grade the Jets’ draft, but analyze how these players MIGHT help them moving forward.
On Tuesday, we talked about Jets first-round pick, Louisville offensive tackle Mekhi Becton and their second-round selection, Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims.
Now let’s move forward to a few guys in the middle of the Jets’ draft.
A major need for the Jets in this draft was a cornerback. They passed on a couple potential starters with the 48th pick, and traded back to 59, and picked Mims. Not saying Mims was the wrong pick, time will tell, just saying they had a chance to grab Jaylon Johnson or Trevon Diggs at 48.
And while Jets third-round pick Ashtyn Davis is a safety by trade, he has the speed and cover skills to handle some cornerback responsibilities. The guess is he runs under 4.4, but that is just a projection because he didn’t run before the draft due to a groin injury. It’s possible he could move to cornerback, but the Jets aren’t going there yet. However, at the very least, this safety can cover most receivers, so that is going to help the pass defense. The one concern with him might be he looks somewhat slender, playing a position with a lot of contact, so the Jets need to keep their fingers crossed on the durability front. He’s 6-1, but just 202 pounds. But aside from his lithe build, there is a lot to like about this pick.
I mentioned third-round pick Jabari Zuniga a little yesterday, but a few more thoughts on him: While his sack total at Florida wasn’t gaudy (18 in four years), he’s still a developing who came into the University of Florida (after switching his committment from North Carolina State) very raw and with limited football experience. So he’s not at his zenith yet. He has a great motor and a lot of twitchy athleticism.
“What he does have is explosiveness, twitch off the ball and get off,” said Jets assistant GM Rex Hogan.
Perhaps he turns into a Calvin Pace 6-8 sack guy.
Yes, the Jets picked Lamichal Perrine in the fourth round, but don’t judge him by where he was picked; he has starting potential, not necessarily this year, but in time. One reasons he’s not a candidate to start immediately, aside form the presence of Le’Veon Bell, is he needs some work on his blocking. NFL coaches don’t like putting young running backs on the field who are going to get the QB lit up because of their suspect protection skills. As a runner, Perrine, has a nice lower center of gravity at 5-11, 216 and has good eyes to spot running seams.
April 29, 2020
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