Content available exclusively for subscribers
Here are some of Dan Leberfeld’s takeaways from the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine . . .
If both Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans are gone when the Jets are on the block at 18, which will probably be the case, the Jets might not go receiver in the first round.
Rex Ryan is of the belief that quarterback and cornerback are the two positions that impact winning the most.
So with the being said, if both Evans and Watkins are gone, the Jets will have to think long-and-hard about Michigan State CB Darqueze Dennard at 18.
He’s a terrific bump-and-run corner, so he’s a good fit for the Jets system.
Yes, the Jets picked a corner in the first round last year, but Antonio Cromartie could be a cap casualty. And honestly, they have to be fed up with either his inability, or lack of interest, in jamming receivers at the line. Dennard has no problem doing that . . .
If the Jets don’t pick a receiver in the first round, Vanderbilt’s Jordan Matthews would be a good fit in the second round.
Some wondered about his speed, so when he ran a 4.43 in Indy, really helping himself.
He’s the all-time leading receiver in the SEC, which is quite an accomplishment, considering what a great conference that has been for a long time.
I had a chance to interview him with some other reporters at the combine, and he blew us away with his intelligence, maturity and focus. It’s hard to believe he’s just 21. He’s wise beyond his years. He’s the kind of guy who will come in and pick up a playbook fast, and not be outworked. His character is off-the-charts.
He’s got good size at 6-3, 205 . . .
As I mentioned yesterday, the Jets met with Oregon DE/OLB Scott Crighton at the Combine. While he’s not an ideal fit for a 3-4, I think we were saying the same thing last year about Sheldon Richardson, and that worked out well.
I had a chance to sit down with Crighton as well, and this kid is hungry.
He came out of school to help his family. They are struggling financially.
This guy is a glass eater as they say in scouting. He has an unbelievable motor to go along with Somoan toughness. I know he’s name doesn’t sound it, but he’s from Western Somoa.
He’s another guy who would make sense for the Jets in the second round . . .
North Carolina’s Eric Ebron had a terrific combine, and solidified his spot at the draft’s top tight end. Watching him run the forty (4.6) and go through position drills, he moves around the field like a receiver, not a tight end. He would make a lot of sense for the Jets at 18 if he’s still around, Ebron and Jeff Cumberland (who will likely re-sign) would be one of the best tight end combos in the league . . .
I was talking to source close to the Chicago Bears organization, and he told me that Josh McCown is just an unbelievable teammate and a great locker room guy.
To me, this guy would be the ideal backup/insurance policy for Geno Smith.
But there is one slight problem. He’s going to be in demand, and if the Jets sign him, he’s probably going to make more than Smith in 2014, and that isn’t a great dynamic.
February 26, 2014
Premium will return by 9:30 pm on Thursday.
