Content available exclusively for subscribers
Premium – There was an internet headline – “NFL Combine: As Jets, Giants watch, wide receiver Brandin Cooks stands out in 40-yard dash.”
That headline was bizarre.
The Jets (and Giants) watched all the workouts at all positions.
What is my point?
There was this narrative coming out of the Combine that the Jets were in Indianapolis to mainly look at receivers.
Do you realize how ridiculous that is?
They have eight draft picks (all their regular picks and two third round selections). They are likely going to get some supplemental picks as well.
Throughout the Combine it seemed like reporters, who cover the Jets, were only interviewing wide receivers.
Look, I under their editors were pushing them for wide receiver articles, but the media’s obsession and focus on receivers during the scouting process isn’t shared by the Jets.
They are scouting every position the same way, and will set their board based on value, regardless of position.
But this narrative coming from the press is setting the Jets up for a PR disaster.
“The Geno needs help” angle is taking on a life of it’s own.
Perhaps he needs a couple of new weapons, but he needs to improve on a lot of things that have nothing to do with weapons – telegraphing passes, accuracy, reading defenses and so forth.
But with the media pushing this angle to the nth degree, if the Jets don’t pick a receiver at 18, they are going to get hammered by the media and fans.
They should only pick a receiver at 18 if the value is right. Reaching for one there is a big mistake.
One takeaway from the Combine – it’s pretty clear at this point that Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans will be gone when the Jets are on the clock (unless they trade-up). They both had excellent combines – running well and catching everything in sight.
After that, I’m not sure there is a receiver worthy of the 18th pick.
Kelvin Benjamin has great size, but inconsistent hands.
Marqise Lee ran poorly at the combine. Are you going to pick an average-sized receiver at 18 who ran a 4.53 forty? That might be high.
Brandon Cooks ran a great forty (4.33), but is a small guy (5-10, 189). Picking small receivers in the middle of the first round, unless they are off-the-charts with talent, isn’t great business.
Look, this draft is loaded with receivers – you can get really good ones in the second or third round.
Now Watkins is such a great prospect, that if he happens to slip to the low teens, the Jets should probably consider trading up. He’s that good.
But if they stay put, Watkins and Evans will probably be gone, and the value will likely be at a different position
So whether it be a edge pass rusher, a cornerback, safety, guard, the best value could be elsewhere.
I mentioned the Jets met with DE/OLB Dee Ford at the Senior Bowl, and a fan tweeted at me, “if they pick him, I will cancel my season tickets.”
That fans wants a receiver.
Now Ford has a back concern which will probably make him a bad fit for 18, but the concept of picking an 3-4 edge pass rusher at 18 isn’t that far-fetched.
John Idzik needs to have the courage to pick the best player, and not worry about the public and media backlash.
You shouldn’t govern by public opinion polls.
February 23, 2014
Premium will return by 9:30 pm on Tuesday.