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New Jersey – Today, Dan puts a capstone on his Day Three draft review, and gives some final thoughts on the Jets’ draft overall . . .
Jalen Saunders is the leading candidate to be the Jets punt returner this year.
He had three punt returns for touchdowns in 25 attempts at Oklahoma.
He will likely have a limited role on offense, but the Jets’ creative offensive coordinator, Marty Mornhinweg, will dial up some plays for this “joystick” who is very quick in and out of his breaks.
Fellow receiver Shaq Evans is a nice fourth round value. He is a bigger Jericho Cotchery who does a nice job working the middle of the field where he has no fear.
Let’s jump to the sixth round . . .
CB Brandon Dixon is likely going to end up on the practice squad. He’s a small-college cornerback who needs a lot of molding. But he’s very physical at the line and has good speed. With a year of tutoring, the Jets could have something down the road.
WR Quincy Enunwa is a jumbo receiver (6-2, 225) who runs under 4.5. It’s always possible the Jets could bulk him up a little, and move him to tight end. The coaches are going to fall in love with this Nigerian, who has a great work ethic, character and intangibles.
Ik Enemkpali is another Nigerian with a great attitude. He could help the Jets as a pass rusher, but also could end up on the practice squad. The big question about this guy is his athletic stiffness, and this could ultimately be his downfall. We will see if he can overcome it.
You know how I feel about the last sixth round pick – Tajh Boyd. Great kid, great arm, good leader, issues reading defenses.
I love the Jets seventh round pick – OLB Trevor Reilly. Love it. He could turn into a poor man’s Mike Vrabel. Reilly is 6-5, 245 and ran 4.66. He has the potential to be a terrific strong-side linebacker over the tight end. He is also a terrific pass rusher. He’s much better than your typical seventh round pick. Reilly is also 26 and married, so he’s more mature than many rookies.
I’m not into draft grades. They are childish. None of us will know if this draft is any good for two years, so why grade it now?
I respect John Idzik’s discipline in sticking to his board. It’s the best approach.
The Calvin Pryor pick was a perfect example of the marriage of value and need. The Jets didn’t have an intimidating hitter in the secondary last year, a player, like LaRon Landry, who made players think twice about going into his zone. Pryor was the biggest hitter of all the secondary players in the draft, and no slouch in coverage. This was a very smart pick.
Jace Amaro has star potential. He can run the entire route-tree, can get way down field, has solid hands. While he needs work on technique as a blocker, he does get after it in this area. He plays with an attitude.
If Dexter McDougle can stay healthy, he has starting potential. He’s fast, smart and tough with great football character.
Dakota Dozer could be the heir apparent to Willie Colon, or if Brian Winters doesn’t improve his consistency, the heir apparent to him.
And as I mentioned, Reilly, was a tremendous seventh round value.
May 12, 2014
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