The 2019 NFL Draft is just over a month away, which means that The Game Haus will be doing draft profiles for every team. Each NFL team will be looked at heading into this year’s draft including what their needs are and who they could be targeting. The New York Jets will be the third team looked at.
Sam Darnold (photo by amny.com)
Head coach Todd Bowles was fired after going 4-12 last season. While Sam Darnold showed flashes, the team simply didn’t have the talent to compete for the playoffs. Former Dolphins head coach Adam Gase was brought in to coach the team, while at the same time help Darnold’s development.
The offense ranked 23rd in the NFL at 20.8 points per game. They ranked 25th in passing offense and 26th in rushing offense, signaling the need for better players. Darnold played decently for a rookie, but still had his troubles as most rookies do. Isaiah Crowell, Bilal Powell and Elijah McGuire all are decent backs, but none were able to rush for 700 yards. The wide receivers and tight ends couldn’t consistently produce at a high level and the offensive line could’ve played better. The Jets have addressed a lot of their offseason needs already with the acquisitions of running back Le’Veon Bell, wide receiver Jamison Crowder and guard Kelechi Osemele.
Defensively, the Jets allowed 27.6 points per game and allowed six teams to score more than 30 points on them. The defensive line is solid with Leonard Williams and Steven McLendon. They did need more production out of their pass-rushing outside linebackers, as the team tallied just 39 sacks with no player having more than seven. The linebackers and cornerbacks could also use some upgrades from their play last season, while the safeties are young and promising in Marcus Maye and Jamal Adams. The Jets picked up C.J. Mosley to pair with Avery Williamson, giving them two strong inside linebackers. Brian Poole, a cornerback, was also brought in to help out the pass defense.
The New York Jets have six draft picks for Gase to try to build with.
First round (one pick): No. 3
Third round (two picks): No. 68, No.93
Fourth round (one pick): No. 105
Sixth round (one pick): No. 196
Seventh round (one picks): No. 217
Center- According to Pro Football Focus, Jonotthan Harris is slotted to start at center. For Darnold to progress he’ll need a complete offensive line.
Offensive Tackle- Kelvin Beachum is ok at left tackle, but Brandon Shell is starting at right tackle and could be upgraded.
Wide Receiver- Crowder was signed to go with Robbie Anderson and Quincy Enunwa, but they don’t have a number one receiver for Darnold to work with.
Edge Rusher- The Jets tried to sign Anthony Barr and play him on the edge, but since he didn’t sign, need to add someone who can get after the quarterback.
Cornerback- Trumaine Johnson is the best corner they have, so adding more couldn’t hurt.
First round:
Josh Allen (Photo by aseaofblue.com)
Pick No. 3: Josh Allen, Edge, Kentucky
The Jets have the safeties, linebackers and defensive linemen, but need outside linebackers to get after the quarterback in their 3-4 scheme. Allen is the perfect prospect for them as a guy who can rush the passer with the best of them, but can also drop back in coverage if asked. He had 17 sacks in his senior year at Kentucky and will help give the Jets yet another young star on a defense that could grow into something special.
Third round:
Pick No. 68: Hakeem Butler, Wide Receiver, Iowa State
The good news for the Jets is this is a deep wide receiver class, so they can get value in their third-round pick. Butler, or another talented receiver, will likely fall to their first pick in the third round. Butler is a big-bodied receiver at 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds, who also has some speed to go with it. There are some questions about his route-running and agility along with his hands, which is why he may fall to the third round.
Pick No. 93: Lonnie Johnson, Corner Back, Kentucky
Two defensive players both selected from Kentucky? The Jets could greatly benefit from adding another corner back and Johnson will likely be selected in the third or fourth round. He is a long corner, who should be able to match up with bigger receivers. Johnson isn’t a sure-fire starter, but has measurables that NFL teams will want to work with.
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