Prospect Report Card: Jadeveon Clowney

January 13, 2014January 13, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Pass Rush: 18/20
Physically there is no prospect with the pass rushing gifts of Jadeveon Clowney. His rare combination of size, speed, and jump off the snap make him physically one of the most feared pass rushers in college football. However, Clowney’s inability to be consistent is his biggest problem rushing the passer. He will have a monster game one week, then a game where he disappears the following week. Despite his gifts Clowney only managed to have 3 sacks this entire season. The reason his score is so high with the lack of production is his rare combination of power and speed pass rushing moves. Without these, his score would be much lower.
Run Stopping: 13/20
Clowney is best known for his pass rushing, but this year he greatly regressed in stopping the run. His motor and inability to finish plays created many instances where Clowney missed out on making plays. This year he took major steps back as a run stopping defensive end. What saves him is that when he does give the effort, he has great form when tackling, not to mention he can lay some lumber as a defensive hitter. With 41 tackles and no forced turnovers, Clowney’s 2013 campaign was very forgettable when it came to stopping the run.
Physical Attributes & Size: 20/20
At 6’6, 274 pounds, Clowney has the size to play in the NFL. His combination of size and speed is a unique combination that is rarely seen in the NFL. While he projects best as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, Clowney is one of those rare prospects who can play multiple positions. He can play the interior or end position along the Defensive line and could stand up as an outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. This is what scouts most drool about when Clowney is brought up. They love his size and power, and this is what will propel him to be a top pick in the draft.
Potential: 10/10
No prospect in the 2014 class has the physical attributes that Clowney possesses. If he is focused and committed, he can be an impact player from day one. Similar to Mario Williams, he could develop into an elite pass rusher that could be a 10 plus sacks a season type of player. Physically, the sky is the limit for Clowney.
Injury: 6/10
Clowney has suffered many minor injuries during his college career that has cost him a couple of games. Clowney blames his lack of production on injuries this season, but having these nagging injuries could be a red flag for teams. It also doesn’t help that he doesn’t exactly play through pain, which brings up questions about his toughness. While he isn’t an injury prone player, Clowney has had some dings from college football. While there are no major red flags about his health, there has to be concern about his injuries in college and how he doesn’t fight through them.
Scheme fit: 10/10
Clowney is one of those rare prospects who fits almost any system in the NFL. While his best fit would be as a 4-3 end, he can play outside linebacker or end in a 3-4 as well. With his size and athleticism he can moved all over the field to give him the best matchup for the particular play. It doesn’t matter the scheme, Clowney will be a great fit for whatever defense he plays for.
Motor: 3/1o
Clown’s lack of hustle was apparent this year. Many experts will save that he is saving himself for the NFL, but as a GM this has to be concerning. Defense is all about desire and you want the consistent effort from players. It’s great when Clowney makes a big play, but not great when he disappears for the next 10 snaps. While he has a high motor in 2012, that motor and hustle greatly diminished. Clowney clearly gives up on plays, and doesn’t give a full effort on every snap. This is a huge red flag for a team because they might not want a player who will take off plays.
Total Grade: 80/100 projection: Top 10 pick
A year ago Clowney would have been the surefire number one pick in the draft. But after a tumultuous 2013 season with both on and off the field issues, Clowney’s draft stock has taken a major hit. While a team will gamble on his raw ability and potential, there has to be concern about his motor and off the field issues. As of now he will probably be a top 5 pick and will almost certainly be off the board by the tenth pick. Clowney defiantly has the highest ceiling off any prospect this season. However, he does have bust potential after a poor season this year and will be in my opinion either a star or a complete bust.

Grading the Jets Rookies in 2013

January 4, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

The 2013 season may be over for the New York Jets, but there is reason to be optimistic. With a young roster and the return of Rex Ryan for 2014, it looks like the Jets are posed for a playoff push next season. This year was a crucial year for the New York Jets to develop the young talent from the 2013 NFL Draft. After sixteen games we have seen what these players can do and what they maybe capable of in the future. For this list, we will focus on both production, and potential when evaluating the Jets rookie class. First up we have….

Dee Milliner: B –
After an up and down start, Milliner finished the year on a high note

Well someone had some big shoes to fill. After the Jets traded cornerback Darrelle Revis before the draft, they selected the best cornerback prospect in the draft, Alabama’s Dee Milliner to replace him. Of course asking a rookie to fill the shoes of the best cover corner in the NFL is putting too much pressure on a young player. After an offseason surgery and missing most of the preseason, it was apparent that Milliner was struggling from missing those important workouts. Despite three benchings this season, over the past month Milliner has looked like a first round corner and finished the season being named the AFC Defensive player of the week in week 17. Some Jets fans maybe wondering why this grade is so high? The reason is because Milliner finished the season strong and is beginning to look like a very good corner. With a full offseason now to learn the defense, 2014 could be the year the Milliner turns into a great NFL corner. Despite the shaky season Milliner still finished with 45 tackles, 3 picks, and 17 passes defended. While he may not have been the impact player the Jets were looking for this year, he still has the upside to be a great corner in this league.
Sheldon Richardson: A+
From unknown pick to possible defensive rookie of the year

And with the 13th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft the New York Jets select Sheldon Richardson! Like most Jets fans my reaction to this pick was huh? Why are we taking another defensive lineman? Who is this guy? Really this is what we got for Revis? My how a season can change a perspective. Sheldon Richardson looks like a steal from the Revis trade as he helped to make the Jets defensive line one of the most ferocious lines in football. In his rookie season only J.J. Watt was a better defensive end when it came to stopping the run for a defensive end. Richardson dominated with 77 tackles (15.5 for a loss), 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Not to mention he became the first defensive player since William “The Refrigerator” Perry to score two touchdowns as a defensive player playing on offense. From run stuffer, to new goal line weapon, Richardson had an incredible 2013. If he can continue to work on his pass rushing and improve that aspect of his game, he could become one of the best defensive ends in football before we know it.
Geno Smith: B
With some help Smith could be the franchise quarterback of the future

It was a roller coaster of a season for Geno Smith there were up and downs, but in the end Geno has shown flashes that he can be the franchise quarterback. Despite throwing for 3,046 yards and throwing 12 touchdowns, Smith also has the lowest quarterback rating in the league and 21 interceptions. Despite these lackluster passing stats, Geno also used his legs to rack up 366 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns. The reason he gets a B instead of a C is because of two reasons. First he has shown great poise and a strong-arm he will hopefully learn to control. Second, and most importantly is that he was an 8-8 quarterback with arguably the worst offensive personnel in the NFL. With a horrible receiving core, at best average running backs, and no tight end for a security blanket, it’s a miracle in itself that Geno had this team even competing for a playoff spot. If the Jets can give him some weapons in 2014, we may see Geno take the next step in his development and become a great quarterback. Not to bad considering the Jets stole him in the second round.
Brian winters D+
Like Game of Thrones hopefully Winters is coming

Here is where it starts to go down hill for the Jets. In the third round the Jets selected Brian Winters. While the guard did have some flashes, he mostly struggled. With inconsistent run blocking and struggles in pass protection, instead of being the answer at guard, Winters has only raised more questions. While he still is young and could develop into a solid starting guard this grade goes beyond Winters. I would have given him a C grade, but with the players the Jets passed on, only make this pick look worse. The Jets passed on a receiver I was praying for them to draft, Keenan Allen. He became one of the best rookie receivers along with Terrance Williams, who was also available along with tight end Jordan Reed. With the lack of weapons on the Jets offensive, one of these players could have helped Geno Smith develop quicker. The Jets would have been better of with a playmaker rather than Winters inconsistent guard play.
Oday Aboushi D
Not a bright future, but might be a good backup

Aboushi didn’t do too much in 2013. He was basically on the practice squad the entire year. While he may eventually develop into a starting tackle or guard for the Jets, it looks like he will be no more than a backup for Gang Green. While he could be a versatile backup for the Jets, it may take time for him to become a future starter. Overall not a terrible pick, but a pick that was used for just improving the team’s depth and a possible offensive line project. With no NFL starters around this pick, it doesn’t look like the Jets missed out on too much here. If D’Brickashaw Ferguson continues to regress, maybe Aboushi could be his replacement one day. It’s along shot, but stranger things have happened
William Campbell: F
Third time not the charm

I still don’t get this pick. Three offensive linemen in a row? You don’t think you could spread the wealth to other parts of your team? While I do think Campbell could be a solid backup in the NFL, he is a huge work in progress. I’m never a big fan of switching positions in the NFL. Tight end to a receiver or a defensive end to stand up linebacker, sure. Defensive tackle to offensive guard, bad idea. While Campbell has impressed more than Aboushi, the Jets could have used this pick from some much-needed depth in their lineup.

Tommy Bohanon: A –
The Bohanon Canon

Talk about finding value late in the draft. Bohanon has been the Jets starting fullback since week one. He’s an A minus because he was unpolished as a run blocker, but continued to develop as the season progressed. He can run the ball well between the tackles in start yardage situations and displayed great hands out of the backfield. While his blocking needs works, the Jets may utilize him more in the playbook next year by throwing him the ball more and allowing him to get more carries in short yardage situations.
Overall: B –
While Richardson is a star, Milliner and Smith will have to continue their strong late season campaigns and show improvement in 2014. The good news is they both have tremendous upside and now experience from 2013. The middle rounds were a mess with three offensive linemen who instead of answers to a struggling offensive line have only created more questions. The Jets also passed on playmaking offensive weapons that could have helped Geno Smith’s development. Their final pick, Bohanon, was a steal considering the found a versatile starting fullback in the seventh round. While the draft could have been better, the Jets found talented players and could have done much worse. Hopefully the Jets can continue to build a playoff caliber team in the upcoming NFL Draft. Do you agree? What grades would you give the Jets? Comment below.

Why Geno Smith isn’t to blame for Jets’ struggles

December 4, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Despite Geno Smith’s benching against the Dolphins, it isn’t his fault that the Jets offense has been a disaster. There are many reasons why Geno Smith has struggled in 2013 and why it’s the New York Jets fault that the rookie has looked lost in recent weeks.

forget aerial assault, the Jets can’t even get off the ground with these receivers

Receivers: Quick question, who is an NFL caliber receiver on the New York Jets? I’d be hard pressed to name one. Geno’s struggles began when Jeremy Kerley was injured a few weeks ago. Without question Kerley has been the Jets best and most consistent receiver this season. The problem? At best he’s a great slot receiver. He is not a number one or two target in the NFL. Stephen Hill? I think I saw his picture on a milk carton because he has been disappeared for over a month. Holmes? He can’t stay healthy and has lacked the big play ability that the Jets are overpaying him for. I think this is one Jet who won’ t be back in 2014. Salas and Nelson? Not even NFL scouts know who they are. While Geno has been inaccurate, it’s not like his receivers have done him any favors. Without question the Jets have the worst group of receivers in the NFL.
Tight end? more like dead-end

Any NFL rookie quarterback needs a security blanket. Enter the tight end whose size and presence in the middle of the field allows for an easy check down for a rookie quarterback. The Jets tight ends have been big problems instead of big targets. Kellen Winslow missed four games due to a suspension and has continued to prove why he’s a first round bust. Cumberland has been solid, but is a number two tight end at best. Mini Gronk? No impact. If anything this position has hurt Geno’s development. With a lack of weapons on the outside Geno looks to the middle of the field for check downs to his tight ends. However, they are never open. Even Sanchez had Dustin Keller to check down to. Geno on the other hand just has a bunch of cast-offs who shouldn’t be on this team next year.
Ground and pound?

Running Game: In Mark Sanchez’s first few seasons he had some of the better running backs in the league. Geno Smith, not so much. While Powell and Ivory have had a few good performances this year, their inconsistency and inability to break big runs and run the ball effective early in the game has hurt the Jets. Oh, and to Marty Mornhinweg STOP RUNNING THE WILDCAT! No body does this anymore, it doesn’t work, and you never throw out of it. Stop! While Ivory and Powell have shown flashes, they are not every down backs. As number two backs the would be great, but the Jets lack a home run hitting number one back. Without a solid running game, the Jets haven’t helped Smith get into more manageable situations and allow him to utilize the play action pass.
Can they block anybody?

Offensive line: In recent weeks the once vaunted Jets offensive line has been manhandled. Pro Bowlers Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson have looked like shells of their former selves, while rookie Brian Winters has struggled to pick up blitzes and Willie Colon continues to get dumb penalties. Geno Smith has been getting killed these past few weeks and I can’t even remember a play when he had time to throw. As a young quarterback when your under pressure every drop back, your thinking about survival not throwing a 15 yard post. While the pass protection has been brutal, the run blocking hasn’t helped either. They can’t protect or create holes in the running game. You can’t have a shaky foundation and expect to have a productive offense.
A GM that left his future quarterback out to dry.

Front Office: Ok, I know John Idzik didn’t have a lot of cap room to bring in free agents. I’ll give him a pass on that, but I can’t forgive the man for his first draft. While Sheldon Richardson has been great, this draft did little if nothing to help Geno Smith. With the ninth pick, instead of picking the frustrating Dee Milliner, the Jets had better options. They could have drafted a tight end, or one of the interior linemen like Warmack or Long to solidify the offensive line. Then in the third round they could have drafted Keenan Allen or Terrance Williams at receiver instead of Brian Winters. With a crucial draft, Idzik didn’t exactly help out his young QB and instead focused on three offensive linemen how haven’t panned out.
The hot seat is heating up for Rex Ryan

Coaching: Rex Ryan knows defense. Developing a quarterback, not so much. While Marty Morninweg is the offensive coordinator, it is Rex’s job as the head coach to get the offense going. Instead of playing to Geno’s strengths by rolling him out of the pocket, or having him in the shot-gun with spread wide receivers, the Jets keep calling plays that make you scratch your head. Instead of trying to get Geno going early with quick passes or screens, the Jets keep running the ball for marginal gains. Then when they fall behind they put Geno Smith in passing situations when he hasn’t even gotten into a rhythm. I;m not say throw the ball fifty times, but get Geno going early so that he gets a rhythm going in the game.
Geno does deserve the blame, but he has been given too much blame

Conclusion: While Smith deserves a certain amount of blame, he is getting an unfair amount. This has been the perfect storm of futility. I don’t care if your Manning, Brees, Brady, or Rodgers, you couldn’t have success with this offensive personnel. The fact that Geno has five wins with this lackluster cast should get him some praise. However, with the offensive futility continuing in New York, and Jets nation waiting for a long overdue franchise quarterback, Geno Smith has been put in an almost no win situation. Keep him in to get reps this season and to develop. But he’s going to succeed, the man needs help. It’s just a matter of when or if the Jets will give him the pieces he needs to be an effective NFL quarterback.

Re-grading the Jets 2013 Draft halfway through season

October 22, 2013November 4, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Dee Milliner C-
Milliner’s 2013 hasn’t started off great

It’s never easy to fill Darrelle Revis’ shoes. It’s been a mixed bag in 2013 for Milliner where injuries and inconsistent play have hurt the first round pick. In five games this season only has 18 tackles, and one pass defended. However, the New Orleans game was his best showing, and could be the confidence boost that Milliner desperately needs. If he can remain healthy and on the field Milliner could finally show us more of his potential. One thing is for sure, Milliner needs to improve his coverage or else teams will continue to pick on him. At the moment he seems to be more of a long-term project, but could be a great corner in the future. While a tight-end could have been more beneficial, compared to the other picks around him, Milliner still has the most upside.
Sheldon Richardson A+
In 2013, Richardson maybe the biggest steal of the draft

When Richardson was picked 13th overall, many Jets fans were pissed. Who is this guy? This is who we got for Darrelle Revis? Blasphemy! However, in 2013 Richardson has been the most dominant rookie from the 2013 Draft class. An instant impact would be an understatement. One reason the Jets Defense has dominated this year, its number 91. Richardson has made the Jets defensive front one of the most ferocious and dominant in the NFL, and has given Jets Nation only a taste of what this defensive could be able to do over the next decade. This year Richardson has been an elite run stuffer with 41 tackles and a forced fumble. While he is still developing as a pass rusher with only 2.5 sacks, he’s been in the face of quarterbacks consistently and will only continue to develop his pass rushing skills as he continues developing. Sheldon Richardson and Mohammed Wilkerson? Tom Brady’s going to have nightmares for the rest of his career in Foxboro.
Geno Smith B+
Smith is proving that he could be the quarterback Jets fans have been waiting for

Looks like the Jets got their franchise quarterback in the second round. Talk about a steal. The reason this is an A- is because Geno has been turning over the ball a little bit too much. However, this is due to the lack of weapons rather than Geno’s talents. So far he is the best quarterback of this class and if he can cut down on the turnovers, he will be great. As the season has progressed Geno has shown great poise and improvement. His arm strength and athleticism could make him even more dangerous if the Jets can surround him with the right weapons over the next few years. He’s already shown a poise and ability to play under pressure that Mark Sanchez never did. If not for Geno’s clutch performances the Jets wouldn’t be a playoff contender. Let’s not forget that Geno is also a second round pick. With the value of a second round pick being a franchise quarterback os one reason this grade is so high. I know the 8 Touchdowns and 13 picks aren’t exactly gaudy numbers, but when Geno actually gets some weapons to throw to then we will finally see what he is truly capable of. By the end of this year, this could be an A+ grade. Looks like some franchises may have passed on a great quarterback in the 2013 draft.
Brian Winters B –
Winters has been solid, but the Jets missed out on some good playmakers

Since being inserted into the starting lineup four weeks ago, Brian Winters has helped to boost the offensive line. While he may not be doing anything spectacular yet, he has been excellent in pass protection and an average run blocker. As he continues to develop he could become a very good lineman in the NFL. While Winters has been a good pick for the Jets terrible offensive line, the reason the grade is this low is because of other players the Jets could have drafted. Receivers Keenan Allen and Terrance Williams have become very good playmakers for their respective teams. and would have helped Geno’s development. With the Jets mess at wide receiver, one of these players may have given the Jets offense a playmaker they’ve desperately been lacking. It was a good pick, but the Jets missed out on some great offensive weapons.
Oday Aboushi D
A pick that could provide future value

Now we start getting into difficult territory. With no players around him that the Jets could have drafted, outside of maybe a tight end, Aboushi is a pick that wasn’t supposed to impact the 2013 season. Instead look for him to be a project moving forward and eventually become a starter or reliable backup. Time will tell, but at the moment this is a decent developmental pick for a time that needs offensive line depth.
William Campbell-D
A project that hasn’t gone anywhere, it may have been a wasted pick

The Jets tried to convert Campbell from a defensive tackle to an offensive lineman. After a less than stellar camp, Campbell is now on the practice square and looks to be a wasted pick. With other players available such as safety Bacarri Rambo, tight end Mychal Rivera, and cornerback Demetrius McCray the Jets missed players how have been giving solid production to their respective teams. Especially after drafting two offensive linemen in a row, it really didn’t make sense for the Jets to go out there and waste a pick on another one. Instead they should have focused on another area of need to provide more depth. While the offensive line depth is a big plus, the lack of depth at receiver and tight end have made the Jets offense sputter when they need a big play
Tommy Bohanon A-
Bohanon’s versatile makes him a great fullback for the Jets future

Talk about getting great value. As a seventh round pick Bohanon has been the Jets starting fullback since opening day. Since then he’s been a versatile player in the Jets offense. While his run blocking has been good, it is something that Bohanon can improve moving forward. He’s proven he can round the ball effectively, especially in short yardage situations. He can catch the ball effectively out of the backfield and has been great when protecting Geno Smith in passing situations. Bohanon shows a lot of promise and if he continues to develop could be a versatile weapon in the Jets offense. Do you agree with these grades? How would you grade the Jets draft and who should they have drafted? Comment and like below!!

Making the Grade: NY Jets Draft grades

April 28, 2013May 20, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

The 2013 NFL Draft was a monumental one for the New York Jets as they looked to rebuild their depleted roster. Many questions surrounded the Jets before the draft. How much power did Rex Ryan still have? Would they trade down? Find an heir apparent to Mark Sanchez or quarterbacks that don’t butt fumble? Well the draft has come and gone but let’s see how and John Idzik and the Jets did in the 2013 draft.

First Round Dee Milliner CB Alabama 9th overall

Milliner says he can be as good as Revis let’s find out

This was a mixed bag for me. Did the Jets pick the best player on the board yes. Did they improve a secondary that lost Darrelle Revis yes. But still there are many problems I have with this pick. First I would have tried to trade down to pick up more picks, I think the Jets may have tried but their were no takers. Second I feel bad for Milliner because despite the potential to be a top 5 corner in this league he’s got awfully big shoes to fill. While the surgeries don’t concern me, I was slightly concerned with this pick because one of the few strengths of this team was its corners. Also with so many talented corners in later rounds I thought the Jets would’ve picked up their corner later. However, with the top three pass rushers and Tavon Austin off the board there weren’t too many other options for the Jets. Overall I think the Milliner and Cromartie combo next year could be one of the best in the game and will help to keep the Jets defense as one of the top units in the NFL Grade B

First Round Sheldon Richardson DE/DT Missouri 13th overall

This wasn’t what Jet fans were expecting

So this is what we got for Revis? GGGRRREEAATTT…. One again I thought the Jets would’ve traded back to get more backs but once again that didn’t happen. When the pick was made I thought ok Tyler Eiffert the TE or Star Lotulelei or Shariff Floyd. I think all Jet fans can agree that when this make was made the reaction was either WHO? or NNOOOO. Looks like Rex Ryan does have some pull left with the Jets. Ok this is why this doesn’t make sense. Richardson projects to be a 3-4 end or 4-3 DT. However, the Jets already have two Defensive ends and needed a run stopping defensive tackle. While Richardson is a very good pass rusher, the Jets in their 3-4 defense need pressure from the outside and a run stopper in the middle. The Jets were 25th in the NFL in run defense last year and it was an area that needed vast improvement. The only reason this may make sense is if the Jets switch to a 4-3 defense next year. However, Ryan has made no indication of this and until I hear of anything different I just have to assume that the 3-4 will remain and that Richardson will be a rotational pass rusher. Despite the Jets improving their pass rush they still left many other needs unfulfilled. With the best Tight end and the two best defensive tackles still on the board this pick didn’t make sense, and was a reach. Grade C

Second Round Geno Smith QB West Virginia 39th overall

This could be the steal of the draft

Quick call the cops! The Jets just stole the best QB in the draft in the second round. Didn’t this work out nicely. Instead of picking Geno with the 13th pick the Jets waited patently till the second round where they may have just found their franchise quarterback. Looks like Tebow and Sanchez may be packing their bags. Despite all the knocks on Smith he was considered to be the best QB in this class and a top 10 pick. With his value, coupled with where the Jets got him, this could be the steal of the draft. I believe Geno will have added motivation for multiple reasons. He has a chip on his shoulder for not going in the first round, E.J. Manuel plays him twice a year, he was embarrassed by being left in the green room on national TV, and he has the chance to win the starting job. Geno has to work for the starting job and knows that he won’t be handed the job, isn’t that right Mr. Sanchez? Smith will have to work to get the keys to the Jets car, unlike Sanchez who just was just handed the keys like some spoiled 16-year-old. Even if he doesn’t work out, there’s no question that taking a gamble here was worth it Grade A+

Third Round Brian Winters OG Kent State

While I like the pick, I think the Jets could have done better

Looks like the Jets are bringing back the ground and pound. Brian Winters and his 320 pound frame can defiantly move defenders. Winters gives the Jets many options and while it looks like he will be pencilled in as a starting guard, he can also play tackle should the Jets need him to move outside. A likely starter, Winters features great athleticism which helps him get to the second level and open up holes for the running back. One problem with this pick was that the Jets passed on Kenan Allen, who was once considered a first round pick at receiver. However, it looks like a Rex Ryan Draft , and as we all know he wants to run the ball, and Winters could help gang green do just that Grade B

Fourth Round trade Chris Ivory

The Jets get their feature back from the big easy

OK this technically was a trade but Idzik made a great move here. With most of the running back talent off the board Idzik decided it was better to go out and trade for this 222 pound bruiser and sign him to a long-term contract. Despite some past injuries the 25-year-old has a 5.1 yard per carry average with the Saints and could excel now being in a starter role. Almost reminds me of Michael Turner, who when finally given a starting job finally proved how good he really was. With Ivory the Jets have four running backs on the roster including free agent signing Mike Woodson, Bilal Powell, and Joe Mcknight. With this stable full of running backs it seems Ryan will get back to what made the Jets successful, running the football. Reminds me of earth, wind, and fire with the Giants just a few years ago. While a minor deal, this could be a major steal in the making. Grade A

Round 5 Oday Aboushi OT Virginia

The Jets continue to load up on the buffet busters

I’m sensing a pattern here. Another 300 pounder, Aboushi was a left tackle at Virgina and figures to compete for the starting job at either one of the guard positions or right tackle. Another value pick for the Jets, Aboushi was considered a top 75 prospect coming into the draft and a top left tackle prospect. Even with D’Brickashaw Ferguson on the roster, Aboushi figures to compete for a starting position once training camp opens in Cortland and could be a dark horse to start. Even if he doesn’t start ,he’ll provide much-needed depth to an offensive line whose depth has been exposed too many time over the past two seasons. However, with Winters already on board the Jets still have many other holes to fill and passed on a couple of quality safeties in order to get one of the higher ranked guys on the board. Grade B

Round 6 William Campbell G (DT) Michigan

A Defensive tackle at Ann Arbor the Jets will try to convert Campbell into a guard

Another pick, another 3o0 pounder. Looks like the chefs at Cortland will be busy during training camp. Despite being listed as a defensive tackle the Jets have already said that they will have Campbell play guard. While some scouts felt this would be his best avenue to success, other scouts felt that he could be a solid defensive tackle with the right coaches. I guess this is a good pick for two reasons. One if they can get him to play guard he could be an athletic run blocker. Two if that doesn’t work out they can always move him back to defensive tackle where he can add much needed depth. With this abundance of offensive linemen, the Jets will defiantly have depth. However, once again the Jets are ignoring other areas of need such as safety, DT, and TE. Despite the versatility of this pick, the other areas of need should have been addressed. Grade C

Round 7 Tommy Bohanon FB Wake Forest

The Jets snagged the highest rated fullback in the seventh round

So much for Rex not calling the shots. Remember when he drafted John Conner in the fourth round, well at least this time around they get the highest ranked fullback in round seven. Well if this pick shows us anything it’s that the Jets are planning on running the ball a lot next season. With over 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns in his career Bohanon is a versatile fullback that can make plays when the ball is in his hands. While he may not be the best catcher out of the backfield or the biggest he loves to hit linebackers. Rex should love this kid, a fullback that can do a little bit of everything, but most importantly can knock the snot out of opposing defensive players. For a team that runs the ball like the Jets, and that hasn’t had a great FB since Tony Richardson retired Bohanon could be the Jets next great fullback. Once again though the Jets ignored other major areas of need for a player they probably could have gotten un drafted. However, this could be a sleeper pick and a starter out of round seven is another added bonus. Grade B+

Summary

This draft has made a few things very clear about the offense and defense for the 2013 Jets. On offense they are going to run the ball a lot. Don’t believe me? Why else trade for a power back, draft three offensive linemen and a fullback in the same draft? This also points to the fact that they maybe looking for Geno Smith to start early and will provide him with a similar game plan Sanchez had his rookie season. Run the ball, use play action to your advantage, and manage the game. Look for the Jets to also run the ball like the 49ers with an offset offensive line. With all of their new linemen I won’t be surprised if the Jets come out with 6 offensive linemen in running situations. On Defense Rex got two major playmakers in round one.. With the decision to draft Richardson and not add any linebackers, points to the fact that this team maybe switching to a 4-3 defense. Have Coples play end, while moving Richardson and Wilkerson along the defensive line. This also makes sense since Harris would be the middle, move Davis to outside linebacker and the rotate Pace, Mcyintre, and Barnes, at the other linebacker position. Despite the great draft two major areas of concern are left, I say two because I assume the 4-3 change would explain not adding linebackers. They still don’t have a tight end as Cumberland will be the starter as of now, and despite improving their corners the Jets safeties could be one of the worst groupings in the NFL. Unfortunately the Jets did not fill all of the needs that the team had when it began the draft. Overall I think Idzik did a very good job in his first draft, especially in later rounds when he went with the more talented players instead of drafting based on need.

Final Grade B+

Swashbuckled: Bucs steal Revis from Jets

April 22, 2013May 20, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

The Revis deal could go down as one of the all time steals

Well the soap opera in New York is over. No Tim Tebow is still a Jet, but Darrelle Revis has been traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But seriously the return from this deal is baffling me. The Jets were originally saying they were going to get multiple picks back in a Herschel Walker type of deal in order to re stock the cupboard. However, when I heard the Jets would only get the first round pick, thirteenth overall this year, and a conditional mid round pick next year I was speechless. How could you give up the best defensive player in the NFL for just two draft picks? Heck get at least two or three picks in next years loaded draft instead of a mid round pick that the team would have received as compensation for losing Revis in free agency. While it is clear the Jets will now be rebuilding after this trade, what hurts even more is the contract Revis just signed. While 96 million dollars over six years is extremely high for a corner back, the contract has no guaranteed money. Essentially the Bucs can cut Revis at anytime without taking a hit to the salary cap. Are you kidding me Idzik? While this is a lot of money you couldn’t offer this contract to Revis? For all the drama of the offseason about losing arguably the best Jet in team history you let him go for two draft picks and a workable contract? At least then it would be easier to trade and cut Revis without the consequences of a cap hit. I understand that Woody Johnson didn’t want to pay Revis, but seriously the contract would have been a no brainer and a win win for the Jets. Look the only positive that I can see now is that the Jets don’t have to deal with the annual Revis “I want a new contract” fit. But seriously, the best cover corner since Deion Sanders for no guaranteed money and two picks, the Jets are crazy. Either way it’s a monumental draft for this franchise that they cannot afford any screw ups. If they don’t get a couple of good players that can help this season, well it might be time to start selling those season tickets. A lot of experts are saying that the Jets may take one of the top two corners in the first round, but I think this would be idiotic. No matter what they would do, or how well they played, they would always be compared to Revis. Talk about unfair pressure and unrealistic expectations. Either way the eyes of Jets nation will be focused on Radio City Music Hall this thursday as the Jets begin a new chapter in their long tumultuous history as they close the Darrelle Revis chapter. Time will tell who was the winner in this deal, but right now it looks like the Bucs just looted gang green. What do you think about the Revis trade? Who was the winner and loser? Comment below about your opinion and what you’d like me to write about next.