Although the New York Jets disappointedly failed to make the playoffs in 2015, the NFL Draft gives them an opportunity for redemption.
By Jeremy Fialkow
Finishing the season with a 10-6 record, a historic campaign from their journeyman quarterback, and the best receiver tandem in the NFL, many believed Gang Green to be destined for a playoff run.
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Instead, Jets players went home after Week 17 and watched their enemies battle it out on their televisions, beginning a heartbreakingly early offseason. Since Jets Nation has seemingly infinite time on its hands, it’s never too early to take a look at how they can improve upon a successful 2015 campaign.
Yes, the 2016 NFL Draft is more than two months away, so, a lot can change. A fan can dream, though, right? Without further ado, here are your best bets for the New York Jets 1st-Round selection in this year’s draft.
Ezekiel Elliot, RB-Ohio State
Let’s start off with a bang, shall we?
Even after an impressive start and end to the 2015 season, don’t be surprised if free-agent RB Chris Ivory gets a farewell notice from the Jets very soon. It’s not that he didn’t earn his return; it’s because running backs are easily replaceable. So, that leaves Gang Green shallow in the backfield. A great argument can be made that a first-rounder should not be spent on a RB. Well, an even better argument can be made that Elliott is the man for the job.
Jets GM Mike Maccagnan should select Ezekiel Elliott come Apr. 28. At 20-years old, Elliott has barely even begun to get his legs under him, and yet, he’s as shifty and explosive as they come. In 2014, he slashed and dashed for more than 1,878 yards and 18 touchdowns, all the while averaging 6.9 yards/carry on his way to leading OSU to a National Championship.
As if he couldn’t get any better, Elliott followed his breakout performance with 1,823 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2015. He even added 200 yards receiving in both his Sophomore and Junior seasons.
Elliott has a combination of vision, speed and athleticism that is second to none.
The Jets haven’t had an elite, durable running back since…well…since, Hall-of-Famer Curtis Martin carried the load from 1998-2006. That’s quiet a long time. And, while they had incredible rushing attacks under Rex Ryan in previous years, they still lacked the one true bolt of lightning who can strike at any second.
Jaylon Smith, OLB-Notre Dame
Jaylon Smith is coveted by nearly every NFL team, so, if he were to drop to the Jets, everyone would deem it a major coup for Maccagnan. He’s the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Unfortunately, that rainbow will probably end by the 10th pick of the draft.
Although, like I said, a man can dream!
When describing what Smith brings to the table, it’s probably better to point out what he can’t do rather than what he can. Why? Well, he’s the next Derrick Johnson. The 2016 Butkus Award winner (given to the best LB in the nation) stands 6-3 and weighs 240 pounds, just like the Chiefs team leader and linebacker.
Yes, he tore his MCL and ACL, which he is currently recovering from, but the upside is unmistakable. He’s built like a brick wall, and plays defense like one too. No one gets past him.
What makes him a perfect fit for the Jets is his ability to play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme, an all-important trait in Todd Bowles‘ creative defensive schemes.
Smith, along with UCLA linebacker Myles Jack, will likely be gone by the time the Jets draft in the first round, but it’s safe to say that my fingers will be crossed for the next two months.
Darron Lee, OLB-Ohio State
In high school, Darron Lee was a scarcely-known 3-star recruit who weighed in at 195-pounds and played quarterback, wide receiver and safety. Now? He’s a linebacker, standing tall and talented at 6-2, 235 pounds. NFL offenses should be terrified.
Lee is, in one word, a monster.
Lee’s work is impressive because he was asked to do nearly everything for Urban Meyer’s team. As their “walkout” LB, Lee was tasked with playing in coverage, blitzing, and clogging open space. At times, Lee is overaggressive in pursuit, but, to some, that’s a positive.
Additionally, Lee doesn’t shy away from the spotlight. In the 2015 Sugar Bowl, he led the Buckeyes (along with teammate Ezekiel Elliott) to a playoff semifinal win over Alabama, being named the Defensive MVP for recording seven tackles and two sacks.
Reggie Ragland, ILB-Alabama
It doesn’t take a keen eye to notice that the Jets need youth and talent injected into Bowles’ linebacking core. David Harris is aging fast and free-agent Demario Davis flat-out stinks. Luckily, there is one very large, intimidating man staring them right in the face, begging Gang Green to call his name on draft night.
Insert Reggie Ragland here. At 260 pounds, he’ll be hard to fit, but we can squeeze. The 2015 SEC Defensive Player of Year is the man who should be the Jets’ MLB for years to come. Where Ragland lacks in speed, he makes up for with agile feet and top-notch acceleration.
Ragland has the talent to anchor the Jets’ stalwart defense, and, if drafted, should grow into the leader on that side of the football.
Oh, yeah, he’s also an exceptional tackler. He’ll hit you, wrap you up, and take you down in a heartbeat. Jets fans who are sick and tired of seeing Demario Davis constantly whiff at a quick-footed receiver should be very excited about the prospect of adding Ragland to their team.
Leonard Floyd, OLB-Georgia
Yet another pass-rusher, you ask? Yeah, it’s a pretty apparent weakness for the Jets. Who better to fix that weakness than Mr. Lenny Floyd? Tall and sleek, yet strong and quick, they don’t call this man “the Freak” for nothing.
One of the SEC’s (many) top pass-rushers, Floyd has sideline to sideline range, which, combined with his elite size, makes for one scary dude. His frame is thin, but that’s okay because at 23 years old, his body has room to grow. Although he’s one of the older players on Gang Green’s radar, Floyd shouldn’t concern because he’s produced at every level.
When it comes to pure pass-rushers, The Freak is as good as it gets.
Mr. Fialkow's bold suggestions are bolstered by his impressively smooth diction and rhetoric. Unlike other, often didactic, suggestions regarding the Jets' future, Jeremy gives a vibrant description of the Jets' pseudo "state of the Union." His daring stance to take a chance on Ezekiel Elliott and his optimism for the future of the Jets' previously atrocious pass rush is inspiring to me, as a devout Jets' fan. Simply put: Jeremy Fialkow knocks this one out of the park, and his sentiments should be at the forefront of Rex Ryan's mind come draft day.