The New York Jets got a steal with Darron Lee last night, could they take another defensive player tonight or do they go quarterback?
By Jeff Jarboe
Despite every media outlet reporting the New York Jets were targeting Paxton Lynch with their 20th pick last night, general manager Mike Maccagnan stayed true to his BPA (best player available) philosophy and selected linebacker Darron Lee from Ohio State.
Lee might be one of the biggest steals of the first round, along with Miami’s 13th overall selection, Laremy Tunsil and Arizona’s 29th overall selection, Robert Nkemdiche, both of whom dropped on draft boards due to off-the-field issues.
The Jets filled a major need with the selection of Lee–versatility at the linebacker position. The 21 year old has the strength to play inside against the run, and the speed to play on the edge and drop into coverage.
Still, the Jets have needs to fill. They’re still in need of a pure edge rusher and more importantly, a young quarterback to develop alongside Bryce Petty.
New York has the 51st overall pick in the second round and the 83rd overall pick in the third round. Here are a few players to keep an eye on:
Noah Spence, OLB Eastern Kentucky
After rising up draft boards during the Combine, Spence fell all the way into the second round on draft night due to his off-the-field concerns regarding drug use.
The former Ohio State Buckeye swears that his days popping molly’s are behind him, and even took the time to write a letter to all 32 teams assuring them that this is the case. Off-the field concerns or not, it’s hard to imagine Maccagnan passing up on this guy if he’s available at 51st overall.
He’s a first round talent, would be a great compliment to Darron Lee’s skill set and would give New York the explosive edge rusher they’ve been lacking for the last decade. Quarterback is definitely the target position in the second round, but if Spence is there they should take him.
Christian Hackenberg, QB Penn State
As I said, quarterback is the target position when the Jets select 51st overall tonight and Hackenberg is the leading candidate to get the pick if he’s still there.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported Maccagnan has “an affinity for Hackenberg”, and I believe it. The 21 year old may have had an up and down college career, but he has prototypical size for an NFL quarterback (6’4″ 223 lbs), is very athletic for his size (4.78 40-yard dash) and can put the ball anywhere on the field.
Maccagnan still needs to try his best to bring Ryan Fitzpatrick back for the upcoming season at least, but Hackenberg has potential to be a franchise-type guy down the line.
Connor Cook, QB Michigan State
There are three teams in front of the Jets in the second round who are in need of a quarterback–Cleveland, Chicago and Buffalo. Cook could go to Cleveland at the top of the second round, but if he begins to fall I wouldn’t be surprised if the Jets inquired about trading up a few spots.
Maccagnan may have “an affinity” for Hackenberg, but Cook is the only quarterback left on the board who is capable of starting for an NFL team Week 1.
The 23-year old was once considered the best quarterback in this draft, but fell due to concerns about his accuracy throwing the football and the rise of the draft’s other QB’s, Wentz, Goff and Lynch.
Dak Prescott, QB Mississippi State
The last quarterback on this list but certainly not the least, New York could consider drafting Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott with their 83rd overall pick in the third round should they elect to go defense or offensive line in the second. Prescott is an interesting prospect–he was primarily a running quarterback in college, but has consistently improved as a passer in the last few years.
There are concerns about his ability to make reads and grasp an NFL offense, as well as concerns regarding his footwork and accuracy, but he throws the ball well and has the size to play the position at the next level.
If the Jets are going to invest in a project at quarterback, Prescott wouldn’t be a bad option in the third round if they decide to go elsewhere with their second-round pick.
Kamalei Correa, OLB Boise State
Another option for New York tonight is outside linebacker Kamalei Correa from Boise State. NFL Network’s Mike Mayock mocked Correa to the Jets in the second round a few weeks ago due to his prototypical size as a 3-4 outside linebacker and his potential as an edge rusher.
The 6’3″ 243-pound linebacker racked up 19 sacks and five forced fumbles the last two seasons with Boise State and would be a perfect fit for New York at either outside linebacker position. I think he’s one of Maccagnan’s biggest targets in the second round and if Spence and Hackenberg are off the board, this will most likely be the pick if he’s available.