The New York Jets had a serious case of deja vu in the 2017 NFL Draft and they were again the beneficiary with the selection of Jamal Adams.
The New York Jets had gone through countless mock draft scenarios and head coach Todd Bowles and Mike Maccagnan agreed that they didn’t foresee Jamal Adams being there at six.
While there was a report last week that said a Jets employee told Jamal, “Why are you even here right now? There’s no way you’ll be there at six.” Mac all but confirmed that report in his post draft presser by saying it was a sarcastic joke by an employee because he felt so confidently about Adams’ ability.
And guess what? The Jets weren’t one of them.
There were some late reports on NFL Network that the Jets were getting trigger happy about one of the quarterbacks. Well they had their pick of the litter at six (sans Trubisky) and they stuck to a philosophy they’ve become synonymous for, take the best player available.
This happened in the 2015 NFL Draft, with the Jets in quite literally and figuratively the same position at six. Many have considered Jamal Adams leading up to the NFL Draft the best prospect in the entire class.
The Jets got their man. So why is this pick a home run?
It’s simple.
For multiple reasons: a position of need (what position wouldn’t have been?), leading up to the NFL Draft, everyone talked about the intangibles. You usually hear that about quarterbacks, not safeties.
The Jets were a hot mess last season. One of the reasons why was because the roster was devoid of leadership and accountability. Adams brings that in troves and Maccagnan during his post-draft presser couldn’t stop saying how much of a good human being that Adams was.
While for the fans worrying about where Adams will fit. STOP. Remember Leonard Williams earlier? Where will he fit with Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson? Guess what, we figured it out.
While good coaches find ways to get the best players on the field.
“If I had any say, the New York Jets wouldn’t waste any time with the sixth overall pick if this player is on the board. I’m talking about Jamal Adams. Leadership skills, football pedigree, and he’s well built.”
This is what I said on March 24 to NFL guru Connor Rogers of Bleacher Report. If you don’t believe me you can listen to it here at the 8:30 mark.
The New York Jets hit a home run on Day 1 and the experts agree:
- Day 1 grade: A (NFL.com)
The skinny: Jamal Adams is an excellent, hard-nosed stud who presents great leadership qualities. He was the best player available, and they made the right call. - “Jamal Adams is the best safety in the best safety class in years. A prospect who is Ed Reed-like enough to make comparisons to Reed not sound like gross exaggerations.” (Bleacher Report, A Grade)
- SB Nation: A-
- CBS Sports: B
- Sports Illustrated: A