The New York Jets saw one of the best in franchise history hang it up in Nick Mangold. Plus why this could be the year of Leonard Williams. While finally some juicy NFL Draft info on Baker Mayfield.
There are three premiums in football, in no particular order: quarterback, pass rushers, and cornerbacks. The New York Jets have one of those checked off? Maybe?
They obviously have an opportunity to check another one of those off with the No. 3 pick (more on that later), but they already have a guy in-house who can check one of those boxes. That’s Leonard Williams.
It’s widely believed around the league that the Jets hit a home run with the selection of Williams out of USC. But if you were just a box score watcher, you may not think that. In three years Williams has accumulated a grand total of 12 sacks. An average of four per season doesn’t necessarily titillate the senses.
Leonard Williams happy with his QB hits and hurries compiled throughout his career, but wants to turn them into sacks this season. Worked on his initial steps this offseason. Wants to become an elite DE this year. #Jets
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) April 16, 2018
While most people know his importance, similar to Sheldon Richardson who was never a big sack guy but created a lot of pressures. You still want to see that defining number increase with Williams actually getting to the quarterback.
Even more pressure is on him than any year before because there’s no Muhammad Wilkerson and there’s still no Sheldon Richardson or Damon Harrison. It’s the Leonard Williams show for better or for worse and now it’s time to see him put his money where his mouth is.
While the rumor mill is churning on who will be selected in next week’s NFL Draft, it’s becoming abundantly clear that the Jets and Baker Mayfield seem to be a match made in heaven.
Todd McShay just said on ESPN ‘’From what I’m hearing around the league, I expect Baker Mayfield to be the pick at 3 to the New York Jets’’. Draft Day is 9 days away ✈️?
— Michael Siciliano (@MikeSiciliano_2) April 17, 2018
I’m hearing the exact same thing from my sources that Baker Mayfield appears to be the guy if he’s on the board at three (which is looking likelier and likelier as we get closer to draft day).
It would be a bold pick, but one that I think is right on the money to turn this organization around.
After 11 seasons and 7 Pro Bowls, @nickmangold is hanging up the cleats.#74ever
? https://t.co/5mzi35kx1l pic.twitter.com/Gouroggs9h
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 17, 2018
While speaking of turning organizations around, arguably Nick Mangold did that during his 11-year career with the green and white. He was durable, consistently rated as one of the best in the league, and a pleasure to watch. He’ll put pen to paper next week on a one day contract to retire a Jet and I couldn’t think of a more deserving guy than Mangold.
