The final edition of our potential 2018 NFL Draft targets for the New York Jets. Here’s who the team might be studying closely for the seventh round.
Once teams get to the seventh round of the NFL Draft, they’re willing to “risk it to get the biscuit.” Maybe a player has more red flags than they’d like, but in the seventh round, it’s about taking fliers on potential.
The NFL adopted the seven-round format back in 1993, which also correlates with the new free agency rules being instituted. Speaking of history, let’s look back to see if the New York Jets found anything under the proverbial couch cushions over the last several years.
2017
None.
2016
- Lac Edwards, P, Sam Houston State
- Charone Peake, WR, Clemson
I would’ve preferred Riley Dixon from Syracuse (a somewhat biased take). He was just traded to the New York Giants for, ironically, a seventh-round pick. Lac Edwards has been fine, nothing crazy. Charone Peake was the definition of throwing a dart at the wall, but so far it has resulted in nothing.
2015
- Deon Simon, NT, Northwestern State
DING, DING, DING! Deon Simon has been on and off the roster for the team but has made a huge impact when he’s in the game. The Jets defensive line isn’t what it used to be but, hopefully, that opens up opportunities for guys like Simon to make a play.
2014
- Trevor Reilly, OLB, Utah
DING, DING, DING! Sadly he’s been more of a hit for the New England Patriots than he was for the Jets. He hasn’t been a superstar by any means (I mean who has been in the seventh round?) but Reilly has proven to be a key reserve and special teamer. Getting anything out of a seventh-round pick is a major win.
2013
- Tommy Bohanon, FB, Wake Forest
I’ve talked to Tommy a few times in interviews and off air. This was a wonderful pick and arguably the best one of the bunch. He’s still in the league and was a very solid player for the green and white.
With that trip down memory lane out of the way, who might the Jets be eyeing in the final round of the 2018 Draft?
J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State
Here’s the brutal truth: The Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg shows are over. The Jets are cleaning house and, hopefully, they can get something of value for either in a trade. But I doubt it.
That said, the Jets are going to need a new piece of clay to develop. Insert J.T. Barrett from Ohio State. He’s a dual-threat QB who has some intangibles to lead men. The problem is many people think he benefited from the talent around him, so that’s why he’s available at this point.
Dejon Allen, C, Hawaii
Nick Mangold officially retired last week (insert sad face emoji), so the Jets need to keep investing to find the next Mangold (if it was only that easy). Dejon Allen chose to play in Hawaii (very jealous) and I can’t blame him for that.
But being out there in the Mountain West Conference also has its negatives. There’s less exposure and you face some pretty bad teams, making it hard for teams to rate you. Allen seems like a draftable guy and was clearly Hawaii’s best offensive lineman. If he doesn’t make it at center, guard is a nice fallback option.
Ryan Izzo, TE, Florida State
The Jets obviously have a tight end issue, so go to one of the best conferences in college football to try and fix it. Sadly, Deondre Francois went out in Week 1, so Izzo’s potential went down.
Izzo isn’t flashy, he just gets the job done. Izzo reminds me of an old Florida State tight end in Nick O’Leary. He was a blue-collar guy who didn’t wow you, but he was an in-line blocker with receiving ability when called upon.
John Atkins, DT, Georgia
John Atkins isn’t quite Geno Atkins, but they did both go to Georgia.
He’s not a pass rusher, but to be a true clogger, I’d like to see him pack on even more Brutus Beefcake. He does a few things good but nothing great. I could see him in a Deon Simon rotational role.
Michael Jackson, CB, Miami
Sorry to get your hopes up but the King of Pop is actually returning to the Miami Hurricanes for the 2018 season. But I felt it was worth keeping his name in the article for a potential giggle you may have with the name and the GIF.
