7. Darron Lee
A couple of positions are simply loaded for this team. Safety is one. Wide receiver is another. Corner as well. And the one Darron Lee plays, inside backer.
Entering his third season in the league, the 23-year-old undersized Lee is the new breed of inside linebackers in the NFL. He’s the guy who may struggle in the seven-man-front base yet possesses the speed and agility to be that stud on passing downs.
Though the numbers lend to the idea he’s struggled against the pass thus far, don’t think that trend will continue. This kid is good. It’s not easy playing this position so undersized. Those first two seasons were an evil necessity.
6. Marcus Maye
All Day Maye, baby.
Marcus Maye is already one of the better centerfielders in the National Football League. With Jamal Adams sniffing the box and roaming the field, Maye plays the deep middle like a pro, already, after just one season.
It was interesting to see Maye selected just one round after Adams when O-line and edge rusher was still very much a desperate need, but it’s worked out. The Jets are set at safety for the next five-to-eight years—the new “most important” position on defense in the league (especially strong safety) for it’s the one matchup neutralizer (in taking away tight end and running back mismatches).
Maye picked off two passes to go along with 56 tackles in 2017. That’s simply child’s play for what’s to come.
5. Sam Darnold
Oh yes, you actually reached No. 6 while still not laying eyes on the name Sam Darnold. That’s done now. He’s the fifth-ranked Jet.
It’s not every day this organization is able to scoop up a potential franchise quarterback, yet they finally did it with the selection of Darnold at No. 3.
Forget rookie. Forget third string. What matters right now is talent, and Darnold has it.
Unless the Jets make it a serious point to hold him back, look for Darnold to impress immediately and start Week 1.
