Former New York Jets wideout Devin Smith has been released by the team, which continues a long streak of busts in the second round for gang green.
If you hold your ear close enough to a seashell, you can almost hear DJ Khaled whisper, “Another one.”
Another one, of course, representing yet a second-round bust for the New York Jets. That was confirmed when the team released Devin Smith ahead of training camp commencing at the end of this month.
When the Ohio State product was drafted, it seemed like it would finally put an end to the long line of busts in the second round for the green and white. But alas, another bust bites the dust.
Smith was heralded as a guy with game-changing speed and could be the answer to the Jets prayers. But he only played in 14 of 48 possible games while reeling in just 10 catches for 135 yards and one score.
Although ... Smith hasn't been the only bust for the Jets in the second round:
- Christian Hackenberg (2016)
- He never played an actual game for the Jets. The players that were drafted after him will make you initiate the gag reflex. Do so at your own peril here.
- Jace Amaro (2014)
- A ton of production in college that never translated to the pros. Jace Amaro had terrible hands. But even worse than that is the fact that this dude is even in the pros. So it’s not just the Jets are missing on guys, but they’re completely whiffing.
- Geno Smith (2013)
- Now, this is where things get weird. I don’t think Smith was a bust per se. He was supposed to go top-five, but fell to the top of the second round. Smith was forced into a crappy situation and actually overachieved. But the turnovers are going to be the thing people can’t look past.
- Stephen Hill (2012)
- People forget how bad this pick was. Could he be a slightly smaller Calvin “Megatron” Johnson? That was the question with Hill coming out of Georgia Tech, but the answer wasn’t pretty. Couldn’t stay on the field and when he did he was invisible. Another guy who is barely even remembered.
- Vlad Ducasse (2010)
- I’m not sure if I can call Vlad a bust because we all knew he was raw. Plus, he’s actually still in the league with the rival Buffalo Bills as a starting offensive lineman, so go figure.
2017: Marcus Maye
Then, of course, we have our most recent second-round pick in Marcus Maye. The talented safety out of Florida has flown under the radar and has lived in the shadow of the louder Jamal Adams.
But truth be told, Maye had a much better season than Adams did. Maye also did something Jamal didn’t: snag an interception. Well, two, if we’re being specific.
Maye has been battling an ankle injury and hopefully, he’ll be ready by the start of training camp. But he is well on his way to becoming the next David Harris-type second round pick. Hopefully, next time the Jets don’t wait another decade for a decent second round pick.
For all those people complaining about the Jets giving up three second round picks in the Sam Darnold deal … I think I’m feeling better about that trade now.
