Taking Flight, Part Two: Grading the Rest of the NY Jets Draft Picks

  

Malachi Corley. Photo Credit: James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images.

Blogger's Note: Normally, I have my Jets draft analysis done no more than a day after the draft, but life gets in the way sometimes, and I wanted to finish what I started as I do every year, so here I am with my analysis and grades for the Jets Day Two picks and their draft overall.

Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky 

They didn't have a second round pick due to the trade with the Packers last year to get Aaron Rodgers, so their first pick of Day Two was Malachi Corley from Western Kentucky.

Even with the signing of Mike Williams, I thought the Jets still needed to address this position. He has drawn comparisons to Deebo Samuel, and from what I've seen, I can see why.

He's around the same size, not the fastest player, but he knows how to get open, and he has the same running back mentality after the catch.

He wasn't as popular as some of the receivers picked before him, but I think the Jets got a steal with this pick. I think he will productive from Day One.

Grade: A

Photo Credit: Joe Fisher/Getty Images.

Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin 

Listed at 6-1, 235 pounds, Braelon is a monster of a running back who punishes defenses with his size and power, but the scary part is he's more nimble than he looks. He wasn't used in the receiving game that much, but he did have a career high 28 catches in his final year at Wisconsin.

I like the talent of the prospect, particularly the idea of him and Breece Hall mauling defenses for years to come, but this and the draft pick after next makes me wonder where they stand with Izzy Abandikanda.

Grade: A-

Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA Today Sports.

Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State 

The first of the Jets three fifth round picks, Jordan was my favorite pick of their draft. He was who I wanted as an heir apparent to lead the Jets into the future.

He has a smooth, effortless way he plays; he has poise, he's accurate, he can beat you from the pocket as well as with his legs. He doesn't have a rocket arm, but he can make the throws that are needed.

I think he would've been at least a third round pick if it wasn't for his injury. I think he's in a perfect situation: he gets to sit behind Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor for a year or so, which gives him time to learn and develop, and recover from his injury.

Grade: A+

Photo Credit: Chris Leduc/Icon Sports wire via Getty Images.

A big, physical, punishing running back like Braelon Allen, although still not as big as Allen, I found this pick to be a head-scratcher.

I like the talent--from what I've seen, he reminds me of Jordan Howard, but a little more shifty--but I don't like the pick. In other words, they could've addressed another need with that pick.

Grade: C

Dan Hamilton/USA Today Sports.

Qwan'tez Stiggers, CB, CFL

Qwan'tez is an inspiring story of a player who didn't play college football, choosing instead to play in the CFL, and was drafted.

From what I've seen of him, he seems to excel in zone coverage, particularly deep zone coverage, which makes him good fit for Robert Saleh's Cover 3 defense.

The defensive backfield is deep, but in one sense, you can never have enough defensive backs with most of the league being pass-happy.

Grade: B

Jaylen Key, Safety, Alabama 

This year's Mr. Irrelevant, Jaylen was the Jets last pick of the draft as well as the very last pick of this year's draft.

From what I've gathered, he seems to be a player who is at his best moving laterally, and doesn't have much range moving sideline to sideline.

With some uncertainty at the safety position, he has a chance to make the roster or if nothing else be a contributor on special teams.

Grade: C+

Overall, I think the Jets first two picks weren't "popular" picks, but were smart picks. I view Olu Fashanu as a draft-and-stash, who will learn the ropes from All-Pro Tyron Smith, with the upside to play right away in case of an injury.

Malachi Corley can contribute right away and help make the passing attack formidable. My favorite pick was Jordan Travis. I think he has a high ceiling, and as I mentioned before, he's in a perfect situation and he doesn't have to be rushed out there.

I understand the Braelon Allen pick to a degree, with the jury being out on Izzy Abandikanda due to him being injured most of last season, but drafting Davis makes me wonder where they stand with him.

Stiggers and Key could be special teams contributors, but it's possible one or both could see time on the field with a mostly pass-happy league.

I was okay with this draft; Fashanu, Corley, Allen, and Travis stood out to me, but it would've been better if they, for example, picked a linebacker or maybe another offensive lineman instead of a second running back.

Overall Grade: B

Gotham Green Giant: The NY Jets Draft Olu Fashanu

 

Olu Fashanu. Photo Credit: nj.com.

After trading back a spot with the Minnesota Vikings, the New York Jets selected offensive tackle Olu Fashanu from Penn State with the 11th overall pick.

Considered to be one of the top prospects at his position and in the draft, this looks like a draft-and-stash move. With the acquisition of All-Pro tackle Tyron Smith slated to play on the left, however, he's 33 and he hasn't played a full season since 2016--hopefully that won't be the case this year--so I look at drafting Olu as a contingency plan, and preparing for the future with a potential All-Pro prospect who can learn under Smith in the process, which something that he's looking forward to, being that Smith is someone he has studied.

Photo Credit: Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images.

From what I've seen of Olu's tape, he was exceptional in pass protection. He only allowed one sack his entire career at Penn State. Once he gets his hands on you, it's over. It was stated during the draft that his run blocking needs work, but from what I saw, I didn't see where his run blocking was an issue. 

I did see some plays where he was a little too high in his stance, and his footwork, although it wasn't bad, it could use some more polishing, but that can be easily coached.

Overall, I can see why he was considered one of the top prospects, and with some coaching, he will be primed to protect A-Rod and the future quarterback's blindside for years to come. This pick was a representation of most of the Jets draft: it wasn't the "popular" pick, but it was a smart pick.

Grade: A

The Talented Mr. Wilson

 

Garrett Wilson. Photo Credit: sports.yahoo.com.

Before I begin, learn how to play quarterback the "Nittany Lion Way" with Penn State head coach James Franklin himself. Learn how to play the quarterback position and get insight on what he looks for in a quarterback. You can purchase his tutorial here.

Since being selected with the 11th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft by the New York Jets, Garrett Wilson has played up to expectations--perhaps exceeded them.

I remember an analyst compared to him Hall of Famer Lynn Swann after he was picked, but he reminds me more of (2024 Hall of Fame finalist) Torry Holt.

They're around the same size, but where he reminds me of Torry in particular is the way he consistently uses his hands to catch passes, even in traffic. He surpassed 1,000 yards receiving his rookie season, and has done it again this season. He has surpassed 1,000 yards receiving two years in a row with garbage quarterback play.

Last year, he had Zach Wilson and Joe Flacco--who looked like he needed to retire in New York, but has somehow found the fountain of youth in Cleveland--at quarterback. This year, he had (sigh) Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle, and Trevor Siemian at quarterback.

I'm not saying he's on the level of a Davante Adams or Justin Jefferson as of yet, but what he has been able to accomplish so far speaks volumes of his talent level.

Jets Cut Down Recap: The Surprising and Not Surprising

Zach Kuntz. Photo Credit: Associated Press.

Not much surprises me anymore, but every year in the NFL when teams trim their respective rosters down to the mandatory 53 at the end of the preseason, most don't surprise me, but then there's a few moves that will take me aback--at least a little.

This brings me to the New York Jets cut down day, and after viewing who was waived/released, here are the moves that surprised me and the ones that didn't.

Surprising

Trey Dean III, S

Throughout camp and preseason, there was talk that Trey could not only make the final 53-man roster, but possibly be the starting safety opposite Jordan Whitehead. To see him on the list of final cuts was surprising. As a matter of fact, this one was the most surprising.

Zach Kuntz, TE

A 7th round pick from Old Dominion, he was one I really hoped made the team. I know there's more to the game than measurables, but with his freakish size (listed at 6-8, 251) and athleticism, I think he could've been a matchup nightmare for defenses--actually, that's still possible in the right situation.

Not Surprising

Zonovan Knight, HB

This one was the least surprising. Although he showed flashes last season, one, the signing of Dalvin Cook made the  running back room seriously crowded, two, he struggled in the preseason.

Travis Dye, HB

Like Zonovan, he struggled in the preseason. From what I saw, he looked as slow as his 40 time (4.82), and looked hesitant at times when hitting the hole.

Conclusion

The one consultation about these cuts is that there's a chance some of these players could make the practice squad. I'm thinking Trey Dean is one of their main targets, but from what I've heard and seen, signing him to the practice squad--the Jets are 13th on the waiver list--might be a long shot.

There's a possibility Zonovan could return with his experience on special teams, but the one I'm hoping they sign is Kuntz. I think there's a lot of potential there, if given the opportunity.

 

Why I Have Mixed Thoughts on the Jets Signing Dalvin Cook

 

Dalvin Cook. Photo Credit: Jeffrey Becker/USA Today Sports.

Of course, there's a lot of buzz going on--and the expectations just went up a few more octanes-- after the Jets announced the signing of Dalvin Cook about two weeks ago. The hoopla is understandable. He's, in my opinion, one of the top running backs in the league, and a four-time Pro Bowler.

I must admit, Dalvin being in a Jets uniform is almost surreal. I mean, there has been speculation about him possibly signing with the Jets for months, but (Jets GM) Joe Douglas made it happen.

Yet, with all of this, although it's a one-year deal, I have mixed thoughts on the signing. Talent wise, I love having Cook on the team, but there's Breece Hall, who was having an Offensive Rookie of the Year season before his injury last year, returning from the PUP after being put on the list a day earlier--that was fast--and I like the addition of 5th round pick Izzy Abanikanda. He was a monster at Pittsburgh, and I like what I've seen from him so far this preseason.

If Michael Carter can return to his rookie form or better, I don't know what happened to him last year, and with Zonovan Knight showing flashes, one, I wanted to see what these young guys can do--well, younger guys, Dalvin is 28--two, this makes the running back room is seriously crowded. There's not enough room for all of them.

At the end of the day, the deal is done, Dalvin Cook is on board, and it's a big-time addition. Let's make it happen!

 

Taking Flight, Part Two: Grading the Rest of the Class

Joe Tippman (75). Photo Credit: Charlie Neibergall/ Associated Press.

 Joe Tippmann, Center, Wisconsin

The Jets addressed the offensive line in the second round — which most thought they would select one in the first — selecting Joe Tippmann. He was considered one of the Top Two centers in the draft. Aaron Rodgers is going to need protection upfront, so I like this move in terms of need. Well, to me, the need is based more on depth than lack of talent because last year, the blocking was better than it had been in previous years. The problem was the line staying healthy.

From what I’ve seen and heard, he can come in play right away. The only problem I saw with him is sometimes his hands are too wide when setting up to block, and that can make him susceptible to a bull rush. There has been talk about him competing with recently re-signed Connor McGovern for the center position, but, if necessary, because of McGovern’s versatility, they could play McGovern at guard.

To me, he’s built like an offensive tackle, and he did play that position in high school. Another thing I found out about him was that he mentored by former Jet Jason Fabini. I like this pick to help bolster the offensive lineman. As I heard one guy allude to, people put so much emphasis on offensive tackles, when takes an entire line working in unison to make things work.

Grade: A

Photo Credit: Joe Robbins/ Icon Sportswire ia Getty Images.

Carter Warren, OT, Pittsburgh

I’ve heard mixed messages about this pick. Some think he can provide depth, which I definitely think he can, some think he’s good enough to start right away. We’ll see. From what I saw, I like that he’s able to maintain his blocks once engaged with a defender, but aside from dealing with injuries, the only problem I saw is, and it’s not a glaring issue, but I didn’t see enough of a mean streak in him, so to speak. 

What I mean is while he did a good job of maintaining his blocks and keeping everything in front of him, I didn’t see him dominate and impose his will on any of his blocks. That doesn’t mean that he didn’t do this at some point, I’m just going by what I saw.

I like this pick because like Tippmann, he bolsters and provides depth on the offensive line. 

Grade: B+

Photo Credit: si.com.

Israel “Izzy” Abanikanda, HB, Pittsburgh

In the fifth round, they selected Warren’s teammate, Israel Abanikanda. This was someone who I thought would at least go in the third round. It’s utterly ridiculous that this dude dropped this low, but I’m glad the Jets drafted him. This is one of those rare instances where I would go with the “best player available” logic. He was too good to pass up.

This guy rushed for 320 yards and six touchdowns (against Virginia Tech) in one game! He finished with over 1,400 yards and 21 total touchdowns (20 rushing). He was named First-Team All-American and First-Team All-ACC last season. I’ve seen him run with power at times, but I didn’t realize how fast he was. He ran a 4.45 in the 40. I’ve also seen him provide protection in the passing game, doing a good job of picking up blitzes.

Some might be concerned with the workload he received last season, but with fellow running back Breece Hall, who I thought would’ve been Offensive Rookie of the Year if wasn’t for his injury, returning to the fold, I think they will complement each other as far as reps. It will be less wear and tear on them and it will keep them fresh.

CBS Sports posted a video where the question was asked who was the Jets best pick and their biggest steal? To me, Izzy is their best pick and their biggest steal.

Grade: A

Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Zaire Barnes, LB, Western Michigan

I had trouble finding tape on him. Unless you really stand out, this can be one of the problems with going to a small school. This is not a slight on him, maybe it was the only school that offered him a scholarship or would allow him to play the position he wanted, or where he had an opportunity to start. It could’ve been anything. This is where professional scouts are very fortunate because they have access to film on players that most don’t.

From what I’ve gathered, I like his versatility, being able to play on the inside or outside, and his ability to play in coverage goes a long way. Those types of qualities will keep one on the field all three downs. I’m thinking he will be used mainly on special teams, but according to (Jets head coach) Robert Saleh, he will have an opportunity to compete for a starting position.

They did address the linebacker position, but I was hoping that would’ve done that earlier.

Grade: C

Photo courtesy of nfldraftdiamonds.com.

Jarrick Bernard-Converse, DB, LSU

I like his versatility; being able to play cornerback and safety. He can also contributed on special teams, which is where, like Barnes, some are expecting him to go. He has pretty good size for a corner (6–1, 197), he’s a willing tackler, and has good hands. The one thing I would like to see him improve on is being more consistent in locating the ball in coverage.

The Jets have a good core of corners, so his ability to play safety might help him get more snaps.

Grade: B

Zach Kuntz (80). Photo Credit: Keith Lucas/ Sideline Sports.

Zach Kuntz, TE, Old Dominion

He might be the most celebrated seventh round pick ever. From what I’ve seen, I can understand the what the fuss is about. He’s 6–7, some say 6–8, 251 pounds, and is fluid and athletic for a player his size. It has been said that he would’ve been at least a third round pick if it wasn’t for his injury, which some say is why fell in the draft. He reminds me of Jimmy Graham in terms of the athleticism for his size, looking and playing more like a king size receiver versus a tight end.

He’s a smooth route runner and has very good hands. My only thing is I wasn’t able to find anything on him as a blocker. I wanted to see how he fares as a blocker. Talent wise, I like the pick. I know this is a bold statement, but it wouldn’t surprise me if ends up being a starter — this year. The problem I have with this pick is you have two decent tight ends in CJ Uzomah and Tyler Conklin, and they drafted Jeremy Ruckert in the third round last year.

Grade: B

Overall, I have mixed thoughts on this draft. This is not to say that these guys won’t turn out to be anything, I hope they do, but this draft, I like a lot of the picks as far as talent, but I thought they could’ve went elsewhere instead some of the positions they drafted.

The defensive tackle position wasn’t addressed at all, which I thought was a problem. That’s probably going to bring down their final grade. I liked that they added some much-needed depth to the offensive line. I think Will McDonald, IV has the potential raise havoc on quarterbacks, but initially, I think their best pick was Izzy Abanikanda.

Overall Grade: C+

Mixed Thoughts: The Jets Draft Will McDonald IV

Will McDonald IV. Photo Credit: Mary Altaffer/ Associated Press.

It took me a few days for me to write a post on the Jets draft because I was deciding on what I would give them for their final grade. To start things off, I'll give my analysis and grade on their first round pick, Will McDonald IV.

Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa St.

Thursday night, with the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the New York Jets selected Will McDonald, IV, an edge rusher from Iowa State. Honestly, when this pick was announced, I laughed. Not because of the talent, but I saw where he was listed at 239 pounds playing on the defensive line! When my initial thoughts subsided, and I looked at his tape, (former Indianapolis Colts defensive end) Robert Mathis came to mind, who was also an undersized pass rusher, but terrorized quarterbacks for years. However, Mathis was still bigger than McDonald in comparison. 

While my philosophy is you can never have enough pass rushers, which the Jets are loaded with, my thing is they could’ve addressed another area of need with this pick such as defensive tackle. They’re not lacking in that area talent wise, but they are thin, so to speak, at that position. They could’ve taken a linebacker—I’m hoping they re-sign Kwon Alexander, since they didn’t take one early.

Will McDonald (9). Photo Credit: Ben Queen/ USA Today Sports.

Overall, I have mixed thoughts about this pick. From what I saw, as I alluded to earlier, McDonald reminds me of Robert Mathis with Dwight Freeney’s—Mathis’ former pass rushing partner—spin move. So, there’s a lot to like about him, he was the co-Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2021, and he made the First-Team All-Big 12 three years in a row, but if they’re going to play him on the defensive line, he’s going to have to bulk up a little—around 245-250, at least—but bulk up without losing his speed and athleticism. This pick is getting this grade not because of the talent, but because I thought they were other areas where they could've went with this pick.

Grade: C+