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+