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| Mason Taylor. Photo Credit: Scott Clause/USA Today Sports. |
Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
The Jets kicked off the second round by picking Mason Taylor--son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor--from LSU. On a side note, man, I feel old! I remember watching his dad play back in the day, now his son is in the league.
They received some flack from some for passing on Tyler Warren, but I like this pick, nonetheless. Mason's also a dynamic playmaker, and he fills a need for the Jets after Tyler Conklin left in free agency.
He's a big target who knows how to get open and has reliable hands. He uses his frame well for jump or 50/50 balls.
The only thing I see is that he could be a more physical blocker, but I think that's an easy fix, it's just a matter of effort.
Grade: A
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| Photo Credit: northjersey.com. Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State |
In the third round, the Jets picked corner back Azareye'h Thomas from Florida State.
He's a big, physical corner who excels in man coverage. He has drawn comparisons to Jalen Ramsey, and if he plays anything like him, the Jets got a steal with this pick.
Today's NFL is still pass-oriented for the most part, and because of that, it's good to stock on defensive backs, so while I like the pick, talent wise, I thought a receiver would've been better here.
Grade: A-
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| Photo Credit: Dale Zanine/Imagn Images. |
Arian Smith, WR, Georgia
The Jets picked a receiver in the fourth round, drafting Arian Smith from Georgia. He's a playmaker with a track and field background. He led Georgia in receiving yards last season.
The concerns that I have with this pick are the dropped passes--he had the most of the Power Four conferences--and his durability issues. He comes off as a mere deep threat, and probably someone you can use on gadget plays. I don't see much in his game after that.
This pick reminds me of the Jets approach in free agency: potential. A lot of moves they made were players with untapped potential that hasn't fully materialized yet, and this seems to be the case with Arian.
Grade: C
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| Photo Credit: Crimson Tide Photos/UA Athletics. Malachi Moore, Safety, Alabama |
The Jets traded back into the fourth round, picking Malachi Moore from Alabama. I like his versatility, being able to play the nickel and both safety spots.
His lack of size for the position is a concern, as it could lead to him being overpowered by bigger players.
Although the defensive backfield is loaded, his versatility could get him on the field sooner than later. If nothing else, he could be or at least start off as a contributor on special teams.
Grade: B
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| Photo Credit: nfldraftdiamonds.com. Francisco Mauigoa, LB, Miami |
The Jets fifth round pick was Francisco Mauigoa from Miami. He's a downhill thumper who plays more like a throwback linebacker.
Like most throwback linebackers, he's more linear than horizontal in his movement. He's not very rangy or fast, and struggles in coverage.
It's usually around this time of the draft where teams pick for training camp/practice squad players, but with the departure of CJ Mosley, there may be a spot for Francisco in the lineup as possibly a two-down linebacker.
Grade: B-
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| Tyler Baron (9). Photo Credit: Bryan Bennett/Getty Images. |
Trading back into the fifth round, the Jets last pick of the draft was Tyler Baron from Miami. I like his aggression at the point of attack. He has a non-stop motor and doesn't give up on plays. He does a good job using his hands, and he's really good at bull rushing.
He seems to be better attacking directly versus off the edge, and I would like to see him develop more pass rush moves, but the potential is there.
Tyler is entering a crowded defensive line, specifically at his position, but in today's NFL, there's always room for pass rushers. If nothing else, he could be a good rotational player.
Grade: C+
Overall, for the most part, I thought (Jets GM) Darren Mougey did well with his first draft. I like the Membou pick, but my favorite might be the Mason Taylor pick. He's a big, reliable target who makes things easier for the quarterback.
Arian Smith was a roll of the dice. With his speed, he could very well be the game-breaking, playmaking guy they're seeking, but right now, he has unreliable hands.
I like the Azareye'h Thomas pick, but I wish they would've went with a receiver in that spot. However, if he plays anything like Jalen Ramsey, I wouldn't be surprised if he's lined up opposite Sauce Gardner eventually, if not by Week One.
My biggest issue with this that they didn't address the defensive tackle position. I think they need more guys to eat up space and disrupt the run.
To me, this draft is similar to last year's draft, being mostly smart picks versus "popular" picks.
Overall Grade: B+
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