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| Photo Credit: Jasper Owens/Hoosier Huddle. |
D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
The Jets addressed another serious need at cornerback in the second round with the selection of D'Angelo Ponds. He's another one, like Omar Cooper's game winning catch against Penn State, when I saw his highlights, I remembered seeing those particular plays, but didn't realize it was him at the time.
Listening to Louis Riddick's analysis and evaluation of him, he's sounds a lot like...Aaron Glenn. I'm not the only one who has made this observation. He can play any coverage, despite being undersized, plays bigger than he really is. That was Aaron Glenn when he played. It makes me wonder if Aaron saw himself in D'Angelo when he and Darren Mougey evaluated him.
Grade: A+
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| Photo Credit: Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images. Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State With their first fourth round pick, they selected defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. They addressed defensive lineman depth with this pick. I see the potential; he looks like a run stopping 5 technique type of player, he just needs more polish and consistency. Darrell brings youth to a defensive line group that's loaded with veterans who can show him the ropes. I like this pick; I thought it was a good move in terms of need. Grade: B+ |
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| Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images. |
Cade Klubnik
With their second fourth round pick, they selected Cade Klubnik. They needed a young quarterback, and the potential is there, being that he was considered a Heisman candidate heading into last season, but he regressed. There are some things to like about his game, and I think Frank Reich's offense suits his style of rhythmic, timing passing, and he lights up teams when given time.
The problem is he's not quite the same quarterback when under pressure. From what I saw, and reading scouting reports, he reminds me a little of Derek Carr, except Carr is more a gunslinger than an accurate, timing passer like Klubnik, and while Carr had some mobility, he wasn't a dual-threat like Klubnik. I thought this was the most questionable of Mougey's picks. While there is something there, I don't think he was worth giving up the third fourth round pick for.
Grade: C
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| Photo Credit: on3.com. Anez Cooper, G, Miami As part of the package deal that was sent to the Cincinnati Bengals, swapping fourth round picks, giving up the aforementioned third fourth round pick, they received a sixth round pick that was used to draft Anez Cooper. A mammoth of an offensive lineman (he's listed at 6-6, 334) he addresses offensive line depth that was needed. I think he needs to polish his overall technique, but once he gets his hands on you, it's over. I like the pick, but I think they could've addressed this with the third fourth round pick. Grade: B+ |
Photo Credit: Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images.
VJ Payne, Safety, Kansas State
Their final pick of their draft was VJ Payne. This is an interesting one. I'm intrigued by his speed and versatility in coverage. From my understanding, although he's a willing tackler, his physicality as a tackler could be better.
Seeing the struggles the Jets had in coverage last season, I look at this as possibly a steal. He brings something to the table to the defensive backfield that's seriously lacking. If his skill set can quickly translate to the next level, I wouldn't be surprised if he makes the final roster in September, and possibly become a starter.
Grade: A
Overall, I think it was a very good draft for the Jets. I loved the moves that were made on Day One and Day Two. Day Three was so-so, but I don't think it takes away from Darren Mougey's moves on the first two days. To draft two of the Top 10 prospects--well, I viewed Sadiq as Top 10 prospect--and be able to trade back into the first round without giving up a first round pick was impressive.
Personally, I would've kept those three fourth round picks, and traded away the two seventh rounds picks--which he did trade one of them--but what's done is done. I know it's all on paper right now, everything has to materialize on the field, but the possibilities have me looking forward to this season and beyond.
Overall Grade: A
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