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+

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

Breece Hall. Photo Credit: Peter G. Aiken / Getty Images.

Following my exclusive coverage on the Jets three first round picks, here's my take and recap on the rest of the Jets 2022 draft class.

Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

Most had Breece rated as the best running back, but I had Kenneth Walker, III rated as first, then Breece as a close second. An All Big 12 and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year two consecutive years, Breece was a touchdown machine at Iowa State, leading the nation in rushing in 2020 (1,572 yards) and 21 touchdowns, and was 7th last year with 1,472 yards and 21 touchdowns, which tied for third. He set an FBS record with 24 straight games with a touchdown.

His paced running style and versatility will be a perfect fit for the zone blocking scheme that the Jets use, and I think Hall with (Michael) Carter in the backfield will be a nightmare for defenses for years to come.

Grade: A+

Jeremy Ruckert (88). Photo Credit: Kyle Robertson/ Columbus Dispatch/ USA Today.

Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State

Getting back to that third round pick, he selected Jeremy Ruckert, a tight end from Ohio State. I found this one to be a head-scratcher, not because of the player himself because there's a lot to like about his game and attitude. Ruckert was considered the top TE in his class on some boards, he was on an offense that was - and still is - loaded with wide receivers, so not a lot of passes were thrown his way, but he made the most of the ones that came his way. He's a consummate teammate, willing to contribute in other areas, willing to sacrifice personal numbers for the sake of the team.

The problem I had with the pick is that they acquired two productive tight ends in free agency in CJ Uzomah and Tyler Conklin, who came off career years, plus, I was hoping that would've addressed the linebacker spot with that pick.

Grade: C

Max Mitchell (74). Photo Credit: John Korduner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images.

Max Mitchell, OL, Louisiana

I like the Max Mitchell pick, an offensive lineman from Louisiana University. Seen more as a project, he provides needed depth and versatility at the position - he can play both tackle spots and left guard - which I was hoping Douglas addressed given the constant injuries at the position last season.

Grade: B+

Micheal Clemons (2). Photo Credit: Stephen Lew/ USA Today.

Micheal Clemons, DE, Texas A&M

Last, but not least, he selected Micheal Clemons, defensive end from Texas A&M. From what I've seen from him, he's not the most athletic or agile player, but he's consistent, productive, and plays with a violent streak, which fits right in with the Jets defensive scheme. Some questioned this pick, and there was an off-field issue, which is understandably a concern, and hopefully he's learned from it, and it won't happen again, but outside of that, to me, you can never have enough pass rushers.

Grade: B

Although there were some other players I had in mind - no disrespect to the guys they selected - I think, for the most part, Joe nailed this draft. The only thing that kept me from giving this draft an A+ is picking a tight end when they have a more pressing need at linebacker. Overall, I think he picked a group of guys that will be a major part in turning this team around. Let's get it!

Overall Grade: A

Awesome Sauce: Grading the New York Jets' First Round Picks

Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner.

Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

With the 4th overall pick, the Jets selected cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, who was considered by most the best cornerback during the pre-draft process, but surprising to most, fellow cornerback Derek Stingley, Jr., one whose name started to rise on draft charts was taken one spot ahead of him by the Houston Texans.

At 6-2, weighing around 190 pounds, he has pretty good size for a cornerback, he’s physical, and thrives in man coverage. He never gave up a touchdown in his collegiate career, which is not an easy task. Some will argue that the conference his team played in wasn’t as competitive as say, the SEC—which I think is part of the reason why Stingley, Jr., who played at LSU (an SEC college) went before him—but to me, I think that argument is overblown sometimes. 

Gardner (1, in the white uniform). Photo Credit: Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images.

If a person can play, they can play, it doesn't (always) matter what conference they came from. To me, aside from quarterback, cornerback is the hardest position to play in football and to never give up a touchdown is an amazing feat, regardless of what level of football. 

Going back to the conference competition argument, Jerry Rice came from Mississippi Valley State, a small college, and he turned out to be a Hall-of-Famer, and in my opinion, the best receiver I’ve ever seen play. As I mentioned in the above paragraph, sometimes, if a person can play, they play, where they played doesn’t always matter.

Now, him being able to keep that streak of not giving up a touchdown in the pros will be a tall freaking task, but some of the best to ever play the position got beat at times. It happens. The thing is you don’t want it to happen often. However, he strikes me as the type who has the confidence to bounce back and won’t allow adversity to affect him. 

Overall, I think the Jets found a gem in Gardner. Honestly, I wanted Kayvon Thibodeaux (who was picked after Gardner 5th overall by the Giants), but I like the pick, nonetheless. The only glaring knock on him was he can be too aggressive, but time and discipline will remedy some of that. I don't want him to lose his aggressive edge altogether, but be smart about it at the same time. Of course, it’s too soon to determine, but I think the Jets might have drafted one of the greatest to ever play the position.

Grade: A

Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

With the 10th overall pick, the Jets selected wide receiver Garrett Wilson from Ohio State. I honestly thought he would go to the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8, but when he didn’t, I knew exactly where he was going. I said his name before (NFL Commissioner) Roger Goodell officially announced it at the podium. This wasn’t the last time I said someone’s name before Goodell officially announced it.

I think the Jets could use another guy, particularly a playmaker, at that spot, but I don’t think they were “needy” at that spot as a lot of people claimed. There’s Corey Davis, an up-and-coming Elijah Moore, Braxton Berrios proved to be productive in the receiving and return game. So while one more guy doesn’t hurt, I don’t think they desperately needed someone at that position.

I was a bigger fan of Chris Olave (his former teammate who went to the New Orleans Saints at No. 11), however, most considered Wilson the best receiver in this year’s class. I think he has decent height at 6-1, a light frame, but he plays bigger than his size at times. Also known for his acrobatic-type athleticism, he has a penchant for the catching the ball away from his body in some of the most unusual ways. This drew one commentator to compare him to Hall-of-Famer Lynn Swann.

Overall, I like the pick. He’s a dynamic playmaker, and to an extent, you can never have enough playmakers. I think the chemistry between Garrett Wilson and (Jets quarterback) Zach Wilson will be fun to watch.

Grade: A

Jermaine Johnson, II. Photo courtesy of seminoles.com.

Jermaine Johnson, II, DE, Florida State

With their two picks selected, I thought they were done for the night, but after a while I left, came back and noticed the Jets were on the clock at No. 26. When I noticed that Jermaine was still on the board, I said his name before Goodell officially announced it.

What stands out to me with this move is the shrewdness of (Jets GM) Joe Douglas. In most cases, when you trade back into the first round, 9 times out of 10 you’re going to give up a first round pick for next year, but he didn’t. All he gave up was a second, a third, and a fifth, while getting a third in return. Who he picked with that third I’ll discuss in the next post.

Jermaine was someone the Jets coveted—obviously, they traded back into the first round to get him. From my understanding, he was between a top 5-10 prospect on some boards. He was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and was a First-Team All-ACC. Since Douglas didn’t draft Thibodeaux, I consider this a rebound move, a good rebound, by the way.

Jermaine’s speed, aggression, and ferocity will fit right in with (Jets head coach) Robert Saleh’s system that demands a lot of the defensive lineman.

Grade: A+

"Babyface" Wilson: Grading the Jets First Round Picks

 

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Last night, after the usual months of talk and speculation that goes on prior to the draft, all of the guessing and predicting came to an end. With the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, the New York Jets selected quarterback Zach Wilson from BYU, which is where a lot of people expected him to go--including myself after they traded Sam Darnold.

I was able to watch some of his games last year, and from what I saw, I liked the effortless way he quarterbacks the game. It's as if it comes naturally to him, he doesn't force the issue. He can make all the throws, he's accurate, he had great command of the huddle and the respect of his teammates--evidence of this is when a rumor came out about him being "entitled" and having "character issues"--which goes a long way.

Although I think Zach has more of a pocket presence, some of the things he did was Patrick Mahomes-like. I'm not saying he's on that level, but there were some plays he executed successfully that I've seen from Mahomes, and like Mahomes, they were done in an unconventional way that would make coaches livid if the average quarterback did that. I made this observation prior to reading an article where Wilson admits that he has studied Mahomes' game. On a side note, I'm not saying Mahomes doesn't have a good pocket presence, but I think he's more balanced and unconventional in the way he quarterbacks the game--and he does it effortlessly.

Zach's already connecting with the fans. Photo courtesy of AP.

There has been questions about the level of competition he played, and I'll admit, initially, I had questions about it, too because there were very few teams they played that were ranked or at least had winning records. Then I realized he didn't pick or make the schedule, so it was not his or the team's fault, they did what they were supposed to do: take care of business.

Speaking of critics, I find it odd how months prior to the draft, he was America's Sweetheart, now suddenly as of last week, you had folks saying they "didn't like the smell of him," so to speak, people questioning how well he will adjust to the league, to the New York fan base. Minor reasons, though they may be in this case, stuff like this are some of the reasons why I don't like the mainstream media. They flip flop like a fish out of water, and they put a magnifying glass on these players, just looking for something wrong. If they can't find anything glaring, they will create something, and focus on that.

I call him "babyface" because of his youthful look (which he is 21). Not judging his looks in and of itself because I don't judge dude's looks, just saying that he looks younger than 21. All-in-all, I think he has everything one is looking for in a quarterback--the measurables and intangibles. If you want to be nitpicky, he doesn't have great size. At 6-3, around 210, he has decent size, but he doesn't have that 6-5, 230-240 pound frame that most coaches covet.

Despite the likes of quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence (drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars) and Justin Fields (drafted by the Chicago Bears) who played against stiffer competition in their respective divisions, as far as pure skillset, I think Zach is most NFL-ready out of all of them.

Grade: A+

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC

Later in the first round, the Jets traded up to draft offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker. Having two first round picks, they swapped the 23rd overall pick with the Minnesota Vikings, who had the 14th overall pick.

I'll admit, I didn't know a lot about him, so I had to do some research. Judging from analysts and experts, he was expected to go around this point in the draft.. He made the All-Pac 12 First Team and won the Morris Trophy, which is an award for the best offensive lineman in the conference.

From what I've gathered, I like his versatility (he played guard in 2019, and tackle last year). He has the grit and aggression one seeks in an offensive lineman, is good in both pass and run protection, adjusts his body well to pass rushers, takes the right angles in double team blocks, and is relentless when he gets to the next level. The only issues I see are occasional lapses in his overall technique and he sometimes has issues when taking on two-gap defensive lineman (typically nose tackles) which both are an easy fix.

Although I wanted (running back) Najee Harris, and he was available whether the Jets picked him at No. 14 or if they stood pact and drafted him 23rd overall because the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him at No. 24. So, I don't hate or dislike the pick, he does address a need because aside from Mehki Becton, the Jets need help upfront.

Grade: A

Conclusion

As far as the trade goes, I was okay with it--not thrilled, but okay. I realize it was a top-15 pick, but I still think giving up that second third round pick was a bit much. All-in-all, I like the picks from (general manager) Joe Douglas. Of course, it's going to take a few years before we get any concrete results, but so far, so good.

First Round Grade: A

Pete Carroll 2.0? The Jets Hire Robert Saleh as Head Coach

Robert Saleh. Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing/USA Today Sports.

Last night, the New York Jets hired former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as their head coach. Robert was one of the coveted coaching candidates out there in what is an early off-season for most teams. Out of the 11 candidates that were interviewed, including Eric Bieniemy, the guy I was pushing for, Robert and current Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith were the only two that received second interviews, which actually worked to their advantage because guys such as Bieniemy wouldn't have been available for second interviews until after their postseason is finished, meaning the Jets would have to wait longer to speak to him again.

As I've just alluded to, I was hoping they hired Bieniemy, just like I was hoping for two years ago, but unlike the guy they hired two years ago (Adam Gase), I actually like this hire. I just tolerated the Gase hire and hoped that it worked out. Obviously, that wasn't the case. After all, he's known as a "brilliant offensive mind" and "quarterback guru," which he failed to help develop Sam Darnold. To be fair, part of that was on Darnold as well.

I remember watching them on TV earlier this season--I think it was against the Patriots--and recall saying something along the lines of Robert having strong head coaching credentials/potential. While he transformed the 49ers defense into a top 10 unit the last two seasons, it was this year specifically that led me to that conclusion.

He managed to keep the defensive unit in tact (4th against the pass; 7th against the run, and 5th for total yards allowed) despite losing key players such as DeForest Buckner being traded to the Indianapolis Colts at the beginning of last off-season, losing the keyboard warrior Nick Bosa to a torn ACL, Richard Sherman missed time to due injuries among others who were in and out of the lineup due to injuries, and Kwon Alexander was traded to the New Orleans Saints around mid-season.

To me, that speaks volumes as a coach and it says a lot about him. He could've easily made excuses, but he went with the next man up and made it work. He has drawn comparisons to Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, whom he worked with in Seattle for three seasons, including a Super Bowl championship in 2013-14. From my understanding, they're similar in scheme/system (they both use the Cover 3) and personality, being an upbeat, motivational type of guy. He's known as a teacher who's firm but fair, and he has the respect of his players, which all goes a long way.

This fire and energy is part of what landed him the job. Photo: Randy Vazquez/Bay Area News Group.

He was heavily endorsed by the likes of 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, Richard Sherman, and Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams put in a word for him in his own way, which is what mainly convinced me that he would probably be the Jets next head coach.

To me, being compared to Pete Carroll is a heck of a comparison because I've said for a long time that I like the way he runs the ship in Seattle, and I hope Saleh can duplicate that "Win Forever" type of success, and eventually better.

Jamal Adams Was Right

Adam Gase. Photo Credit: Bill Kostroun.

Actually, I came to this conclusion back in Week 4 of the season when the Jets lost to the Denver Broncos with a third-string quarterback (Brett Rypien) who they just activated off the practice squad earlier that week. What was Jamal Adams right about, you ask? Well, back in July, the Jets traded the disgruntled safety--who is now playing for the Seattle Seahawks, I'm sure he's glad--for a few reasons, but his comments on Adam Gase not being the right coach to get the team to the promised land in an interview with the New York Daily News is what took the cake.

As it turned out, he was absolutely correct. In two seasons with the Jets, Adam Gase went 9-23, this year being particularly abysmal, finishing 2-14, which lead to his firing not long after their loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday. To be honest, when the head coach position became available in 2018, Eric Bieniemy, offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, was the guy I was hoping they would've given a shot, but no, they listened to Peyton Manning and allowed him to convince them to hire Gase. I know Petyon has a name. I get it, but gee, not only was that a miss, that was a straight-up air ball.

Now, there's another opportunity for them to land Bieniemy, and hopefully, they get him this time around. Well, he's first on my list--he was in 2018, and he still is today. I like Bieniemy's hand in the development of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who, to me, is the best quarterback if not the best player in the league. Of course, their head coach Andy Reid, a known quarterback guru, had a lot to do with it, but Bieniemy was also instrumental in the process. He has the respect of his players, which goes a long way to making it as a head coach. I'm not saying that hiring him is going to guarantee instant success, but I like the upside in this coaching prospect, so I'm hoping they at least give him a try.

 I can't speak for all Jets fans, but I gave this Gase experiment a shot. I was more than patient, but it didn't take long for me to realize that Jamal Adams was absolutely right about him--as far as his tenure in New York goes. Perhaps he goes somewhere else and eventually land a head coaching gig again, you never know, but I'm glad this nightmare here is over. I'm sure Jamal is somewhere in Seattle while he's prepping for his play-off debut against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, smiling--or laughing his can off. 

Soaring in Seattle

Photo courtesy of newyorkjets.com.

Yesterday, the Jets traded All-Pro safety Jamal Adams to the Seattle Seahawks for safety Bradley McDougald-- who was in the final year of his contract as Adams was-- two first round picks and a third round pick. I was hoping it didn't come down to this, but the writing was on the wall, particularly after he gave his side of the story in an interview he did with the New York Daily News I read earlier that day. A couple of hours later, I checked the web again to see if they traded him yet, and it was official: he was traded to the Seahawks.

He stated his unhappiness with the front staff, and if what he said is true, I totally understand his frustration. One of the things he stated that jumped out at me was the report that Jets chairman Chris Johnson wanted Adams to be "monitored," I guess to see if Jamal's loyalty was really with the Jets. If that's the case, I see why he felt disrespected. Monitor him? As if he's eight-years-old or something.

He also expressed that he didn't think coach (Adam) Gase was the right guy to lead the Jets to a championship, stating that the he doesn't establish a bond with the players. According to Adams, Gase wouldn't even address the team at halftime. He would let another coach speak to them.

Although I was aware that this mess had been going on the past several months, I didn't know it been going on longer than that. During the season, he removed the Jets from his social media accounts, although to be fair, their his account(s), so he's not obligated to follow them. That was just a spark, what took place in the off-season was a freaking inferno.

Initially, I understood both sides of the situation. Although he was in the final year of his rookie contract, he wanted an extension. They were more focused on building and bringing in more talent, hoping he would wait. However, from what I've gathered it seems they jerked him around, going from making it a priority to extend him, but reneged as time drew closer, eventually making no offer at all, which led to him making a trade request. If that was the case, again, I totally understand his frustration and why he felt disrespected.

I also understand why this move had to be made. The way this was going with him publicly castigating the front office and the head coach along with openly expressing his discontent with the contract situation, he could've possibly been a distraction in the locker room and/or he could've played out the final year, but due to everything that went down, he might not have given 100 percent on the field. This brings me back to square one; although they could've been more upfront with him about their intentions, I understand both sides.

Adams also made it clear that this had nothing to do with the fans. Again, I understand. He spoke of their loyalty and appreciation of them embracing him the past three seasons. To me, if you read between the lines of his statement concerning the fans, he was saying his good-bye, then.

Only time will tell how everything will play out. Personally, I have mixed thoughts about it. They let a helluva player walk (via trade) but they did get helluva lot in return with two first round picks, a third round pick and a decent player in Bradley McDougald. On a side note, with Adams moving on, hopefully they will extend Marcus Maye, who is also in the last year of his rookie contract. I'm sure a lot of Jets fans are steamed by the trade. I hate to see him go, but he ( Jets GM Joe Douglas) freaking cleaned up from he got in return. I wish Jamal nothing but the best in Seattle.