2012 Draft Grades - AFC East - Jets

Round 1 - DE Quinton Coples

Round 2 - WR Stephen Hill

Round 3 - ILB Demario Davis

Round 6 - S Josh Bush
               - RB Terrance Ganaway
               - OG/OT Robert T. Griffin

Round 7 - S Antonio Allen
               - WR Jordan White

      Abysmal play on both offense and defense last season left the Jets with serious questions coming into the offseason. Tannenbaum, the general manager, values talent over character, which resulted in a fractured locker room and an 8-8 record. This offseason they swung a trade for Tim Tebow to contribute in the redzone and in the Wildcat package. (I think he'll be starting by midseason, but that's another story.) Also, hoping to improve safety play, New York signed LaRon Landry though he is still recovering from an injury. However, the highlight of the offseason is the announcement of their implementing the 46 defense extensively as their base front.
     To run the 46 defense, the team needs to be powerful and talented up front. With an already talented group of linemen, Quinton Coples adds the pass rushing ability that was slightly lacking. A long, linear athlete, he certainly looks the part. Although an ideal fit as a five technique, his combination of many pass rushing moves and natural strength permit him to play all over the line. His good but not great speed is offset by his violent use of his hands and excellent burst. When playing the run, he easily holds his ground and makes tackles. The biggest question concerning Coples' play - an inconsistent motor - caused him to slip to New York when he should have been taken in the top ten.
     Possibly the wideout with the most potential in the draft, Stephen Hill possesses an amazing size/speed combination. Every few years, a big, athletic receiver comes out of Georgia Tech (Calvin Johnson, Demaryius Thomas), and Hill is the latest such prospect. Despite playing in a run-first offense in which he only caught twenty-eight balls, he excels as a deep threat. With a large catch radius, he provides the quarterback with an inviting target, but the occasional drop is something he needs to erase from his game. Though an underrated part of a receiver's job, Hill blocked defensive backs very well on run plays. With immense upside, he could develop into an elite player in the future but could also provide them with a deep threat immediately.
     Really, Demario Davis is a special player. Almost a heat-seeking missile on the field, he is always in close proximity to the ball. A very athletic linebacker, his burst in short spaces leads to some big plays. Rarely will he miss a tackle, and he can lay big hits on the ballcarrier. He can also take on blockers and then shed them with his violent hands. However, his pass coverage skills need improvement as does his pass rushing. A leader both on and off the field, Davis should be a nice addition to that locker room.
    Seemingly a revolving door for many teams, the safety play for the Jets last season was poor. To hopefully find a starting-caliber player, they acquired four new safeties this offseason. Josh Bush, a converted cornerback, is one of the rookies New York hopes will develop this year as a backup and special teamer. An aware and versatile player, Bush can cover well deep with his speed and quickness. A better fit as a free safety, his lack of overall physicality will prevent him from factoring into run support and press coverage much.
     The ineffectiveness of Gang Green's running game certainly contributed to their poor season last year. Running through massive holes which came from playing with RG3, Ganaway looked better than he really is. A big bruiser at running back, he doesn't show great creativity or vision in small spaces. When at top speed (which isn't all that fast), he can't change directions quickly either. However, running through tacklers is well within is capability. An interesting side note, his experience in the spread offense could help him contribute in the Wildcat with Tim Tebow.
     How did the Jets get Robert Griffin in the sixth round? You guessed it. The offensive lineman from Baylor happens to share a name with the sensational RG3. With the versatility to play at either guard or right tackle, he can provide nice depth. Nevertheless, that's all he is - a backup. Though a big guy, he doesn't play with leverage, balance or great athleticism.
     The opposite of fellow rookie Bush, Antonio Allen plays physically at the line of scrimmage. A tall, lanky safety, his role at South Carolina was to punish running backs with hard hits. Despite his fairly decent cover skills, he is best suited to play in run support. Allen can be burned deep in the pass game too often. A possible starter down the line, his limitations will prevent him from playing consistently on obvious passing downs.
     Crazy productive playing at Western Michigan, Jordan White may struggle at the NFL level. While he dominated against mediocre competition, his lack of great speed and overall athleticism could seriously limit him. He might succeed as an underneath receiver though. His great hands and quickness, along with shiftiness and thicker frame, make him ideally suited in the slot.

     As they switch to their new 46 defense, the key additions in the draft should help smooth the transition. Coples - if motivated - can key that pass rush. Hill could eventually become their much-needed deep threat, maybe an elite receiver. Possibly the most exciting talent - Demario Davis - might develop into a Pro Bowl linebacker. Taking two safeties increases their chances of one developing into a solid starter since they both possess some nice skills. None of their other picks really stood out. However, they should acquire a few very good starters from this group.

Grade: B-