6th Overall: Vernon Gholston (DE, Ohio State)
At sixth overall, the Jets faced a pretty heavy decision on Saturday afternoon and came away with defensive end Vernon Gholston from the Ohio State Buckeyes. Entering the draft after his junior year, the 6-4, 266 pound physical specimen left with a tremendous track record at the national powerhouse. He ranks 5th in Ohio State history with 22.5 sacks (14 in 2007) and reached two consecutive National Championship Games with the Buckeyes.
Gholston shines when rushing the passer and creating havoc in the backfield. He is build like a rock and brings unbelievable brute strength and power to the table. For his size he also possesses a unique blend of speed which is further demonstrated by his outstanding 40 yard dash in 4.58 seconds. He mostly played defensive end in college but projects as an outside linebacker in the NFL. So he's a good fit for the Jets 3-4 defensive scheme. While he is tremendous physical talent, Gholston also has some concerns hanging over his head like a black cloud. For a long time scouts have been questioning his motivation, consistency and love for the game. Gholston's high school coach Thomas Wilcher has heard about these rumors: "People said he isn't tough or aggressive enough. I even got a call during his first year in college from a Buckeyes coach. Well, he may never be tougher. But he will do what you tell him to do. You tell him to move a mountain, then he will move that mountain for you. He doesn't need any antics or all that stuff. But he will walk through a wall for you." If you look at Gholston and his ripped body, it could make you believe that he actually could run through more than offensive linemen.The Jets under head coach Eric Mangini have been especially focused on values like hard work, character and love for football. There is no reason to believe that they didn't closely watch this situation with Gholston and didn't read his mind. Gholston hasn't been in trouble and is known as soft spoken and a good character guy. He clearly was the most talented at sixth overall and he also fits great for the Jets as they have been atrocious rushing the passer for two years now. Another interesting fact is that the Detroit native is only playing football since his sophomore year in high school and so presents an upside like few others in the draft. Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum agreed: "We think the best football is ahead of him. We feel that in our program we can help him develop and get better." 14 sacks in 13 games not being his best football just tells you how dominant a player Vernon Gholston can be.
30th overall: Dustin Keller (TE, Purdue)
When the Jets fans heard that they traded up to select a tight end, many of them might have been close to a heart attack. But past draft blunders have nothing to do with this pick that looks like an excellent addition to a once toothless passing attack. Just like his new teammate Vernon Gholston the 6-3, 242 pound Keller is an incredible athlete. At the NFL Combine he blew scouts and his competition away by showing his oustanding combination of speed, athletisism and strength.
His natural ability translates well to the football field where he will give the Jets the big target they need. Keller can stretch the field vertically and there seems to be no catch he can't make. If you don't believe me, just check some of his youtube highlight videos. The former Boilermaker was converted from wide receiver to tight end early in his college career and you see that in the way he moves around on the field. You just won't find many 242 pound receivers with his athletic ability.While he excels in the passing game, Keller also suffers a bit from his past. He isn't a great blocker but you don't have to tell him that. "I know that blocking right now is a weakness of mine. But hey, I will work hard as my goal is to be an every down tight end on the next level." This is your level now, Dustin. And there's no reason to believe that he won't adjust to the NFL game. Even if he doesn't develop into a great blocker, he will remind people of San Diego's receiver Vincent Jackson who is similar in size and speed to Keller. And maybe in a few years people will compare draftees to him, too.
113th Overall: Dwight Lowery (CB, San Jose State)
Jets fans had to wait quite a while for this one as the team not only didn't have a pick in the third round but also traded back a few spots in the fourth with the Green Bay Packers. Lowery transfered to San Jose State after his sophomore year after spending the first two years of his college career at Cabrillo Community College. He turned a few heads during his junior year by picking off nine passes which tied him for the nation's lead.
At 6-1 and 185 pounds, Lowery is a tall corner with great ball skills and instincts. He might not be the clear cut second cornerback the Jets might need next to Darrelle Revis but he is definitely a solid selection. He was very productive in college, is a smart player and he can make plays. He isn't blessed with the greatest speed but he isn't a turtle either on the field. As a fan you can only trust that pick due to Eric Mangini's past as a defensive backs coach. He will surely have some fun with the young kid from the West Coast.162nd Overall: Erik Ainge (QB, Tennessee)
This is clearly a project pick for a few years down the road. Erik Ainge comes from a tremendous program and faced elite competition in the SEC. So that is a good way to start. Then he is also friends with Peyton Manning which can't hurt either. He dropped due to questions about his toughness and mobility but he is certainly an interesting prospect. He is blesseed with a very solid arm and at 6-6 he has a good presence in the pocket.
Ainge will spend some time on the bench behind either Kellen Clemens or Chad Pennington. He won't have a problem though with that as he knows both of them well, from his time in Knoxville (where Pennington holds an offseason camp) and his earlier years in Oregon where he is from and Clemens went to college.
171st Overall: Marcus Henry (WR, Kansas)
In the 6th round the Jets added the tall target from Kansas, who really emerged during his senior year. At 6-4, 210 pounds and solid speed for his size, there is nothing to complain about that late pick. Henry will give the Jets a tall possession receiver and help them in the red zone.
211th Overall: Nate Garner (OL, Arkansas)
Well, who is that? Don't ask me. I guess most people know him for coming from the same school as Darren McFadden which certainly isn't a bad thing when you're an offensive lineman. At 6-7 and 320 pounds Garner is a huge kid who will atleast add some depth to the offensive line and maybe even more down the road. Solid pick, no more no less.
OVERALL REVIEW
The Jets had a good Draft 2008, plain and simple. They made solid picks and got players that they targeted and needed. After spending big bucks in the offseason and adding serious talent to their team from last year, this is certainly not a bad thing. When we look at the Jets' weaknesses, one huge concern about them was their lack of athletisism and speed. Vernon Gholston and Dustin Keller belong to the best athletes in the entire draft and maybe even in years so the Jets definitely made huge strides here. Both these players will give speed and good size at their respective positions. Gholston was one of the best pass rushers in the draft. For a team that didn't even know where the quarterback was last year, this is a welcomed shot in the arm. Gholston has the potential to become that terror off the edge that you definitely need in today's NFL. The two teams in the Super Bowl were one and two in the NFL in sacks last year, just for the record.
You can't argue with any of the other picks either in terms of being a need. Ainge may have been a bit of a wasted pick as other positions such as inside linebacker were still available. But in the end you can say that about any pick. No matter if Clemens, Pennington, Ainge or Joe Namath will be the Jets QB next season, the front office did a lot to help out their signal callers. Henry and Keller both will present a big target. You could also say they will give the team something that it didn't have last year.
No draft is perfect. Never, you can always do this or that better. But considering that, the New York Jets really did a good job addressing needs and finding players who fit on and off the field.
No comments:
Post a Comment