Grading the Jets draft picks: Rounds 2-7

In the previous article, we discussed both Darron Lee and Eli Apple, who were taken in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Jets and Giants, respectively. Here, we will take a look at the remaining players that both organizations selected in the draft, and attempt to see where they will fit in with their team's next season. 

New York Jets

Round 2: Pick No. 51: Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State, Highlights

With the Hackenberg pick, the Jets now have three quarterbacks on the roster but none of them are starter-worthy. Ryan Fitzpatrick is still in free agency, and playing hard to get, so the Jets felt it was necessary to grab a quarterback as insurance if he doesn't come back. The only issue here is: they may have taken the wrong one. 

The main issue with Hackenberg is the idea that the Jets used a 2nd round pick to take him. Typically you don't draft someone that high only to have them ride the bench the following year. Hackenberg, who was loved by GM Mike Maccagnan, looks like he could handle the hard-hitting NFL plays, as he currently sits at 6'4" 223 pounds. He was a mediocre quarterback in his last two seasons at Penn State. Some blame this on the new coaching system, and others on the supporting cast. As a freshman, he had 20 touchdown passes with 10 interceptions, and scouts projected him as a future top-10 pick. The Jets are hoping to get that version of Hackenberg, and not the one who was a mess at the scouting combine.

"There's a lot of upside and potential. We vetted him thoroughly "  said Maccagnan.

The Jets are placing a lot of faith in offensive quarterback Chan Gailey.

Round 3: Pick No. 83: Jordan Jenkins, OLB, Georgia, Highlights

Jenkins (and Darron Lee) gives head coach Todd Bowles two new weapons to play with on defense. The outside linebacker currently sits at 6'3" 259 pounds, but wasn't a standout pass rusher at Georgia. In four seasons, he had 19 sacks, 40 tackles for loss, and six forced fumbles. He doesn't project to be an explosive player, rather one that can defend the run and handle the tight end at times. This has led to comparisons to Calvin Pace, which the Jets would gladly take. 

The Jets linebacking corps will look very different next season. Pace and Demario Davis are gone, David Harris will return to the middle, Erin Henderson will replace Davis, and Lorenzo Mauldin will become the starter on the outside. The speed will be improved with the addition of the younger players, but there will certainly be a learning curve. 

Round 4: Pick No. 118: Juston Burris, CB, North Carolina State, Highlights

Some expected the Jets to take a cornerback earlier in the draft, as they passed up on some good ones in the first few rounds. With Burris, New York is adding a young corner to their pipeline, which is something they greatly needed. Darrelle Revis is turning 31 soon, Antonio Cromartie is out of town, and former 1st round pick Dee Milliner will likely be a non-factor next year. 

Burris played a man-to-man scheme at North Carolina State, so some expect that he will have an easy transition to the Jets' man-heavy defense.

When speaking of Burris, Todd Bowles said "He's big. He's got long arms and he's very good at the line of scrimmage. He's got great eyes and ball skills."

Burris is listed at 6 foot, 212 pounds, which is an ideal size for the cornerback position. He only had three interceptions in the past three seasons, but was only targeted 44 times last year. His completion percentage was just 34 percent, which stands at an above average level. Bowles said that Burris has the ability to play the slot, but will likely start off on the outside. 

Round 5: Pick No. 158: Brandon Shell, OT, South Carolina, Highlights

The Jets traded up to acquire Shell, so they must have quite a bit of faith in his talents. In fact, they gave up more for Shell (4th round pick in 2017) than they did last year for Ryan Fitzpatrick, so this pick has a "reach" feel to it. 

The team did not want to come out of this draft without an offensive lineman, so they got Shell, who ranks third in South Carolina school history in career starts with 48. He moved to left tackle in his senior year, but recently said that he feels that he is more comfortable at right tackle. 

Round 7: Pick No. 235: Loc Edwards, P, Sam Houston State, Information/Scouting

The team needed a punter after Ryan Quigley left and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, so this move made sense. Edwards, who was born and raised in Australia, is the first punter that the Jets have selected in the draft since 1993, when they picked Craig Hentrich in the eighth round. 

In three collegiate seasons, Edwards averaged 42.8 yards on 185 punts. He is listed at 6'5", 205 pounds.

Round 7: Pick No. 241: Charone Peake, WR, Clemson, Highlights

Peake has been regarded as a potential steal for the Jets, as some projected that he would be taken in the third round. He slipped because of two major knee injuries, including an ACL tear in 2013. He was highly recruited out of high school, but fell under the radar after he was buried by DeAndre Hopkins and Sammy Watkins at Clemson. 

This past year, he finally got his first chance to become a full time player, and responded well. He had 50 catches, 716 yards, and five touchdowns. If he can stay on the field, the Jets may have yet another nice offensive weapon moving forward.

In case you missed it, check out my article detailing the Giants draft picks from rounds 2-7.