New York Jets Top Three Draft Needs

With as many as 12 draft picks, including compensatory selections, in the 2014 draft the Jets most pressing draft needs are on offense but must also address an inconsistent secondary. Top draft needs are Tight End, Wide Receiver , and Cornerback, these positions is where they struggled in maintaining a high level of success in 2013.

With a difficult task ahead for the Jets, they must find a way to add high-caliber position skill players during the off-season. At number 18th adding a suitable rookie playmaker on offense shouldn’t be a tough ask. The first round is filled with talent in both tight end positions and wide receivers, this benefits the Jets greatly as it will make them flexible in determining which player to take.

Intriguing draft fits for the Jets include North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron, a complete standout at the annual scouting combine, and Texas Tech tight end Jace Amaro, who similarly impressed while demonstrating his skill set. Both players come with significant upsides and potential for immediate impact because of their abilities to split out wide. Ebron has the prototypical tight end build, but plays like a wide out. Amaro offers the same abilities. The unfortunate side to this for the Jets is that they both did so well at the combine and neither will be available when the Jets take over the clock.

Averaging only 18 points a game last season, it is obvious that the Jets need talent at wideout in order to improve their offense. Tight end Sammy Watkins and wide receiver Mike Evans are surely to be missed in the draft as they are highly touted. But the jets could potentially find themselves in position to draft Southern California Marquise Lee or even Oregon’s wideout Brandin Cooks at 18.

In 2013, the Jets showed extreme interest in St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin with their top 10 pick which makes Cooks a legitimate possibility. Both Austin and Cooks have similar abilities and upsides. Cooks however, did record the fastest 40 yard dash time at 4.22 among all receivers in the combine. A dynamic weapon with a lethal combination of speed and athletic ability. His sharp pass patterns and cut-back ability make him a desired commodity where the Jets need a player like that on offense.

With an almost certain guarantee for the Jets to draft an offensive playmaker in the first round of the draft and another in a later round a reset on the cornerback position is a must. In 2013 the Jets ranked 11th in total defense and could greatly improve if they are able to shore up that position, especially if Antonio Cromartie is not retained.

Second round options include Florida defensive back Loucheizs Purifoy, a physical gameplay style, he mirrors Rex Ryan’s defensive mantra. Another Florida prospect, Lamarcus Joyner, is a ball hawk in coverage despite being a bit undersized for the position. Another way the Jets might shore up the defense is through free agency, a more experienced corner opposite of rookie talent Dee Milliner could take away the susceptibility of big plays a tandem of rookies could bring. John Idzik is clearly building for the future if 2013 is any indication and that strategy for success will continue and begins with the Draft.