NY Jets 2014 Draft Class

 

Let’s take a closer look at the New York Jets‘ draft class. I see two immediate starters, but I can see that number growing as the season progresses. Many of these guys will be huge on Special Teams, an area where the Jets suffered in 2013.

 

Calvin Pryor, FS – He will be on the field day one; his partner will be Dawan Landry, with Antonio Allen taking over permanently during the season.

Jace Amaro, TE – He will pair with Jeff Cumberland in two-tight end sets. The knock on him is that he can’t block, but how do we know? He was never asked to block in college. If Amaro’s transition to the NFL speed is smooth, he will remind us of Aaron Hernandez, and Jets fans will be thrilled to have that kind of TE. No TE since Mickey Schuler has been a passing threat.

Idzik’s was asked if Amaro will be lined up as a WR or inside as a TE: “I think we can do both, really. He hadn’t been in-line as much. He did do a little bit of that at (Texas) Tech. He certainly has the size and he has the will, too. You see him get after it as a blocker. I think he has the size and now it’s just a matter of getting a (few) more reps at doing it. We’re not concerned that way.”

Dex McDougle, CB – He is coming off an injury; as a result it will take him 6-7 games to adjust to the NFL. However, I predict he will start opposite Dee Milliner at some point during the season.

Jalen Saunders, WR – Jeremy Kerley is the slot receiver; Saunders will be a good addition as the punt returner and other ST packages. I don’t expect a lot of snaps at WR. He is however good insurance in case the Jets cannot re-sign Jeremy Kerley at the end of next season.

Bradway speaking about Saunders:“I think he’s played both inside and outside. You’re right; he is smaller in stature, but he’s as tough as they come. You go watch him play … no fear. He’s blocking bigger guys. He’s breaking some tackles. He’s a dynamic playmaker with a ball in his hands, too. He brings that return element. It was really an attractive pick for us.”

Shaq Evans, WR – Evans will battle Hill for playing time; he will more than likely return kickoffs. This kid has the tools to develop as a regular WR.

Dakota Dozier, G – Eventually, we will look back at this Jets draft and consider him a steal. Very raw and he is changing position; may end up on PS, but I expect him to compete as a starter in 2015.

Jeremiah George, ILB – George will join Nick Bellore as the first reserves behind David Harris and DeMario Davis. He will be a huge contributor on STs.

Ryan speaking about George: “I like having the flexibility of playing a ‘Mike’ linebacker or a ‘Will’ linebacker. … So here, he fits a role. We’ll try to teach him both. We’ll flip both those guys. That’s what you want to have, that kind of flexibility. We love the fact that he’s a run-hit guy, loves to play. He’s got great passion for the game. You mentioned the production. We saw all that. We really like him. … Sometimes (size) can be overrated. Zach Thomas was one of the best linebackers in the league and he was much smaller in a 3-4.”

Brandon Dixon, CB – Practice squad candidate who will replace Kyle Wilson as the slot cover man, after next season.

Ryan about Dixon: “He’s coming from a small school (Northwest Missouri State). So I get that, that there’ll be some developing there. But at his school, wow, it was zero coverage or cover-1. So, he’s got the guts, I’ll tell you that. He’s played it. The measurables, he’s got size, he’s got speed, and the thing that I was impressed with when you saw all the scouts’ grades and the coaches’, it was competitiveness. This young man is a competitor, and I think that’s what he’s going to bring. How quick he learns the system and all that, we’ll have to determine that at a different time. But I love the competitiveness and obviously his God-given size-speed combination is rare.”

Quincy Enunwa, WR – Interesting young man; 6’2”, 225 lbs, he may become a good receiver down the middle. I see him on the PS this year.

IK Enemkpali, OLB – He played defensive end at Louisiana Tech; Jets want him to learn the OLB position. Mr. IK, meet the PS. He may be a good replacement for Calvin Pace after next season.

Tajh Boyd, QB – He and Matt Simms will have it out for the No. 3 job. My guess is that they figure a way to get him on IR; if not and he makes the team, he may be a new Brad Smith.

Trevor Reilly, OLB – Only way this kid makes the team is as a ST demon. PS candidate.

 

 

 

Off-Season Schedule

 

 

OTAs – organized team practice activity:  No live contact is permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.

• May 27-28
• May 30
• June 2
• June 4-5
• June 9-12

Full Squad Minicamp (mandatory):

June 17-19