Upgrading the offense was a primary goal for the Jets in this draft. The logic behind this approach was simple, last season Gang Green ranked No. 32 in offense. That’s last, dead last, in the league.
It’s difficult for any team to take flight with an inept offense. If the Jets are to succeed with their team rebuild, it was imperative they made significant upgrades to the offensive unit. Well, that’s exactly what general manager Joe Douglas, along with his staff, went out and did.
I watched film on them all, which may have added a few more grays in my beard. Let’s take an overall, and simplified, look at the Jets’ 2021 draft class:
Round 1, No. 2 overall: Zach Wilson (QB, BYU)
Trading Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers confirmed what most of us already felt was coming with this franchise, another changing of the guard at quarterback. Douglas and his staff quickly fell in love with Wilson’s potential. It didn’t take long for the rest of the league to catch on that Wilson was their guy. Time will tell if he’s the quarterback this team’s spent decades trying to find.
Anthony’s Take: This is a team with multiple needs throughout their roster. My preference would’ve been to keep Darnold and trade back in the draft to secure more picks. I can, however, understand Douglas wanting to reset at the position (financially) and bring in his own hand-picked QB. I can also accept that Darnold, for all his potential, needed a change of scenery.
Wilson has the arm talent to light up a scoreboard. He also has a swagger about him, which I like, that could play well here in New York. He can use his mobility to his advantage and has a gunslinger mentality. This indicates he’s fearless on the field.
He posted big-time numbers last season for BYU. Did he do it against a soft schedule? Yes he did. Was that his fault, absolutely not. But, the jury is out on how fast Wilson makes the adjustment to the NFL.
The Jets need to harness some of that gunslinger in him. How he handles his first three-interception game will be important to watch for. Most of all with Wilson, he’s an integral piece to the puzzle, but he’s just one piece. It’s what the Jets do to surround him with playmakers and an offensive line, along with developing his talent, which will tell the story.
Grade: A-
Round 1, No. 14 overall: Alijah Vera-Tucker (OG, USC)
The Jets wanted Vera-Tucker and traded up from No. 23 to No. 14 to make sure they got him.
Anthony’s Take: This was the pick which convinced me Douglas and the Jets were serious about fixing the offense. They surrendered two third-round picks in order to trade up for him. Vera-Tucker, along with second-year left tackle Mekhi Becton, give the Jets stability on the left side of the offensive line. That’s much-needed peace of mind for Wilson at quarterback.
Talking about what you need to do is one thing, going about doing it is entirely another ballgame. The Jets must do for Wilson what wasn’t done for Darnold. By trading up to get Vera-Tucker, the message was sent that they’re serious about walking the walk. Upgrading the offensive line was a must and Douglas delivered here with the top-ranked guard on the board.
Grade: A
Round 2, No. 34 overall: Elijah Moore (WR, Mississippi)
Moore’s 86 receptions last season for Ole Miss broke former Rebel and current Titans receiver AJ Brown’s school record. He’s not afraid to make a catch while going across the middle of the field. His route-running consistently improved while at Ole Miss. Moore also appears to play with an edge or chip on his shoulder.
Anthony’s Take: Moore is a playmaker and this team needs as many of those as they can find. Douglas could’ve went a different direction with this pick and that would’ve been alright. He could’ve drafted another cornerback for the defense or even traded back to reload with more picks. Moore, however, gives Wilson a playmaker to build chemistry on the offense.
The Jets have already have veteran Jamison Crowder as their slot wide receiver, so it’s worth watching to see what they have in mind with Moore. This pick, however, projects as a look towards the long-term. It also doubles down on the goal of fixing the offense.
Grade: A
Round 4, No. 107 overall: Michael Carter (RB, North Carolina)
Carter is a running back with some serious burst to his game. He can get to the second level on opposing defenses and also has excellent cutback ability. Carter led the ACC in rushing last season. There’s a patience to his running style which also plays up in the screen game.
Anthony’s Take: Offense, offense, and more offense! I loved this pick! I watched a handful of North Carolina games last season and Carter stood out as a potential impact player on Sundays. The Jets have a crowded backfield, Carter, however, could breakthrough as RB1 on the depth chart.
Through the first four rounds of the draft, Douglas picked up his quarterback, protection for the quarterback, a playmaker — for the quarterback, and a potential starting running back. Nicely done.
Grade: A
Round 5, No. 146 overall: Jamien Sherwood (LB/S, Auburn)
Sherwood played safety for Auburn, but he’ll likely see his time with the Jets at linebacker and on special teams. He likes to deliver big hits on opposing receivers. His hard-hitting ability makes him one to watch on special teams. The Jets, under new head coach Robert Saleh, or switching up their defense to a 4-3 formation. Linebacker is a position of weakness on this roster, and that’s where Sherwood could see time.
Anthony’s Take: Look, eventually Douglas and Saleh had to address the other side of the field. Defense is Saleh’s bread and butter. Sherwood’s profile, in my opinion, plays up well as a hybrid for Saleh’s defense. He can play safety and move up as a linebacker. He adds depth and could make an early impression with his ability on special teams. There’s potential in the long-term with Sherwood.
Grade: C
Round 5, No. 154 overall: Michael Carter II (CB, Duke
The second Michael Carter the Jets have selected in the 2021 NFL Draft. He can play a versatile role in the secondary and also on special teams. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Carter has 4.3 speed. He lined up mostly in the slot position for Duke. In four years at Duke, Carter tallied 135 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, 23 defended passes, four interceptions, and 1.5 sacks.
Anthony’s Take: Did the Jets reach with this pick? Not when you factor in the versatility Carter brings to the secondary. He’ll play in the slot and can also line up at safety where the team is thin. He was also a three-year starter and team co-captain last season for Duke. It’s not a sexy pick, but there’s value here.
Grade: C
Round 5, No. 175 overall: Jason Pinnock (CB, Pittsburgh)
Brings depth to the roster for the Jets. Pinnock, at 6-feet, 200-pounds, has a great look for the cornerback position. He posted a 39.5 inch vertical with a solid 4.45 40-yard dash time. He’s a legit ballhawk who could develop into a starter for Saleh’s defense.
Anthony’s Take: There’s an argument to be made for Pinnock actually being the reach some are saying Michael Carter II was. The athleticism and size is definitely there. But then there’s a few areas of concern to watch for, writes NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein.
Pinnock struggles with his back to the ball, which, for myself, is a quick trigger for getting me to yell at the tv screen. Coaching can help correct this, however, along with other red flags.
Meanwhile, what did stand out for me was Pinnock being a big-time fan of Darrelle Revis. The former Jet is one of the game’s all-time great cornerbacks and also, like Pinncock, played his college ball at Pittsburgh. In a Q&A with TheSpun.com’s Chris Rosvoglu, Pinnock said he studied film on Revis all the time and has talked with him on a a few occasions.
Grade: C-
Round 6, No. 186 overall: Hamsah Nasirildeen (LB/S, Florida State)
Nasirildeen’s draft stock slipped due to his injury history. There’s a hybrid linebacker vibe to his game. He played mostly defensive back at Florida State but the Jets will change him to linebacker. At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, Nasirildeen led the team in tackles as a sophomore and junior. Tore his ACL in 2019, returned in 2020 to play in two games.
Anthony’s Take: Could open some eyes with his play and work ethic. Nasirildeen said “the Jets just got a first-round talent with myself”. So, I love the confidence. What I love even more is the scouting report.
Nasirildeen started twice in 13 appearances as a true freshman, he then won Florida State’s most improved player in 2018. He performed well in his sophomore and junior years before tearing his ACL. Then he worked his butt off to return in 2020 and started the team’s final two games of the season. And he managed to do all of this while playing for three different head coaches and defensive coordinators. That’s saying something about his character on and off the field. Keep and eye on his progression, this could be a steal for the Jets.
Grade: B
Round 6, No. 200 overall: Brandin Echols (DB, Kentucky)
Echols only played two seasons with the Wildcats after transferring from junior college in 2019. His 5-foot-11, 178-pound frame makes him a candidate to play in the slot, although most of his playing time was at outside cornerback.
Anthony’s Take: It’s Echols’ speed which stands out. He ran a 4.34 in the 40-yard dash. Also, despite his 5-foot-11 frame, he notched a 42.5 vertical. The Jets went with a run on defensive backs in the later rounds, Echols adds to their depth and could likely have a role on special teams. Speed plays, however, and that could be his calling card.
Grade: C
Round 6, No. 207 overall: Jonathan Marshall (DT, Arkansas)
Marshall graded well in his draft evaluation process. He has potential at defensive tackle in the 4-3 scheme for Saleh’s defense.
Anthony’s Take: More depth for the defense and another prospect for Saleh to develop. Marshall played out of position last season for Arkansas at nose tackle in their 3-4 scheme. The buzz around him is he’s better-suited for a 4-3 defense. That, combined with his impressive pro day, makes him one to watch.
