2013 NFL Draft: New York Jets Breakdown For Days 1 & 2

2013 NFL Draft: New York Jets Review of First Two Days and Day Three Preview

It has been an interesting couple of months for the New York Jets. Following the conclusion of a dismal 6-10 season, organizational changes were set in motion for what was to come.

Patience ran out for Jets owner Woody Johnson as he ended the seven-year term of former general manager Mike Tannenbaum. His replacement arrived in John Idzik. This is a man on a mission to prove that he could be more than simply a “cap guy”. Idzik inherited a team with many weaknesses, and head coach Rex Ryanwas likely fighting to stay in New York long-term. The first round of the 2013 NFL Draft saw New York make two selections, and defense became an initial focus with these choices.

Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner heard his name called ninth overall. Experts had him slated to go sooner, but New York happily swooped in for the steal to the excitement of fans. Their second pick, however, drew a different reaction.

With the 13th overall selection acquired from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Darelle Revis trade, the Jets chose defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson out of Missouri. Richardson is a big body that is capable of clogging up the middle of a defense who made 54 stops in two years of college football. Fans at the Draft booed Richardson because of other needs that they felt were more important, and some of these weaknesses were addressed in the second and third rounds.

Quarterback Geno Smith from West Virginia serves two purposes as he is thought to have all of the physical tools, and also likely represents an end of the Mark Sanchez era.

Ninth Overall Pick: Dee Miiliner, Cornerback

As I stated earlier, many did not expect Milliner to be available when New York took the podium. His ability to cover receivers and move to the ball brings Revis to mind. If it was not for five surgeries during college, Milliner would likely not have been there. Despite these injury concerns, he still did not miss one game. Millner has potential to be a great cornerback.

13th Overall Pick: Sheldon Richardson, Defensive Tackle

The reason this pick was so questionable was that there were other areas that had to be addressed. Richardson however, has promise. As a tackler, he regularly gets to the opposing ball carrier. There were just too may concerns on offense for Ryan to justify this selection.

39th Overall Pick: Geno Smith, Quarterback

Smith brings a level of athleticism that the Jets may never have seen before at the quarterback position. At 6-foot4, Smith possesses ideal height, and also has a cannon arm. The only issue I had with him was an ability to fit in the West Coast offense. Under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg however, Smith should be able to accomplish this task. There is now reason for hope as the Jets franchise moves forward.

72nd Overall Pick: Brian Winters, Offensive Guard

As fate would have it, this is the player that I had the Giants taking for most of the Mock Draft series. Brian Winters is a converted left tackle who has great size. There had to be a pick to ensure that Vladimir Ducasse was not the only option, and only available player that might have been better was wide receiver Keenan Allen.

Day Three Preview

After securing Smith, it appears the Jets have found their quarterback of the future. It is imperative to surround him — or whoever starts at quarterback this season — with talent. New York still needs a wide receiver, as well as an additional tight end. A trade of the fourth-round pick for New Orleans Saints running back Chris Ivory helps fill that spot. A pass rushing lineback also remains missing. If there is a way to get back into this round with a selection from next year, New York should use that for a wide receiver. Assuming the Jets are unable to do so, South Carolina’s Ace Sanders could provide a hidden gem in the fifth round.