NFL Draft Grades
I hate that people do this, but I know that sometimes that I have to give you what you want … it’s the jump-to-conclusions grades!!
Pete Prisco CBS: C+
“I think Vernon Gholston, their top pick, is overrated. Keller will be a nice player, but he was taken too high.”
John Czarnecki Fox: B
San Jose State CB Dwight Lowery led the nation in interceptions in 2006, but a broken jaw slowed him down last season.
Larry Weisman USA Today: C
No RB or WR help for a team torn down to its foundations.
Tony Moss Sports Network: B
Still have some issues at running back and receiver, but two impact players and three more intriguing talents represents a solid Draft for a team with only six selections.
Rosenthal & Silva NBC: B-
Vernon Gholston is a prototype 3-4 outside linebacker, but his inconsistent effort won’t fly in New York. The Jets needed another playmaker on offense, and choose Dustin Keller over any wide receiver. He reminds us a lot of Ben Watson. Fifth-round Tennessee QB Erik Ainge is a developmental prospect.
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BEN WATSON!?!?!?
Prisco didn’t like our draft? Shocker
we should go after Ron Girault from rutgers
Can someone please explain to me why everyone seems to believe we have problems at RB? What is wrong with TJ and Leon? Am I missing something? It seems to me that TJ is fine 25 carry guy while Leon is a fine 3rd down/break it open kind of guy. How many quality RB do we need?
For the record, “grading” draft classes the day after the draft is about as worthwhile as planning the Rich Kotite “All Time Greatest Coach” party.
Do we count Kris Jenkins as part of this draft since the Jets gave up picks to get him?
Just asking …
Yes, you have to factor Kris Jenkins in as a player from this draft. Of course. That certainly makes it better!
You have to factor in the entire off season… The Jets have a plan in progress and I think the pieces are just starting to be put together.
By the way, I LOVE THE TE PICK. The guys is tough, nasty, and plays with attitude. Something that we are missing on offense.
*Dustin Keller
There is no way Pennington can make the throws to maximize Keller’s ability. Even once Pennington gets injured, we will still not have the deep threat necessary to maximize Clemens’ ability to throw deep and keep the opposing defenses honest.
I love how last year, the Jets were almost universally lauded for “stealing” Thomas Jones from the Bears.
He comes to NY, and behind a dreadful offensive line, he has a non-descript year.
So they go out and improve that line dramatically, along with signing the best blocking fullback in the game, as well as one of the best blocking tight ends in the game (Franks), and yet they are blasted for not addressing the RB situation.
These “experts” are a joke. They act like they know what they’re talking about, but the truth is, they have no better idea of how ANY of these draft picks for ANY team are going pan out than a Ouija board.
Of course, for all the criticism of Gholston (and some is warranted, I think) if the Jets had not taken him after being unable to deal out of the spot, everyone would have graded their draft an F. You have to play the hand you’re dealt and he was the best value at that spot, who also just happened to meet a need. You can’t criticize a team for failing to trade up or down without proving there were willing partners.
And how many people are going to say that Keller would have been available later when word from the Giants and Seahawks is that he would not have been? They obviously liked his potential, versatility and eventual price more than what they saw in the available receivers.
I also bet that all these people saying the Jets need running back help are the same ones claiming the Thomas Jones deal with the Bears last year was the steal of the century. The jury will be out until we see him play with an improved line. Personally, I’m optimistic about he and Leon.
I could understand picking apart the later round picks a little more but the same could be said for a lot of teams. I would rate the draft a solid B.
These grades are better than I give. I have caught heck all day because we drafted Ainge. He is a joke here in Tennessee. Hope that the coaching staff can help him throw to Green jerseys. Also Gholston will be a hit or miss. C is a good grade for the poor drafting we did.
Grass is always greener on the other side with most of you guys. Just sit back, get behind the team and FO we have now. I can’t wait for next season. The team has made many improvements over the offseason, and I can’t wait to see how it pans out.
Ok guys… This draft will be graded on the production of VB and DK, not what the picks in the late rounds do.
Personally, I think a lot of people are missing the point and dont see the big picture in what the Jets are trying to do here.
2 years ago, we drafted 11 players (i think). Last year and this year, we went for quality over quantity because we have a lot of youth and young talent on our team. Next year, we already have accumulated 9 picks and the 08 year has not even started.
Tangini knows exactly what they are doing and I like it.
Thats what I like to hear Najy!
Count me among the cool aid drinkers!
on first and 10 on ESPN skip just said the NY “J-E-T-S” had the worst draft along with the titans, saying Gholston is more like “Ghost-on”…i see it as significant as him giving his speeches of how lebron brings down the cavaliers
Its too late for second guessing, Big Vern is a JET, and he has a tremendous upside! Tangini, with the locker room they are trying to build, would not have brought in a guy they thought wouldn’t work his a@# off. He fits the system, he’s an animal, and with Pace on the other side they will more than likely turn into Tom Brady killing machines. I might be getting a little ahead of myself, but thats the type of person I am. After seeing the highlight tapes (and I understand that they are “Highlight” tapes) I can’t wait to see what our first two picks can turn into. I have nothing but faith in this FO, sorry if some of you don’t agree.
These national sports reporters don’t know jack about our team.
I can see the thought process the FO put into this draft. I think we will see benefit and might be pleasantly surprised with some of these selections.
However we failed to close the gap with NE, and until such time as we invest at the skill positions…..the play makers that scare other teams we will not get where we need to be.
If Al Davis were not a jack ass we would have gotten McFadden.We still will be far more competitive by having a very good defense that holds teams to low scores and keeps what will be a ball control offense in the game.
So much will depend on KC’s development, injuries and coaching.
Lets go Jets
Wish I could do this as a poll–
We all know the knocks on Gholston– Taking plays off, lazy, yada yada. I have talked myself in and out of him about 30 different times since I became aware of him right before the championship game.
My question is this: Does Mangini and Tannenbaum selecting him make you feel secure in this pick as fans, or does this still worry you??
We are the Jets and everybody always HATES on us. No matter what we do, everyone is going to have something negtative to say about us because we have been a bad organization in the past. So i expect everyone to complain and critiize the moves that we make.
We havent won a superbowl in about 40 years and the closest in my lifetime was the 98 AFC championship game against Denver. The Jets have been a bad organization in the past but…..
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH and ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE!!!
BaltimoreJet - I agree 100%. I don’t understand where this notion that we’re hurting at RB came from.
None of these guys, even the ones that gave us better grades, seem to have any idea what they’re talking about.
Anthony,
It makes me feel a hell of a lot better, and I liked Big Vern before they picked him. I’m not saying he would have been my first pick, but I believe in what he can become. The reason I feel better about Vern, now that Tangini has his back, I look back to last years draft. We picked Harris, when plenty had passed on him, and he turned into an animal his first year in. Mangini knows what players fit his sytem, and obviously Big Vern is one of them.
Most experts are idiots, our RB situation is relatively fine with Jones, Washington & Chatman.
I dont see how the Jets could not have taken Vernon @6.
It seems as if everyone has forgot that Chad cant throw, he cannot make that quick strike to Keller down the seam unless Keller is super wide open. If Chad wins the starting job he will be on a leash shorter than my watch. Its Clemmens or bust this year.
C$
I really believe that there is a genuine and open competition this year at QB. I really think that the best qb that we have will play. Heck, you might even be able try out in the open comp.
All i know is that who ever is the winner has my support 100%.
EddieC,
Let me guess, it was Skip Bayless who called Gholston “ghost-on”. Bayless is the biggest joke I’ve ever heard. What he lacks in intelligence he makes up for by making stupid cracks like that. I take everything he says and flush it down the toilet. I have even less respect for his analysis than Jay Mariotti.
Why is it always the biggest idiots who get the most TV face-time?
With the 71st pick in the 3rd round of the 2008 NFL draft, the NY Jets select Chris Jenkins NT from the Carolina Panthers.
(the crowd at RCMH erupts into chants of J-E-T-S, jets, jets, jets!)
In regards to Gholston “taking plays off”, I found this nuggest in the Columbus Dispatch yesterday. I snipped the end of the article, which was written about Gholston being drafted by the Jets:
“OSU defensive coordinator Jim Heacock heard some of those pre-draft criticisms, too, such as Gholston supposedly taking some plays off and not being strong against the run.
‘He had 14 sacks, a school record, and we’ve had some pretty good defensive linemen go through Ohio State,’ Heacock said. ‘That tells me he was going pretty hard most of the time. I also heard that he wasn’t a very good run defender, but in my opinion, that was his strength.’
‘He played awfully hard. He prepared hard, studied film hard, and led hard. Everything he did was with a purpose. I don’t think you do the things he did for our defense and take plays off. No, in my opinion the Jets got a great person, a hard worker, and one heck of a football player who’s only going to get better.’”
3 years ago, I am worried about Gholston. Today, I am satisfied if they are happy. I will say, I watched the BCS game keying on Gholston, and I can’t tell you about technique and whatnot, but I know the game. I saw Gholston jogging up to EVERY pile, behind every play and it scared me. Who knows what his responsibilites were. That being said, I trust these guys.
Keller I know nothing about, but twice the Jets have made a move to get a guy, and they have been right twice, so I am satisfied. I would rather see them trade up to get someone, rather than just select because you know they wanted the guy. This goes back to trusting thier judgement of talent.
James,
Please stay in Tennessee and root for the Titans.
1100+ yards is crazy behind a bad line and also take into account how many times there were people in the back field. I’d curve it to 1250 yards and thats pretty good in a 2 back system. RB was not a need it was just a too good to be true oppertunity to get McFadden, which made this jets need RB help bandwagon. I wonder if these media guys actually watched any games last year or if the just read box scores and scout reports? Pay me and I’ll watch them! DREAM JOB!
There is no problen with our RB. TJ will rush for at least 1300 yards this year if not more, and Leon is a great change of pace back behind the new and improved line.
You have to count Kris Jenkins as the Jets 3rd round selection this year as he will provide more impact than any of the players the Jets would have drafted instead if they did not trade for him. Def are going to need to double team him, thus freeing up a blitzing LB.
Like Mangini said, sacks come in bunches, Gholston still had 14 sacks last year. The person he dominated last year (Jake Long), he will get to play twice a year now. Cant wait to see Pace, Gholston, and Ellis all meet up and drive Brady’s head into the turf this year on a continuous basis.
Im not worried about our running backs this year. The knock on Jones is his inability to break one….that is a little overrated. How many big runs have there been on championship defenses over the last few years. LaDanian Tomlonson…..have you seen him break one in the playoffs??? I have not. In fact, I cant remember the last time a RB broke one in the playoffs
As for our QB situation. I think it is painfully obvious that we MUST turn over the reigns to Kellen Clemens permanently and allow him to grow as our starting QB. We have enough weapons for him to develop. Our offensive line is above average, and he has some experience behind him. I believe in him, and I think he can be a very good QB. Like 3200 yards, 19 TD’s and 12 picks good. ITS ENOUGH OF CHAD. I LOVE HIM, BUT HE CAN’T MAKE THE THROWS. ITS PAINFUL TO WATCH HIM ON SUNDAY. PAINFUL
I agree, Pennington is done. They got a weapon to help clemens.
Skip in an idiot, but he is so entertaining.
Did anyone listen to Jaws talking about Qb’s in ESPN during the draft?
He was talking about Qb’s in general stating that accuracy and leadership are not enough to be a winning Qb in the NFL. He stressed that a Qb needs to be able to make every throw on the field.
In particualr, he touched on being able to throw from the right hash mark to the left sideline. It would only be a 10 yard pass (i think) but he said that the ball actually traveled 35 yards in the air.
Thats the type of pass that Chad wouldnt even dare throw. I completely agree with Jaws that in order to have a winning Qb in the NFL, he needs to be able to make EVERY throw on the field. Accuracry and leadership can only get you so far.
I think that is going to be detrimental in Chad’s campaign this year as he tries to regain his starting position back. He can not make every pass on the field.
While Kellen can make every pass, he needs to work on his accuracy and pocted presence. Hopefully, that will improve with coaching and an upgrade of the O-line.
SKIP IS AN IDIOT. I WISH I SAVED ALL OF HIS PREDICTIONS. HE NEVER GETS ANYTHING RIGHT.
On a side note, I think we need to be optimistic. We can’t jump off the bandwagon because McFadden is not on this team. Defense wins. We can always get another skill player next year. I think our defense will be very good. As long as another CB steps up, and Smith can play safety, We will be in good shape. We will get after the QB this year. And don’t think B Thomas doesn’t see the writing on the wall. If he doesn’t play well (AND I WILL NEVER FORGIVE HIM FOR SAYING LAST YEAR THAT HE DIDN’T KNOW HE HAD TO WORK HARD TO STAY ON TOP) he is out of here. He might be motivated to have a big year…..but i doubt it.
B Thomas had one good year, I am so glad we are replacing him. He could be a quality sub from now on and that is fine.
I thought the Jets had a solid draft and the entire draft depends upon Gholston and Keller. As everyone who is on here regularly knows, I was not a VG fan. But, with nobody to trade down with and nobody else worth that high a pick, taking a guy with Gholston’s measurables (sick speed and strength) was a no-brainer. The Jets will have to pay him a ton of money, but at least he he has the potential to be a great player.
I loved the Keller pick. He’s a weapon and another YAC god. Perfect for the Jets offense. And, the Ainge pick was right off my wish list. Again, a guy with Ainge’s height, smarts and accuracy has the potential to develop into an NFL QB. Plus, he’s a taller Pennington-type, meaning that if he develops properly he could surpass KC on the depth chart.
I’m firmly in the Chad will start camp. But, if KC does start and plays well, he has the perfect addition with Keller. A short, scrambling QB’s best friend is a pass-catching TE. Also, with Marcus Henry, KC also has a tall WR for the redzone. So, I think the Jets filled needs and got 3 guys, VG, Keller and Ainge who have tons of potential and the other guys all could be productive…Lowery’s film reminds of Ty Law a bit…sound tackler and ball-hawk. Henry’s tall, but he doesn’t look fast enough. I don’t know enough about the other guys.
R in CT
Your a 100 percent right its just stupid to rate a draft before these kids play even a game in the NFL. for all we know we can have the next strahan and the next antonio gates. everyone who thinks they know how these picks will pan out is stupid. i am excited about these picks because of the potential both are first round picks have. i really think the TE we got is going to keep linebackers up at night trying to figure out how to cover him.
nice job winning that last game last year…..morons.
and listening to max kellerman at 10am on espn radio, guy calls in making that point “even when the jets try to not screw up a draft they do, by winning the last game they picked 6th instead of 3rd”
then for some reason kellerman and brian kenney BLANKED and thot the guy meant winning the last game 2 years ago??!!! that winning the pats game was big for the jets…”ellis with that sack of brady on the last play was great”. both of them didnt realize that the guy meant last years USELESS win over the chiefs.
again…nice job winning that game…3rd means DMC or a hell of a trade for someone who wanted him.
As for those of you who don’t like rating a draft before you’ve seen these kids play in the pros I have three names for you, Mike Haight, Jeff Lageman and Ken Obrien. Each one of these selections left experts such as Kiper scratching there heads and each time they were right. You want to love the Jets draft and drink the Koolaid that’s fine but after last years personal decisions I’ll pass. They have definitely had a good off season but trading up for a tight end that most considered a third round choice didn’t make much sense. Their remaining picks were generally not well thought of. Now if your a draft prognosticator(right or wrong) your job is to make an analysis based on what you know now, not what you know in two years, anyone can do that.
Rharnick,
Kiper isn’t scratching his head this year.
“I liked the Jets’ picks, but I thought they would have taken wide receiver a bit earlier in the draft. ”
That’s a far cry from “The Jets don’t understand how the draft works.” By the way, Lageman turned out to be a much better pro than Hartlee Dykes, who was the guy Kiper was screaming about them passing over.
The throws made to Keller at Purdue were made by a quarterback with a great arm — They were ten to fifteen yards downfield with zip and on the mark — KELLER DID NOT HAVE TO WAIT FOR THEM, so a) he could catch them without getting killed, and b) he could turn and move upfield — His size may help him from getting injured as a result of Pennington’s throws, but he still will no longer be open by the time they get to him — Therefore, even if he is an A talent, with Pennington at quarterback, we will only get C value.
I think that the Jets wanted to get in front of the Giants at 31, afraid that they would take Keller.
Rharnick - this is the first I’ve heard that Keller was rated as a 3rd round pick. What’s your source for that?
J Stine - you’re starting to sound like a broken record. Is every post going to be filled with Pennington hate regardless of the topic? It reads like you think Clemens should start and that’s that. Don’t get me wrong, you’re entitled to your opinion and personally I think whoever plays better in training camp should start. I have no problem if Clemens starts, providing he can beat out Chad. If he can’t outperform the guy you hate so much, why would you want to start him?
All things considered it was a good draft. Although we narrowed the gap with the Pats in FA and this draft we are still a few players away from giving them a run for their money. We will be a vastly better team then last year.
Our running backs provide a very good one two punch, and now have blocking to work with. Our pass rush and run defense should be much improved.
We lost so many close games last year, and we should be able to win those games this year.
I am sick and tired of the national media beating up on us. Its different when one of us gets frustrated from time to time and has a bit of a rant,,,that’s emotion getting the better part of a fan. They are paid professionals that are supposed to be objective.
If Clemens comes on and the coaches do their job this team will silence many critic’s feel our defense will surprise many people and be dominant.
I think we have a shot at the playoffs, and that one more year of FA and the drat will give us the remaining pieces of the puzzle to be a very good football team.
I hope now we straighten things out with Baker. I thought he was a good weapon for us last season, and I feel he has plenty left to give
NYC Parking — In discussing the drafting of Keller you have to factor in the real possibility that Chad will be the quarterback. Given that, you can’t ignore the fact that Chad is a dink and dunk passer. How then will this team benefit from Keller any more than it would have from Baker or Franks? If Keller cannot gain more than a few yards on a play due to Chad being his quarterback what does it matter that he could gain 10-15 yards on the same play with another quarterback? It’s not about Chad in isolation. It’s about trading up to draft this player when they drafted him (at the expense of not drafting another player) making absolutely no sense if Chad is the quarterback.
For NYC Parking expert this is from ESPN IN on Keller. Not sure that u needed the whole breakdown, but at the very end they speak to where they think the player would go in the draft.
Strengths: Very athletic pass-catching weapon. Settles into soft spots when reads zone coverage and uses frame to shield defenders from the ball. Flashes the ability to make the tough catch in traffic and has the potential to develop into a productive red zone target. Lacks ideal explosiveness but changes directions well and runs adequate routes. He will generate yards after catch. Shows a second gear when tracking the ball downfield, knows when to turn back to look for passes and flashes the ability to work the seam. Gets adequate hand placement has a mean streak and flashes the ability to sustain blocks. Takes adequate angles to blocks and get into position at the second level. Has experience lining up wide, size can cause matchup problems for corners and is somewhat versatile.
Weaknesses: Is short, lacks ideal bulk for a tight end and can get muscled out of routes by linebackers and safeties. Footwork is inconsistent, takes some false steps and doesn’t always get into good position. Doesn’t deliver a powerful punch and isn’t going to knock many defenders back. Isn’t going to make many defenders miss, lacks breakaway speed and isn’t much of a big-play threat after the catch. Missed 2005 games with a sprained ankle, played with a broken left hand in 2006 and durability is somewhat of a concern.
Overall: Keller reshirted his first year at Purdue (2003), moving from wide receiver to tight end before his freshman season. He appeared in 33 games (13 starts) in his first three seasons (2004-’06), hauling in 74 receptions for 1,001 yards (13.5 average) and nine touchdowns. As a senior, he hauled in 68 receptions for 881 yards (13.0 average) and seven touchdowns in 13 games (all starts). His receptions per game (5.2) and receiving yards per game (67.8) ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, among the country’s tight ends in 2007. Keller missed one game in 2005 because of an ankle injury. Keller is undersized and he will never be a dominant drive blocker. He also will struggle to get off the line at times. However, this converted wide receiver is a playmaking threat in the passing game with the hands, athletic ability and versatility to develop into a quality contributor in the NFL. Teams that like to spread things out more offensively and have use for an H-back type should value Keller in the third round of the 2008 draft.
if GM bill polian of the colts had nothing but great things to say about gholston who cares what these morons like prisco think…i think gholston will become a great player for us…and as some1 noted on top that B.THOMAS will be a good back up to gholston in due time…which i think will be sooner rather than later like every1else thinks…just my thoughts…
Johnny Stine - that’s cool, I get that you don’t like CP’s dink & dunk style (necessitated last yera by the swiss cheese Oline, BTW), but my point is: the best guy should start. If Clemens can’t beat out Chad, it doesn’t say much for him. I’d rather have Chad and all his faults than a guy who can’t even beat him out in pre-season.
niko1677 - thanks for the ESPN article. They graded him as a 3rd rounder, clearly most others had him going much earlier, even as high as early 2nd. If you want to address a need (catching passes) you might as well draft the guy you think will have the most positive impact.
Sinse when is 6′-3″ short? (from ESPN’s breakdown of DK).
Well guys Prisco gave us a c last year and a c+ this year. Basically this means VG will have 15+ sacks this year, DK will have 10+ touchdowns, and our fourth round cb pickup will win defensive rookie of the year after he takes the safety position away from Elam. Congratulations everyone, that should be enough for the play-offs.
Overall grade on the draft? No thanks. Really, that’s like passing out grades without the students taking one test, quiz or exam. - Erik Boland, Newsday
http://www.yournewyorksports.com/2008/04/jets-draft-review.html
Another draft review
Ramble914, you are an idiot. nuff said
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