Jets Radar: Player Interest List v1.0
Classic “upside” WR Marcus Easley from UConn
Thanks to the fine work of you readers, we’re starting to collect quite a little menagerie of players who have been noted as making visits or spending time with the Jets. Most notably, I honestly could not have done this work without the help of longtime commenter Steiny. Please give him a polite golf clap in the comments for his efforts.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
CB Ray Fisher (Indiana) 5-10, 185,
Projection: 5-7 Description: Former WR with just one year of CB skills. Also can KR/PR. Raw talent, but talented.
CB Brandon Ghee (Wake Forest) 5-11, 191, 4.37 40yd dash
Projection: 2-3 Description: Has a meeting set up with the Jets, had an impressive 3.98 short shuttle on his pro day. Good in coverage whether man or zone, excellent athlete who plays larger than his size. Can be too aggressive at times, needs to improve his footwork and isn’t projected as an NFL “playmaker” according to some scouts.
CB Devin McCourty (Rutgers) 5-11, 193, 4.48 40yd dash
Projection: Rd 1-2-Description: Identical twin already plays CB for Titans, very smart, better with WRs ahead than behind, excellent special teamer.
CB Robert “Reggie” McClain (Connecticut) 5-9, 194, 4.42 40yd dash
Projection: Rd 7 / UDFA Description: Pulled up with a bad hamstring during his pro day, will spend time with a few teams (Jags, 49ers, Patriots) and the Jets. McClain also showed impressive athletics with a 38″ vert and 23 reps at 225. Can play nickel and posted an impressive 12.6 YPR on punts (6th among seniors) in 2009.
CB Patrick Robinson (Florida State) 5-11, 190, 4.46 40yd dash
Projection: Rd 1-2 Description: Press cover corner, needs growth in zone & run support.
FS Anthony Levine (Tennessee State) 5-11, 193 4.43 40yd dash
Projection: Rd 4 Description: Jets asked for ‘more film’ at Levine’s Pro Day. Levine plays bigger than his size, but needs to improve his finnesse and coverage skills.
Analysis: The Jets are looking for a corner who can play nickel/slot and might project to a larger role down the road. Man coverage and agility are traits they are clearly looking for in a corner. If the player can also be a punt returner, that might be a bonus for the Jets.
DEFENSIVE FRONT SEVEN
OLB Ricky Sapp (Clemson) 6-4, 245, 4.66 40yd dash
Projection: Rd 2 Description: Had an ACL tear in 2008 that limited his 2009 production, scouts concerned that he can only play 4-3 end (going forward not backwards).
OLB Jason Worilds (Virginia Tech) 6-1, 254, 4.49 40yd dash
Projection: Rd 3 Description: Visits scheduled with Jets and is being looked at by mostly 3-4 teams.
DE Chris McCoy (Middle Tennessee State) 6-3, 298, 4.85 40yd dash
Projection: Undrafted Description: Likely an undrafted player, the Jets and a number of other AFC teams did attend his pro day.
DE Sean Lissemore (William & Mary) 6-3, 298, 4.85 40yd dash
Projection: Undrafted? Description: Workout scheduled with the Jets, had metrics of 30″ vert and 9’8″ broad jump, along with 36 reps at 225. Known for his speed and obvious upper body strength, Lissemore can penetrate backfields, but would be a raw project.
DE/DT Jared Odrick (Penn State) 6-5, 304, 4.93 40yd dash
Projection: 1-2 Description: Scheduled to visit with the Jets on 4/5. Odrick is a plus penetrator, who needs refinement on his pass rush and run stopping skills, but looks to be an impressive player at the NFL level.
DE/DT Corey Peters (Kentucky) 6-3, 301, 4.90 40yd dash
Projection: Rd 3 Description: Visits scheduled with Jets and is being worked out by the Patriots too. Peters needs some coaching to play with a lower center, but has all the athletic skills to be an NFL tackle.
NT Terrence Cody (Alabama) 6-4, 348 5.62 40yd dash
Projection: Late 1st Description: Saban brought Cody in, namely to be the tackle in the 3-4 system. While there’s been conditioning concerns about Cody (there always are for guys this big), Cody is the protypical 3-4 DT, which is a rare find for any 3-4 team, and with more and more teams going to this front, it’s getting increastingly hard to select them early in a draft. Rex Ryan himself attended this Pro Day.
DT Kade Weston (Georgia) 6-5, 315, 5.0 40yd dash
Projection: Rd 6-7 Description: Is garnering interest from 3-4 teams, had a good 40 time and and has long arms and showed well during his Pro Day DL drills.
Analysis: Base pressure is an issue for the Jets. While Rex disguised his blitzes well in 2009, he has to want more of a push from the three “hands-down” players, along with his “front five.” The Jets are looking for players who can get penetration from that base package into opponents’ backfields. My guess is that the Jets are placing more of an emphasis on DL at the very top of the draft (Cody, Odrick) versus the hybrid linebackers (Worilds, Sapp) with Gholston still a ballooning question mark.
OFFENSIVE LINE
OG Mike Iupati (Idaho) 6-5, 331, 27 reps at 225
Projection: Rd 1 Description: Tremendous run-blocking guard who is very raw in pass protection. Iupati has a meeting set up with the Jets and numerous other teams.
OT/OG Marshall Newhouse (TCU) 6-4, 322, 25 reps at 225
Projection: Rd 3-4 Description: Ran a quick 40 at the Combine with a 5.09 … impressive for such a big man. Set to meet the Jets in April, played 39 consecutive games and played in the East-West Shrine where he also showed his ability to play Guard.
OT Rodger Saffold (Indiana) 6-4, 315, 7.42 three cone (3rd best)
Projection: Rd 2-3 Description: Was interviewed by Jets at Combine, started 41 consecutive games, including a 2008 with lower back injury. Saffold played LT for the Hoosiers for a 3.5 year stretch.
OT Anthony Davis (Rutgers) 6-5, 323,
Projection: Rd 1-2 Description: Projected by some as a top 25 player, Davis’s work ethic has been questioned and he’s often compared to Jason Peters and Andre Smith … guys who have all the talent in the world, but are questionable in terms of motivation. As a local prospect, the Jets get extra allowances of visits, etc. on a player like him. I see this as more of the team doing their homework than being genuinely interested.
Analysis: The Jets are looking to find players to replace some of their aging pieces. The team might be trying to find value in those players that might be considered “tweeners” which might be harder to assign a pure value during the draft. The Jets do have the luxury to let such a player land wherever he works best with a solid starting line ahead of the draftee.
SKILL PLAYERS
RB Toby Gerhart (Stanford) 6-0, 231, 4.53 40yd dash
Projection: Rd 2-3 Description: Gerhart’s timed 40 was what cemented his status. Gerhart can run somewhat upright, which is a concern for his ability to be team’s top back. A good second/third option and red zone back, Gerhart has a visit set up with the Jets.
RB Ryan Matthews (Fresno State) 6-0, 218, 4.45 40yd dash
Projection: Rd 1 Description: The Jets scheduled a visit with the potential late first rounder. People see a lot of potential in Matthews and his college numbers are impressive, but teams will have to decide whether it was Matthews or his competition, his line, the offense, etc etc. Some scouts project Matthews initially as a two down back only.
TE Nate Byham (Pitt) 6-4, 264, 4.97yd dash
Projection: 5-6 Description: Byham is a solid pass protection and run blocking Tight End, who has worked out for the Jets.
WR Arrelious Benn (Illinois) 6-1, 218, 4.42 40yd dash
Projection: Rd 1-2 Description: Jets WR coach Henry Ellard attended Benn’s pro day in Champaign. Benn might have a lot of upside, but he had a bad 2009 campaign with a number of drops and low effort … presumably because of Illinois’ poor QB play. Benn might be an excellent red zone target with his physicality, athleticism, but lack of elite speed.
WR Marcus Easley (UConn) 6-3, 210, 4.45, 4.46 40yd dash
Projection: Rd 4-5 Description: Again, Ellard was in attendance at the UConn pro day to see Easley in action. Easley was a walk-on at UConn who became a scholarship athlete and eventually became a starter, dropping just one pass in his final season with the Huskies amidst a number of one-handed grabs. Easley has tons of upside as a middle round pick. Easley has the work ethic and physical talents that make him extremely desirable. Easley is clearly a project player for a team who has the luxury to work with him for a year or two.
Analysis: The Jets are filling in the knowledge gaps with skill players. I think they might draft a few, but the team is pretty set at this point with this group. Easley might be the perfect type of player for the Jets to nab on Day Three and who they could see just how much he could contribute for the team out of the slot. As far as backs, the team is looking at players that might go earlier in the draft, a sign to me that beyond doing their homework, they are considering adding another runner into the mix.
SPECIALISTS
P Zoltan Mesko (Michigan) 6-5, 236
Projection: Rd 6-7 Description: Mesko worked after his pro day for scouts from the Jets. Mesko’s eye-popping 44.5 YPP average in 2009, and increased his hangtime during each year in college, has gotten scouts attention. Combine that with his frame, and people think he can be even better with some refinement.
Analysis: Do you really want me to analyze one punter? Didn’t think so.
If you hear of any visits or notable contact between the Jets and draftable players, please send it on in!
32 Responses to Jets Radar: Player Interest List v1.0
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JakeG says:
How about Brandon Graham? Heard anything about him?
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Green Lantern says:
Thanks For This Bassett I’ve been scouring the internet looking for some players the Jets are interested in.
Can you add a list of players the Jets are going to work out? -
Hi GL-
This is my best reckoning of who the team has met with at the Combine (not that big of a deal) to previous or future visits with the team. The link on the name should note the source. If you find more … please share them and I’ll update this weekly. Thanks!
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Chris From CT says:
I can say first hand I grew up with Marcus and played ball with him at the pop Warner level and through high school, his work ethic is second to none and he has more dedication to the game then anyone ive been around… he’s the epitome of a football player hard gritty and has great vision… he dropped 1 ball last year… Let me repeat that 1 Ball!!! I will be ecstatic if we draft him.
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Bob Vila says:
I’d love Easley and Ghee in the 3rd or 4th rounds.
Both big time athletes, Ghee has the skills to be a solid nickle back and a great KR/PR.
Easley could learn behind Brad Smith and Clowney before taking over slot duties and potentially starting down the road.
We need to stock up on high upside players later in the draft and build some depth.
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Bent says: Rutgers OL Anthony Davis – http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2010/03/former_rutgers_tackle_anthony.html
USF CB Jerome Murphy
- http://www.rototimes.com/nfl/player/9018PS – Good job, Steiny!
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Bent says:
They definitely interviewed Golden Tate at the combine.
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Brendan says:
I must say I’m pretty confused as to why they haven’t spoken to any of the top 3 WILL candidates (Graham, Hughes, Kindle). This is clearly a spot that needs to be addressed, and adding Adalius Thomas does nothing to address this need long-term, as he’s only got a couple of years left in him most likely.
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Kirk the Jerk says:
This is one of the best posts of the year. Great idea to do some crystal ball analysis based on who the Jets have publicly considered.
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Bent says:
Three more they met with at the combine:
Andre Dixon (UConn RB)
Willie Young (NC State DE/OLB)
David Reed (Utah WR)I should add that we always do this and there is never any correlation between who they met and who they draft.
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That’s a Tanny staple. He doesn’t want people to know what he’s going to do (and with the team as it is right now he literally could draft anyone) so he talks to everyone. WR, DL, DB, OL, LB, RB i mean there are only a few spots that they wouldn’t consider drafting at that I can think of (QB, C) and the rest are fair game.
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JJets says:
Basset,
Don’t know if you have seen this?
http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/12074/video-on-the-clock-jets -
JetsFan65 says:
I much rather draft DE Jerry Hughes over Jared Odrick. He’s a much better pass rusher with great overall skills and that is what the Jets need most (a true pass rusher). We need to find when the Jets work him out!
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Merc20 says:
Was just gonna post about that Bent… Sometimes the film is all they need and if someone should drop they will pounce. There’s something to not letting other teams know exactly every one you may or may not be interested in.
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Brad says:
with you Jetsfan65- Need to get Hughes- but so far no scheduled interview. Hughes’ production, speed, first step, and ability to get low as he turns the corner (reminds me of Freeney) makes him one of the best pass rushers in this draft. That is our top need. There arent too many pass rushers like Hughes. Can find very capable DL/DE’s later in the draft- Alex Carrington, Lamarr Houston, CJ Wilson, Mike Neal, Tyson Alualu, Corey Peters or can go DT to pair, play together with Jenkins mid rds.- Cam Thomas, Linval Joseph.
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Bent says:
Teams are limited to 30 private workouts. Maybe they know enough about some of these guys already (for better or worse).
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Good point Bent! Are their any question marks about Jerry Hughes?
Also- I was very impressed with Arrelious Benn video on youtube- he can play slot or go outside. Very physical, breaks tackles, catches over the middle, great with the quick slant. His proday timed speed was great too in the low 4.4′s. Only concern is that his hands are sometimes iffy, been compared to braylon edwards. Wouldnt mind taking a chance in the later rounds on Marcus Easley- the guy seems to have a good work ethic and lots of potential, good hands!
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tish says:
youtube highlights can be very misleading as they only show terrific plays, not the pedestrian ones. I would suggest that a youtube highlight could be constructed from Gholston’s first two years in the league. Perhaps James Cameron could continue his sci-fi efforts.
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My Pet Goat says:
Thanks to both BB and Steiny. The Toby and Matthew meetings have got to be directly linked to Leon’s status. If he signs the tender no big deal, but if they’re staring at an offer sheet or an extra 2nd rounder they’ve gotta be contemplating who they can get with that pick. At the very least it’s posturing for Keels.
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Phrenitis says:
I guarantee that the jets will have alot of talented UDFA this year because they always do and the Hard Knocks exposure will help too.
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Aten says:
We worked out Sanchez, Gholston, Revis, Harris, Ferguson, and Mangold. Nope, no correlation at all.
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neauone says:
There is a DL who will be drafted late in the draft but is extremely talented and someone I believe will be the steal of this draft. You can check him out on youtube. I would love to grab this guy say in round 4-5. Teams are aware of him, but he was hurt most of this season. But nevertheless he is a great prospect. His name is Boo Robinson DT Wake Forrest. My hope is that he will not be overlooked this guy ran a 40 in 5.00 and bench pressed 33 times 225. He is expected to go in early in round 5-6. This would be an awesome pick late.
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Eddie DiGio says:
Brendan
That what I was saying yesterday about Hughes apparently not even on the Jets radar…I hope they give the kid a serious look, because if they are giving Worilds a look at his size, Hughes size shouldnt be a problem
They definitely interviewed Willie Young and Greg Hardy at the Combine also
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Also notice not ONE safety
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only one
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Bent
They talked to Greg Hardy also right?
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Bent says:
They spoke to Greg Hardy twice. I didn’t mention it because I thought it was mentioned above, for some reason.
Aten – most teams will talk to nearly ever possible first rounder if they have a high pick. I meant that there was no correlation in terms of late rounders. In other words, if you use these to enter our pick contest, expect to end up with one correct selection.
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WOJF says:
Odrick seems logical, the anti-Gholston.
I REALLY hope they target Mesko, need to grab in in the 5th round, someone will take him if they wait.
It is FINALLY time to lock this position up for the next ten years.
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Balsley says:
The Jets should trade up again for Rolando McClain, he’s the final piece for D-Rex. McClain would be the heart and soul of the Jets D and an instant fan favorite bc of his playmaking, ability, leadership and versatile athleticism. McClain is a future captain, Bart Scott would be a great mentor for his future replacement.
A late round consideration, Raeshon McNeil CB from Notre Dame. McNeil knew everyone of his teammates assignments and was the defensive leader when he was on the field. A defensive coach for ND has been campaigning for McNeil bc he’s such a great player, great young man and the coach admitted McNeil didn’t see much playing time bc of Weis/ND’s politics.
I thought toby gerhart went to Stanford not Boise state