2014 NFL Draft Preview- Draft preview for the New York Jets

Ivory has had an injury plagued start to his Jet career, will they look for a replacement in the draft?

Just as I have done the past few weeks, I once again will be looking at three players who I feel would help the Jets for the 2014 season and beyond. The last few weeks I spent the time analyzing and scouting some offense players, who you can see in my previous articles. This week I am taking a different approach, this week I am looking at both the offensive, and defensive side of the ball.

Haha Clinton- Dix- Safety, Alabama Crimson Tide ( Sat. 12:21 PM vs GSU) – This past draft, the New York Jets took Dee Milliner, cornerback from the University of Alabama. Next year, I would not be shocked if the Jets drafted another Alabama player in Clinton- Dix. While the Jets have some young players at the safety spot in Antonio Allen, Josh Bush, and Jaiquawn Jarrett, I believe the Jets may look to add a safety that would be able to compete for a starting job, or even take over for veteran Dawan Landry at some point. Dix is more of a free safety than a free safety. Clinton- Dix excels in pass coverage, and has great ball skills. With Rex Ryan dialing up a lot of blitzes, have a guy like Clinton- Dix would be beneficial to the defense.

David Yankey- G/OT Stanford Cardinals ( Sat 10:30 PM vs Wash). – I am sure you are reading this and going ” ugh, a guard?!”, but yes, it would be wise for the Jets to grab a highly rated guard in the 2014 draft. In all likelihood, the Jets have their new franchise QB in Geno Smith, but as shown in th game vs the Titans, the offensive line is shaky. Veteran guard Willie Colon has been solid, but health has always been an issue. Drafting a guy like Yankey would be a big boost to the Jets line, and the offense in general. He is a versatile athlete who has played both guard and tackle, and is a solid run protector, and pass protector as well. Yankey still has a lot of room to grow as a lineman, but he is certainly an athlete to keep an eye on heading into the 2014 draft.

De’Anthony Thomas- RB/WR – Oregon Ducks ( Sat. 6 PM vs Colorado) – Thomas is a guy who defenses have nightmares over. At any point, Thomas has the ability to out run the entire defense for a long touchdown. He is a very special athlete. He has the ability to line up out of the backfield, in the slot, or on the outside as a receiver. Also a great punt returner and kick returner, Thomas game relies on his speed. His incredible speed and agility make him a matchup nightmare for the guys on the defensive side of the ball. Insert him into a Jets uniform, and you have a guy who instantly makes the Jets offense explosive. He is a guy who always has to be accounted for while on the field. Now this would be a big upgrade for QB Geno Smith.

These are just some guys who I feel would help the Jets next season. What do you think?