2014 NFL Draft Preview for the New York Jets: Florida Gators Edition

John Idzik has a huge opportunity to improve the Jets this offseason

Every week for the past few weeks I have studied three players who will be entering the 2014 NFL Draft, and studied how in my opinion they would be good fits for the New York Jets. Last week, I decided to change it up a bit. I decided to study three players from each school, and show how they would be a good New York Jet. Last week I studied the Alabama Crimson Tide, and this week I studied the Florida Gators. The Gators had a rough year, but they have many talented players heading to the NFL.

CB Loucheiz Purifoy– After being able to watch many Gators games this season, it was obvious that they were a very talented team, but injuries hurt them, and it just seemed that they could not play together on the field. While the Jets should not be taking a corner in the first round, taking a guy like Purifoy in the second round may not be such a bad pick, especially if they decide to cut ties with Antonio Cromartie. Purifoy’s game reminds me a bit of Cromartie, since Purifoy is a tall, lanky corner who uses his height to his advantage. Purifoy is a talented player, whose footwork and ball skills need work, but he certainly has the talent to succeed at the next level.

WR Trey Burton– I have wrote about Burton before, and I am a big fan of his game. For the Gators this year, the QB position was a mess. By the end of the year they were starting their third string freshman quarterback, In the midst of all this, Burton had a pretty decent season for himself. The senior is a very versatile player, who can play QB, WR, and some PR/KR. Burton does not have great speed, but Burton runs strong routes, and has very reliable hands, which you need in a receiver. Burton can also run the wildcat, so think of him as a fill in for Josh Cribbs. Burton would be a great late round grab for the Jets.

WR Solomon Patton– Before this season, Patton had not done much in his Florida Gators career. But the senior made sure to have a strong senior season before taking his talents to the NFL. Patton is a small receiver, coming in at only 5’9″, but Patton does many things that would make him valuable to the Jets. Next year, I expect the Jets to address the WR and TE spots in the first few rounds, while adding another WR through free agency. Adding a guy like Patton, who has great speed, reliable hands, and has the ability to play in the slot. He would be a nice addition to the offense for the Jets.

These are three former Florida Gators who I feel would be good fits for the Jets. Be on the look out for next weeks article, as I study three Florida State Seminoles who I believe would make good Jets.