” My” New York Jets 2014 NFL Draft Approach

Trading up into the draft is always an approach many fans want to do. It is hard to blame them considering trading up however many spots always you to draft a better player who more than likely would not have made it to the teams original draft spot. For example a few years back, the Atlanta Falcons traded up in the draft and picked wide receiver Julio Jones, who at this point in his career is a pro bowl caliber player. While that trade up worked for the Falcons, I would be hesitant to do any trading up if I am the Jets this year.

Once the compensatory picks are handed out, it is likely that the Jets will have 12 picks in the draft. For most teams, having that many picks is a huge opportunity to trade some of those picks and move up to grab a player they want. But if I am John Idzik, I am keeping all 12 of those picks. The Jets have many holes on the roster. The team needs a safety, a few wide receivers, at least one more tight end, some help on the offensive line, a pass rushing linebacker, and potentially a cornerback. While the Jets should be able to address some of these positions in free agency, they will also have to do so in the draft.

At pick number eighteen, John Idzik should not be entirely focusing on the offensive side of the ball. While the Jets desperately need playmakers on offense, this draft is very deep with talent at the wide receiver and tight end positions. At 18, I feel the Jets should pick the best player available at whatever spot they feel has the most glaring need. Whether that is at safety, linebacker, or receiver or tight end.

All throughout the offseason many names will be linked to the Jets and who they should select at eighteen. Some names already being mentioned are WR Marqise Lee, WR Mike Evans, TE Eric Ebron, S Ha-Ha Clinton Dix, and many more. I would not be the least bit shocked if the Jets do select one of the guys I just mentioned come May.

While the first round is always talked about to great length, the rest of the draft is equally important for the Jets. Rounds 2-7 are where the Jets are really going to need to nail if they want to be a serious contender next year, and for the future. Depending on who the Jets decide to select in round one will obviously play an impact in who they select in the following rounds. Lets say they take TE Eric Ebron with the first pick, now Idzik can address the receiver position in round two. Some second round receiver targets would be WR Jordan Matthews, WR Brandin Cooks, WR Allen Robinson, and WR Paul Richardson, amongst others. Idzik also has the option of addressing the defensive side of the ball. I would be tempted to pick a safety in round two if they don’t address it in free agency. A few guys to watch are Ed Reynolds, Calvin Pryor, and Dion Bailey.

As for the rest of the draft, John Idzik’s approach should simply be to add the best player he feels is available that fills a whole on the roster. My ” perfect” draft for the Jets would be adding a tight end in round one, a receiver in round two, a safety in round three, a linebacker in round four, and adding depth to the O-line, adding a backup quarterback, and a speedy returner with the remaining picks.

John Idzik and the rest of the Jets have a very important offseason approaching them. If the team wants to contend for the playoffs next year, they need to nail free agency, and have a very solid draft.