2015 NFL Draft: A Sleeper Choice for the New York Jets

Aug 31, 2013; Morgantown, WV, USA; William & Mary Tribe wide receiver Tre McBride (3) makes a pass reception behind West Virginia Mountaineers safety Karl Joseph (8) during the second quarter at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

An old friend and fellow Jets fan has been ringing my ear off about a wide receiver from William and Mary for two years now. He’s adamant that the Jets need to keep a close eye on him as a late round steal in the upcoming draft. It would seem he’s on point with this one, as Tre McBride has begun to draw national attention.

As it has been a little slow concerning Jets news recently, I thought we could take a peak at this young man and discuss whether he could be a fit in the New York Jets offense going ahead, and worth a late draft choice.

Next: Statistics

Aug 31, 2013; Morgantown, WV, USA; William & Mary Tribe wide receiver Tre McBride (3) runs back a kick-off against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the third quarter at Milan Puskar Stadium. The West Virginia Mountaineers won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

McBride is a senior wide receiver for the William and Mary Tribe football team. He has the size of a NFL receiver measuring in at 6’2″ and 205 lbs. In his career at William and Mary his totals look like this; 196 reception, 2653 yards and 19 TD’s. His 2014 season for the Tribe produced 64 receptions, 809 yds, and 4 TD’s. His career average per reception is a nice 13.5 yards.

There is more to McBride though; he’s a versatile young man and has been used in the running game as well. While at William and Mary his rushing stats aren’t fantastic, but it adds another dimension to his game that could translate to the NFL. His career stats rushing are as followed; 28 rushes for 212 yards, averaging 7.6 yards per carry.

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Another dimension to this young man’s game also has involved kick returning. The Jets will likely be looking for a returner. Special teams were a weakness for the Jets last year, and new special teams coach Bobby April will be looking for talent to fix that.

McBride took his opportunities in college in the return game, while his experienced is limited, McBride took his shots at both punt returns and kickoff returns. In the punt return game, McBride returned 11 chances for 122 yards. Kick returns offered McBride more opportunities to show case his talent, as his college career offered him 56 opportunities. McBride took those opportunities and racked up 1294 yards, for a 23.1 yard average.

Next: Evaluation

Aug 30, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; William & Mary Tribe wide receiver Tre McBride (3) picks up a ball in the end zone against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s my take. McBride has been projected anywhere from a 5th round to a 7th round pick in the upcoming draft. McBride has the size to succeed at the NFL level. He offers versatility in his game, having experience in the receiving game as well as the run game, the special teams experience adds to that versatility. He has big hands and the ability to go up and bring down contested balls. Even at the 5th round of the draft, McBride has the potential to be a steal for new general manager Mike Maccagnan.

I think my old friend had a great idea here. McBride may not offer the blazing speed many other receivers will offer in the upcoming draft, but as a late rounder he definitely deserves a close look. McBride has a nice upside, he’s likely not an immediate starter, but with his versatility he’d offer something on special teams as he develops. With good coaching under new WR coach Karl Dorell, McBride can develop into a nice receiver and returner for Jets.

So what do you guys think? He’s a sleeper and worth a look in my opinion in the late rounds of the draft, how about you? Time for the discussion. Let’s talk Jets football!!

Next: Potential Free Agent Cornerbacks

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