2014 NFL Draft: New York Jets’ Pre-Draft Visits

Feb 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver

(13) catches the ball during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

We are in the homestretch, with the NFL draft just a few weeks away. As the draft approaches, we learn more and more about what the Jets are thinking about, even with John Idzik keeping a lock down on how much information leaves the facility.

Per league rules, the teams are allowed to bring in 30 players, prior to the draft, for visits/workouts. We don’t know all about what the Jets are thinking regarding the draft or anything else, but Rich Cimini of ESPN, working diligently, has come up with a partial list.

Here is the partial list of players the Jets have brought in, or are planning on bringing in, again thanks to Rich Cimini:

Wide receiver: Odell Beckham Jr. (LSU), Kelvin Benjamin (Florida State), Brandin Cooks (Oregon State), Mike Evans (Texas A&M), Marqise Lee (USC).

Tight end: Jace Amaro (Texas Tech), C.J. Fiedorowicz (Iowa).

Cornerback: Darqueze Dennard (Michigan State), Kyle Fuller (Virginia Tech), Justin Gilbert (Oklahoma State), Bradley Roby (Ohio State), Jason Verrett (TCU).

Outside linebacker/defensive end: Demarcus Lawrence (Boise State).

Safety: Calvin Pryor (Louisville).

There are no real surprises here on this list. Most, if not all of these names have been spoken in association with the New York Jets and the draft at one time or another. All of these names are quite familiar.

The only surprise to me are two names that AREN’T on the list. The first is Sammy Watkins. We all know how good this guy is, and the Jets know it as well. They paid quite a great deal of attention to him back at the NFL Combine. Here, however, they likely know that their draft position is too low and they won’t be able to trade up to draft him. Why waste a visit on a guy that is out of their range?

The other surprising name omitted is Eric Ebron. Many think that he will not be available when the Jets turn to draft comes up. Others think that he will. Many would, as do I, like Ebron to be the Jets’ choice if he is available. The Jets have not had that type of threat on their team in far too long.

Why is he not on the list? Do the Jets’ already feel they have done enough draft research on Ebron? Do they think he won’t be available? Or, will he be added later on?

It’s hard to construe at this point, but may be a point worth watching as the draft approaches.