2015 NFL Draft: Who the New York Jets Should Be Scouting

Here are some prospects to keep an eye on this week for the New York Jets:

• Amari Cooper
• Marcus Mariota
• Jameis Winston
• Brandon Scherff
• Randy Gregory

The Jets are likely headed for a top 10 pick in this April’s draft and still have a legitimate shot at a top 5 pick as well, so it’ll probably be easier for Jets fans if we simply laid out the prospects that the Jets SHOULD have their eye on for the rest of the season.  Now I use that term “should” very lightly considering I don’t trust the Jets scouting department and I have no faith that they are even scouting the prospects that I’ll lay out for you guys from now until draft day but hey, I love you all so let’s do this anyway.  These are the prospects that I believe should be at the top of the Jets first round scouting list as of right now.

Are there others? Certainly, and this will likely change weekly, but in my opinion, these particular players are the cream of the draft crop at the respected positions in which the Jets find themselves in need.  Some are questioning whether the Jets are still in need of a WR since Harvin is now a member of the Jets and the answer to that question is yes. Amari Cooper is an elite talent.  Has exceptional speed and runs routes like a NFL veteran WR and should definitely be a legitimate draft option for the Jets.

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The Jets are 2-8 and are coming off of a win over the Steelers.  The Jets with Vick at the helm have the capability to win least 2-3 more games, which should�keep them in the top 10 range in the draft.  I could make a case for each one of the aforementioned prospects for this Jets team, but instead we’ll simply just update their progress as we get closer and closer to the draft.  Here’s a brief break down of this week’s prospects –

Nov 8, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) dives for a ball thrown behind him during the second half of a game against the LSU Tigersat Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

• Amari Cooper -The star Alabama WR has been on a tear this season and that’s putting it kindly.  He has toyed with secondaries this season on his way to a record-breaking season with about four games to go.  He has six games over 100 yards receiving, two of those six games have been over 200 yards receiving. He has tallied 79 catches, 1,215 yards, 10 TD’s, with three games with multiple touchdown catches.  His route running is already on an NFL level and his speed is around the 4.3 – 4.4 range. Suffice it to say, the Jets should definitely be scouting and interested in the top WR prospect in college football. He has a few tough matchups coming up and it’ll be interesting to see how he’s utilized in keeping Alabama in the National Title/playoff race.

Nov 8, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs with the ball during the second half against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Oregon won 51-27. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

• Marcus Mariota – At 6′ 219 pounds, Oregon Junior QB Marcus Mariota has ideal size to play the position on the next level.  It doesn’t hurt that he’s actually a heck of a QB either.  The dual threat QB has looked the part this season on his way to 2,780 yards, 29 TDs and only two interceptions thus far into the season. He’s without a doubt ready to play on Sundays and the Jets undoubtedly should be looking to address the QB position this off-season. With Mariota being available, he most certainly should be a legitimate consideration for them. Let’s see how he does the remainder of the season. Like Cooper, I would love to see him in the playoffs against top competition.

Nov 8, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) warms up before the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

• Jameis Winston – Without stringing you along further than I have to with Winston, I can go ahead and tell you that I like him better than Mariota. I love his accuracy, his pocket poise, his touch and arm strength.  I love it all. What I don’t love is everything else about him, ie his character.  I am not judging the kid, but the Jets are looking for a franchise QB so certain standards have to be upheld and his are questionable at best.  That’s not to say he can’t change and stay on his best behavior from now until he retires from the NFL, but it is fair to factor in his questionable behavior in his scouting.  I love the kid’s game.  I think he’s better than Geno Smith right now.  I think he can be a franchise QB almost immediately, but as of right now, If the Jets are drafting a QB, it’s Mariota. Things can change and hopefully like Cooper and Mariota, we get to see Winston upgrade his stock by making a run through the playoffs.

Jan 1, 2014; Tampa, Fl, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive linesman Brandon Scherff (68) blocks against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

• Brandon Scherff – Some are probably questioning why the Jets would consider an o-lineman in the first.  Well, the Jets o-line has been as much a part of the Jets failed season thus far than any other player or group on this team. It’s been highly inconsistent and that’s putting it kindly.  Fifth year senior Brandon Scherff from Iowa is ready for the NFL right now. �In my opinion, he doesn’t even have to finish the season.  At 6’5 320, Scherff has ideal size, long arms and displays excellent balance for a lineman his size.  He has no problems moving his feet and sticking with the blocks.  I love him and so should the Jets. I would not hesitate at all in drafting him in the top 10.

Nov 16, 2013; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defender Randy Gregory (44) celebrates after a quarterback sack against the Michigan State Spartans in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

• Randy Gregory-6’6″ 240 junior DE out of Nebraska, Randy is a constant monster off the edge providing consistent pressure.  He has an explosive first step and long arms.  He has ideal size to come in and take advantage of the talented Jets d-line and add playmaking ability to the Jets pass rush that has lacked such a player since John Abraham.  I really love his pro potential as a 3-4 pass rusher.  If I’m scouting for the Jets, this guy is near the top of my list.