New York Jets Scouts: Reviewing Their 2014 NFL Draft Performance

Jul 24, 2014; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets general manager John Idzik looks on during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

In the midst of a 2-11 season, blame is flying around every which way as to who is responsible for the pathetic product the Jets are putting on the field. John Idzik is garnering a huge share of blame as well as Rex Ryan; people are also blaming a quarterback situation that seemingly makes no sense. In all honesty the blame belongs to many people in the organization, but some have forgotten about the scouting department headed up by Terry Bradway.

Scouting is a fickle science with many unforeseen variables that can negate the positives of a good prospect. Look at Jadeveon Clowney.   He is a rare talent and physical specimen who is now on schedule to receive one of the worst surgeries an athlete can receive, one with little hope of return to former capabilities and he was a number one pick overall. It’s these unforeseen variables that lead to draft busts and diamonds in the rough in later rounds. Bottom line is, it is not an exact science.

Now let’s take a look at the Jets scouts and how they did this past year and where their prospects are now:

Oct 5, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; New York Jets free safety Calvin Pryor (25) smiles during warms-ups before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

1^st round: Safety- Calvin Pryor– The Jets played him as a free safety while his natural position is closer to the line of scrimmage as a strong safety, now he has been  benched.

Nov 9, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets tight end Jace Amaro (88) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

2^nd round: Tight End- Jace Amaro– A good offensive weapon and looking like one of the best tight ends in the rookie class with plenty of potential moving forward.

Aug 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Dexter McDougle (43) during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

3^rd round: Cornerback- Dexter McDougle– On injured reserve before the season started

Dec 7, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Jalen Saunders (18) carries the ball in front of Carolina Panthers defensive back Carrington Byndom (37) in the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

4^th round 1^st pick: Wide Receiver- Jalen Saunders– Released, signed by New Orleans

Aug 4, 2014; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Shaq Evans (81) walks to the locker room following training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

4^th round 2^nd pick: Wide Receiver- Shaq Evans- Placed on IR before the season started

Aug 16, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Jets offensive tackle Dakota Dozier (70) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

4^th round 3^rd pick: Offensive Guard- Dakota Dozier– Serving as backup

Aug 28, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker Jeremiah George (53) hits Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Will Murphy (84) at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 37-7. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

5^th round: Linebacker- Jeremiah George– Waived, signed to practice squad then signed by Jacksonville Jaguars

Sep 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Brandon Dixon (39) during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

6^th round 1^st pick: Cornerback- Brandon Dixon– Released and signed by Tampa Bay Bucs.

Aug 4, 2014; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (left) runs with the ball after a catch in front of defensive back Rontez Miles (45) during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

6^th round 2^nd pick: Wide Receiver- Quincy Enunwa– Released and signed to Jets practice squad

Aug 4, 2014; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets linebacker IK Enemkpali (51) walks out to the field prior to the start of training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

6^th round 3^rd pick: Defensive End- IK Enemkpali– Still with team

Aug 28, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Jets quarterback Tajh Boyd (3) throws the ball during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 37-7. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

6^th round 4^th pick: Quarterback- Tajh Boyd- Released after an abysmal training camp

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Anthony Dixon (26) runs with the ball as New York Jets defensive back Marcus Williams (22) and outside linebacker Trevor Reilly (57) move in to make a tackle during the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

7^th round: Linebacker- Trevor Reilly– Still with team and actually getting some playing time

More from Jets News

• NY Jets should target TE Hunter Henry in free agency
• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency

There you have it, the Jets draft from this past off-season. Out of twelve picks 5 are still on the active roster and only one is a starter. There is one thing especially damning on this list, in what can be considered one of the best rookie wide receiver classes to come out of college, the Jets took three receivers and none of them have contributed. Sure guys like Mike Evans and Odell Beckham Jr were out of reach for the Jets, but look at what the Steelers found in the 4^th round in Martavis Bryant.

This scouting department has had some big hits in the past such as Sheldon Richardson and Jeremy Kerley, but that old adage persists, a broken clock is still right twice a day. For every Muhammad Wilkerson there has been a Vernon Gholston, For every Darrelle Revis there has been a Dee Milliner (although Dee still has time to change our minds). While everyone is trying to get John Idzik fired and clamoring for Rex’s head I fear that a deeper issue is going unnoticed. Teams are built in the draft, with sub par drafts, sub par teams are built.