2015 NFL Draft: New York Jets Prospects Bowl Game Recap

Dec 30, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the 100th Rose Bowl logo helmet at press conference at LA Hotel Downtown. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The top prospects I’ve been looking at for the Jets since the middle part of the season all have at least played in a Bowl game with one (Mariota) with another Bowl game to go. The Jets are picking number 6 in the upcoming NFL draft and there are needs everywhere on this team. I love the talent across the board in this draft class, especially offensive line, pass rusher and definitely WR. Not sure just yet who will be picking for the Jets, but they should have tons of talent to comb through. Here are a look at a few prospects that I think and hope the Jets are considering with their first round selection.

Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback

Marcus Mariota

(8) adjusts his helmet prior to the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Mariota

– Oregon QB Marcus Mariota put on another show in Oregon’s 59-20 dismantling of the Florida State Seminoles in the CFB inaugural semi-final playoff Rose Bowl game. Mariota finished with 338 yards, two TD’s, one rushing TD and one INT. He ran that Oregon offense flawlessly. His lone INT was one that ended the half and didn’t have an impact on the game one way or another. I have my “issues” with Mariota, but I would draft him #1 overall without the slightest bit of hesitation if I’m Tampa Bay. His talent alone would be enough for me to transform my entire Pro offense just to fit around him to make his transition to the NFL that much more comfortable.

I’m in the minority here, but I would adopt a form of the spread/option/ air-raid offense for him while slowly getting him acclimated more with playing under center. I wouldn’t rush anything on him, and I don’t think it’s necessary at all to do so. He’s likely out of the question for the Jets at this point as I don’t think a team like Tampa Bay with clear QB “issues” (I still for one love Mike Glennon but whatever) can afford to pass up the Heisman winner. He’s going to be a Buc.

Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback

Jameis Winston

(5) during the post-game press conference after the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Oregon Ducks defeated Florida State Seminoles 59-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jameis Winston

– From an overall team and blooper reel standpoint, this was Jameis’ worst post season performance as a Seminole. Winston finished the Rose Bowl with 348 yards, one TD and one INT. He also was responsible for one fumble scoop and score for the ages. It was one that he and the rest of his team want to forget, but sadly, no one is going to forget it anytime soon. Despite his team getting destroyed by the Oregon Ducks, he still impressed me with his passing ability and leadership on the field. His zip, touch and accuracy were all on display in this game and he continued to look like the more pro ready prospect out of the two QBs in MY opinion.

During the game, Winston and his head coach Jimbo Fisher seemed to get into a heated verbal spat on the sidelines that some are using as more ammo against Winston citing his “character issues.” Many issues of his in the past are fair game, but heated exchanges with his head coach aren’t one of them, considering it was in the heat of them getting destroyed and Winston is a serious competitor and seems passionate about the game. There’s plenty to rip him for, this just isn’t an issue to get on him for. Winston hasn’t decided if he’s gonna spend the Spring playing baseball and put the draft on hold and simply return to school next season, but if he doesn’t, I think the Jets should do all they can to get him. We’ll wait and see what happens.

Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide receiver

Amari Cooper

(9) scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter against Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback

Eli Apple

(13) in the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Amari Cooper

– Amari Cooper played well in Alabama’s loss to the Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl. Cooper ended the game with nine catches for 71 yards and two TD’s. Cooper was blanketed all night as it was clear Urban Meyer wasn’t having any of the over the top stuff from Kiffin and Cooper. He doubled Cooper at times with a safety over the top for the most part and it was effective as that limited the big plays from Cooper. Cooper is still the top WR prospect in this draft and should be the first WR drafted.

He has breakaway speed, great hands, and tracks the ball in the air better than any WR I’ve seen in a long time. His route running is excellent and he’s very coachable with a high football IQ. The Jets are very much in prime position to be able to draft him if they want to, though I can see him getting drafted as early as #4.

Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive end

Randy Gregory

(4) looks on before the game against the USC Trojans in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Randy Gregory

– The Nebraska defensive end just recently declared for the NFL draft, making his move to the Pro level official. Gregory is an elite athlete who will likely be a 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. He’s very versatile at 6’6″ and 240 pounds and athletic enough to drop into coverage. He creates leverage at the point of attack when he utilizes his length and explosiveness.

The Jets have lacked an explosive pass rusher since the days of John Abraham and could certainly stand to draft one and put him behind this talented defensive line. I have no problem with using a top ten pick on a player of Gregory’s caliber and attributes. The Jets have to eventually get this position right. A consistent and pure pass rusher is something this defense needs and Gregory has the talent, attributes and upside to be that guy.

Jan 2, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; IIowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman

Brandon Scherff

(68) before the start of their game against theTennessee Volunteers in the 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Scherff

– Iowa lost the Taxslayer Bowl to Tennessee 28-45, but Scherff looked really good as always. I love this kid….like really love him —Aside from Amari Cooper, Scherff just might be my favorite player in this entire draft. He’s a safe pick and the Jets are needing this type of tenacity on the offensive line.

Nov 29, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver DeVante Parker (9) runs the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Papa John