NFL Combine: New York Jets Prospect Observations

Feb 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan speaks to the media during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The 2015 NFL Combine is underway and the results show we may be looking at one of the most talented classes in regards to overall talent we’ve seen in a while – and that’s just from day 2 observations. Over the past few weeks we’ve kept you cognizant of a few prospects the Jets should be eyeing as far as the first round pick is concerned and a couple sleeper prospects as well. FSU QB Jameis Winston is noticeably absent from this list as I think he should probably start apartment hunting in Tampa Bay right now to save himself the time and trouble. Here’s how other said prospects have fared thus far in the combine process.

Next: La'El Collins

– La’El Collins, OT – LSU –

Collins displayed excellent explosiveness, agility and overall athleticism during the Olympic drills on the first day of the combine. He ran an impressive 5.12 in the 40-yard dash, very impressive indeed considering he’s 6-foot-4, 305-pounds. In positional drills, Collins displayed excellent balance, agility and control.

– Collins consistently moved “opponents” with his short punches in blocking drills. He is surprisingly light on his feet and controls his movements very well. Before the combine I really loved for the Jets to consider him at #6 and, after this showing, he is one of my “safe” picks.

More from The Jet Press

Next: Amari Cooper

– Amari Cooper, WR – Alabama –

Amari didn’t participate in the weight lifting part of the combine, but he did run the 40 and participate in the WR drills. His official 40 time was 4.42 and he made it look easy. He took care of the gauntlet with ease, catching everything in stride and looked smooth in doing so. His short shuttle was a very impressive 3.98. Cooper is very much in play for the Jets at 6 as he’s the most complete, pro-ready WR in this draft, not by much, but it’s still saying a lot.

Next: Kevin White

Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver

Kevin White

catches a pass during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin White, WR – West Virginia

WR Kevin White shocked pretty much everyone with his incredibly surprising 4.35 40 time. I truly wasn’t expecting that from the talented WR, but I can’t say that I’m that shocked considering how gifted he is. Like Cooper, White handled the gauntlet with ease and made it all look so simple. He is no doubt a top 10 talent at this point and I believe will be the first WR taken. If he’s at 6, it’s a no-brainer for the Jets.

Next: Marcus Mariota

QB Marcus Mariota runs a 4.5 at the combine.

Marcus Mariota, QB – Oregon

Marcus Mariota is still in play for the Jets at 6. Regardless of the “system” questions that are out there about him, he’s talented enough to justify the #6 selection from the Jets without question. He clocked an official 4.5 40, not shocking considering how fast he is, but impressive nonetheless. He looked very comfortable in passing drills, displaying the touch and strength we needed to see. I have my reservations about him, but I think though he may take some time to get accumulated with the Pro system, he’s worth waiting on in regards the grooming process the Jets would have to put him through.

Next: Randy Gregory

Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Nebraska defensive lineman

Randy Gregory

talks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

– Randy Gregory, DE – Nebraska

Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory weighed in lighter than expected Friday at the NFL combine, coming in at just 235 pounds at a shade under 6-foot-5 (6-4 7/8). The weight isn’t a concern at all as he can likely put on more if needed. He’s easily the best pure pass rusher in the draft.

He put up 24 reps in the weight room which is a pretty solid number. The kid is aggressive off the edge and has the tenacity needed to cause disruption. The Jets desperately need a consistent pass rusher off the edges and nothing Gregory has done thus far has given me cause for concern. He’s definitely still in play for the Jets at #6.

Next: Dante Fowler

Feb 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida defensive lineman Dante Fowler speaks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

– Dante Fowler, DE – Florida

The talented Defensive End from Florida weighed in at 6’2, 261-pounds at the combine, which is a solid size for a defensive end who will likely make the transition to OLB on the Pro level. In the weight room, Fowler managed 19 reps of 225. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t just a tad bit disappointed at that, because I am. Having said that, he like Gregory is a legitimate pass rushing prospect that will excel behind this very talented Jets D-line. In the NFL at the OLB position, strength is important, but not as important as motor, speed and technique, all of which Fowler have high marks in. He’s very much a legitimate option for the Jets at 6.

Next: Other Notable Combine Results?

Other Notable Combine Results

Phillip Dorsett, WR – Miami –

Dorsett clocked in officially at 4.33 in his 40 which was impressive to say the least. His gauntlet was also impressive and he looked smooth in the rest of the drills. He’s not an option for the Jets in the first, but depending on what the Jets do with the 6th pick, and if Dorsett is around in the 2nd, he needs to be high on the Jets “Best Player Available” board, like really high.

Devin Smith, WR – Ohio State –

Smith clocked an impressive 4.42 40 and displayed great hands in all of the catching drills including the gauntlet and deep catches. He’s probably a better route runner than Dorsett, but both have similar skill set and attributes. Like Dorsett, 6 is too high to reach for him at, but he’s without a doubt excellent value in the 2nd round. I like him.

Sammie Coates, WR – Auburn

Auburn’s physical and freakish WR official time clocked in at 4.43. Excellent time for a WR his size. He tied with Kevin White in the bench press with 23 reps, for the best in that category along with UConn’s Geremy Davis. The skill set is there, so are the attributes, but Coates did drop a few passes that could hurt his stock. I like the kid and think he’s a special talent. Hopefully the Jets will want to see more in private workouts to see if the drops were really an issue.

Cameron Artis-Payne, RB – Auburn

Artis-Payne turned in an official 4.53 seconds on his 40 time. It was an impressive day for Artis-Payne, who needed to prove he has the speed of other top backs. As I outlined here, I think Artis-Payne would make for a very adequate complementary RB next to Chris Ivory.

Next: Winston and Mariota Combine Video

Home/Jets News