2015 NFL Draft: Todd McShay Mocks Randy Gregory to the New York Jets

Most of us are familiar with the work of Todd McShay. McShay, along with Mel Kiper Jr., has been providing analysis of the NFL draft for ESPN for many years. Leading up to the draft, McShay publishes his mock draft to ESPN.com (Insider subscription required). Yesterday morning, he posted his latest version, and in it, he has Randy Gregory going to the New York Jets. Here are McShay’s thoughts:

The Jets could take Kevin White in this scenario, as he’d bolster their receiving corps opposite Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, but Gregory is a really good fit here. I don’t think the recent news of his positive marijuana test is going to affect his stock all that much. He’d had positive tests in college, so it was already a known issue with him, and he’s the top pure edge rusher in this class. His lean frame and inability to put on and/or keep weight is a concern, but he’s a terror coming off the edge with his explosive first-step quickness and length, and he’s stronger than you’d expect for someone his size. In the Jets’ talented front seven, he’d be set loose at a 3-4 outside linebacker to get after the quarterback, which is his strength.

This choice on its face is fine by me. I would have no issue with the Jets going for an edge pass rusher at number six, as you all know by now. What concerns me about Gregory is his size. At 6’4″, 235 pounds, he is not large, and could be taken down easily by opponents. Adding that much to his playing weight is easier said than done.

The other issue with Gregory is one of intelligence. Marijuana, in and of itself, doesn’t bother me. But, Gregory knew that this test was coming. It didn’t occur to him that he might want to get clean prior to the Combine? If Gregory couldn’t figure that out, what gives me confidence that Gregory is going to be able to understand what he needs to do in the NFL?

On ability, I like Randy Gregory, but when considering all things, I would prefer Vic Beasley in this spot.

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