NFL Draft 2015: New York Jets’ Prospect Watch , Day Three

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA;

Leonard Williams

(Southern California) poses for a photo after being selected as the number sixth overall pick to the New York Jets in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

So far in the draft, the Jets have added a defensive lineman that the shouldn’t have been able to, a deep threat at wide receiver, and an outside linebacker that can get after the passer. Mike Maccagnan has clearly had a plan of action for his New York Jets, and it has come together quite well so far.

But, what’s going to happen today? After last night’s trade, the Jets have five picks to make, choosing in every round except for the sixth, with three picks in the seventh round. There are a lot of good names out there. What are the Jets going to do?

Here are some prospects I think we should watch for as Jets fans.

Next: T.J. Clemmings

Sep 13, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers offensive linesman

T.J. Clemmings

(68) takes a drink on the sidelines in the fourth quarter in a game against the FIU Golden Panthers at FIU Stadium. Pitt won 42-25. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets haven’t addressed the offensive line yet. Today might be the day to get that done. T.J. Clemmings was graded by some as a first round selection, and he is still on the board as we begin the festivities today. He spent his career at Pittsburgh as a right tackle, so he isn’t known for being able to play all over the line.

But, after he transitioned from defensive end to offensive tackle in 2012, he became a consistent starter, and a good one by the time his career ended. Clemmings was first team All-ACC last year, and earned several All-American honors. The Jets offensive line is aging, and weakening. Clemmings would be a good guy to start with to get younger and better.

Next: Jay Ajayi

Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos running back

Jay Ajayi

(27) celebrates following the game against the Arizona Wildcats in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Wildcats 38-30. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Stevan Ridley is not ready to go, still recovering from injury. The Jets may go ahead with a running back here, and Jay Ajayi would be a great value pick. Dane Brugler graded Ajayi as a second round pick, and would fit the bill of a guy that can catch passes out of the backfield.

Ajayi is explosive, posting a broad jump of 10’1″ at the NFL combine. At 5’11” he is a bit short, but then again, Warrick Dunn was a short player, as was Leon Washington, and both of those guys turned out OK. He can be a workhorse, carrying the ball over 340 times as a senior, and still averaging over five yards per carry. A running back that can get to the edge would be a great addition to the New York Jets.

Next: Bryce Petty

Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback

Bryce Petty

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

The Jets may still take a quarterback today. Look out for Bryce Petty, who did have a visit with the Jets during the pre-draft process. Petty was an accurate passer at Baylor, throwing for over 60% completion percentage, 62 touchdowns versus only ten interceptions. He is not a big time runner, but that doesn’t bother me, as you need to make throws in the NFL to win.

Success at Baylor doesn’t guarantee success in the big leagues, ask RG III. The Jets would have to be convinced, based on their due diligence, that Petty can learn and feel comfortable in a pro offense. But I have a feeling that if they go quarterback, this will be the guy. He makes a good value on day three.

Next: Taiwan Jones

Oct 25, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker

Taiwan Jones

(34) celebrates defense stop during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 35-11. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

OK, this one is my long shot, Jets fans, but here me out.

David Harris is back, but he is not getting any younger. Demario Davis is here, but he needs some assistance. Calvin Pace is also getting older, so depth at the linebacker position is a good thing. Taiwan Jones was a four-year starter at Michigan State, and was an impact player. He was noted for being a fierce tackling machine, posting 183 tackles for his college career, 25.5 of them good for TFL’s.

Jones is a little bit lacking in the pass defense game, which will hurt is ability to be a three down linebacker right away. But a guy that can hit is always a good addition to a roster. The Jets could definitely do well with some depth at linebacker, and Taiwan Jones would make a good choice. No special insight here, just a guy that I think would fit in well with the Jets.

Enjoy the rest of the draft today, and stay tuned for coverage of the Jets selections.

Next: Twitter Reacts to Devin Smith

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