New York Jets keep the streak going in 2016 NFL Draft

Despite two different front offices, the New York Jets have stuck status-quo in terms of their draft plans in the first round over the years.

The Jets picked a defensive player every year outside of quarterback Mark Sanchez in the first round during Rex Ryan’s tenure. That didn’t change in year one with general manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles last season with the selection of defensive end Leonard Williams.

Well guess what, make that eight drafts in a row that the Jets have gone to the defensive side of the football. The Jets desperately needed an edge rusher and they’re hoping that their latest addition Darron Lee can be the last piece to the puzzle.

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Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Darron Lee (Ohio State) after being selected by the New York Jets as the number twenty overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Lee is an athletic linebacker that can play three downs and at a position that is extremely thin for the Jets. But after the Jets made their selection, it will be very interesting to see just how Bowles used him on defense. He can be used as an edge rusher, on the Jets’ defensive line and especially in situational packages to take full advantage of his speed.

At 6’2 and 235 pounds he’s a bit undersized whether he remains at inside linebacker or transitions to the outside. The production isn’t as high as you would have wanted (11 sacks in two seasons at Ohio State), but the potential is there.

More jets: Jets make wise decision with Darron Lee

One area Lee can improve in is his pass coverage, especially if he plays behind Erin Henderson as Bowles would want have speedy young linebackers wreaking havoc against opponents. But getting another guy who can get after quarterback Tom Brady is always a win in the minds of the Jets faithful.