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[New York Jets]

Free agent positional scarcity and the NFL draft

Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

Some positions just need to be drafted

Much is made every year about how teams should draft the best player on the board, or “BPA.” However, that argument fails to consider a crucial factor, which is that certain positions are not only more valuable, but that players who play those positions are extremely hard to acquire on the free agent market.

Yep. Not only is there a lack of talent but the talent doesnt leave the team who drafts them pic.twitter.com/bbdWVH95Rl

— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) April 8, 2025​

As shown in the above plot by Jason of Overthecap.com, the percentage of top 20 players who reach free agency varies quite a bit by position. While top 20 linebackers reach free agency at a rate nearing 70%, top 20 quarterbacks, left tackles, and wide receivers reach free agency at a rate that is 3 times less. Overall, that implies that these premium positions are in a “draft it or don’t have it” situation for teams, which strongly incentivizes teams to identify draftable talent at these positions and get them into the building (and then locked up for the long-term).

Related to the New York Jets, this has short-term implications for their decision around wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Basically, this implies that a replacement at his level would essentially have to come in the draft, which is an inexact science to put it lightly. While other wideouts may be better than Wilson, this hits home just how difficult it will be to acquire one of those options, giving him quite a bit of leverage in negotiations if the Jets hope to be competitive in the near future.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...city-and-the-nfl-draft-garrett-wilson-ny-jets

 

[New York Jets]

Building A GGN Big Board 2025: Prospect No. 40

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Let’s crowd source a 2025 NFL draft big board

We have the #40 prospect on the 2025 GGN Big Board. And the winner is: Mason Taylor, Tight End, LSU! With Taylor taking the #40 spot, our crowd sourced Big Board now looks like this:

1. Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
2. Travis Hunter, Cornerback/Wide Receiver, Colorado
3. Mason Graham, Defensive Tackle, Michigan
4. Cam Ward, Quarterback, Miami
5. Tyler Warren, Tight End, Penn State
6. Ashton Jeanty, Running Back, Boise State
7. Tetairoa McMillan, Wide Receiver, Arizona
8. Will Campbell, Offensive Lineman, LSU
9. Armand Membou, Offensive Tackle, Missouri
10. Will Johnson, Cornerback, Michigan
11. Shedeur Sanders, Quarterback, Colorado
12. Kelvin Banks Jr, Offensive Tackle, Texas
13. Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
14. Malaki Starks, Safety, Georgia
15. Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
16. Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia
17. Matthew Golden, Wide Receiver, Texas
18. Nick Emmanwori, Safety, South Carolina
19. Colston Loveland, Tight End, Michigan
20. Jaxson Dart, Quarterback, Mississippi
21. Jahdae Barron, Cornerback, Texas
22. Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
23. Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
24. Jihaad Campbell, Linebacker, Alabama
25. Kenneth Grant, Defensive Tackle, Michigan (Tie 25)
26. Josh Simmons, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State (Tie 25)
27. Walter Nolen, Defensive Tackle, Mississippi
28. James Pearce Jr, Edge, Tennessee
29. Luther Burden, Wide Receiver, Missouri
30. Derrick Harmon, Defensive Tackle, Oregon
31. Omarion Hampton, Running Back, North Carolina
32. Tyler Booker, Offensive Lineman, Alabama (Tie 32)
33. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College (Tie 32)
34. Josh Conerly, Offensive Tackle, Oregon (Tie 32)
35. J.T. Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
36. Dillon Gabriel, Quarterback, Oregon
37. Tyleik Williams, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State
38. Aireontae Ersery, Offensive Tackle, Minnesota
39. Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
40. Mason Taylor, Tight End, LSU
41. ?

From now until late April I’ll be putting up a daily poll asking GGN to vote on the best available players from a rolling list of 15 candidates. The idea here is to build a generic Big Board reflecting the community’s view of this year’s draft class regardless of the Jets’ (or any other team’s) particular needs. For example, you may think the Jets don’t need a Center this year, but that should not necessarily prevent you from placing a Center high on the Big Board if said Center warrants it. Each day we will close the previous day’s poll and the candidate with the most votes will be added to the GGN Big Board. In the event of a tie vote both players will go up on the Board. By the time the draft rolls around we should have 50 players on our Big Board.

If a name you think should be on the poll is not there you can write in candidates in the comments. If a player gets support in the comments I’ll consider adding him to the poll. If a player repeatedly gets zero votes he may be dropped from the poll for a few days.

We all have different views. What we’re looking for here is a composite of the best players in the community’s collective mind. Your views may or may not coincide with the community’s, and either way that’s OK. Life here on GGN would be pretty boring if we all agreed on everything.

Let’s get to it. Today we continue with the #41 prospect on the crowd sourced GGN Big Board 2025. Who will it be? Vote early, vote often, and let’s hear who you think are the best players in this draft.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...ct-no-40-mason-taylor-nfl-draft-new-york-jets

 

[New York Jets]

Why Jalen Milroe attending night 1 of NFL draft matters

Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images

Is Milroe going in the first round?

Quarterback Jalen Milroe is one of the more polarizing prospects in the 2025 NFL draft. On one hand, the quarterback had some impressive output stats (e.g., 36 total touchdowns in 2024) and is one the fastest quarterback prospects ever seen.

Jalen Milroe blazes to a 4.37 in the 40 yard dash. He is this draft classes’ Justin Fields. In the right situation and with the right pieces around him, he possesses ELITE traits that no other QB in this draft class has. Ceiling for him is Jalen Hurts. pic.twitter.com/d50tRBXQ03

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 19, 2025​

On the other, his passing leaves something to be desired according to some.

Despite the latter (and the importance of the latter to play quarterback at the NFL level), Milroe’s projected draft position has seemed to hover in the late first, early second round range for months. However, news recently broke that Milroe has been invited to and agreed to attend the first round of the NFL draft, signaling that he is likely to be selected in round 1. Indeed, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky implied as much recently.

He and Dart will both be drafted higher than expected https://t.co/dWRa2cc99s

— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) April 6, 2025​

For the New York Jets this is notable, as they recently invested in quarterback Justin Fields who comes with a similar skillset of being a superb runner and more of an “okay” passer. This gives some reason to think they would be open to taking a player like Milroe who comes with a ton of potential based on his athleticism but has yet to fully tap into it. With that in mind, if the Jets want Milroe than a trade up may be required, making this something to monitor on draft day.

What do you think? Yay or nay to a Jets trade up for Milroe?

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...-draft-why-that-matters-ny-jets-justin-fields

 

[New York Jets]

Scouting Jets defensive tackle Jay Tufele

Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Taking a look at a Jets free agent signing

The New York Jets signed former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Jay Tufele to a one-year contract early on in free agency. Today we break Tufele down in detail.

The 25-year old Tufele is listed at 6’3” and 310 pounds and was a fourth round pick out of USC in 2021. He has started five games in his NFL career, recording 44 tackles, three tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, a pass defensed and half a sack in four years.

Background

Tufele was almost 300 pounds as a high schooler and was a five-star recruit who enrolled at USC in 2017 and redshirted his first season.

In 2018, he saw action in a rotational role that saw him start five games. He ended the season with 23 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, earning all-Pac 12 second team honors. He also returned a fumble for a 48-yard touchdown.

As a redshirt sophomore in 2019, he was a first team all-Pac 12 selection after racking up 41 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

However, he opted out of the 2020 season due to the Covid-19 pandemic, deciding to instead prepare to be an early entry into the 2021 draft. While some sites had him listed as a probable day two and possible late first round pick ahead of the 2020 season, sitting out a year hurt his stock and he was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round.

Tufele struggled to make an impact as a rookie, ending up with just two tackles in four games. He was released in final cuts ahead of the 2022 season. However, the Bengals claimed him off waivers and he found himself a home as a rotational lineman with them over the past three seasons.

In 2022, he played in seven games, starting two. He ended up with 16 tackles, two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits. He then had 11 tackles in 10 games as a reserve in 2023.

Last season, he played in 13 games, starting three, and ended up with 15 tackles and the first half-sack of his career. However, the Bengals did not extend him, so he hit the open market at the end of the year.

The Jets signed Tufele to a one-year minimum salary deal during the early stages of free agency.

Let’s move on to some more in-depth analysis of what Tufele brings to the table as a player, based on extensive research and film study.

Measurables/Athleticism

Tufele was already an NFL-sized defensive tackle by the time he was about 16 but he lacks ideal length. Having been part of the draft class that didn’t get a chance to work out at the combine due to the pandemic, he impressed during his pro day workout with a 5.02 time in the 40-yard dash and 30 bench press reps.

His explosiveness and agility numbers were slight below average for the position but he shows flashes of both in his film.

Usage

Tufele has played the majority of his reps at the NFL and college levels as a traditional B-gap defensive tackle, mostly in four-man fronts. He has lined up outside or over the center from time to time but not very often.

He has never had a chance to be a ball carrier, other than on his fumble return in college, but he actually has some experience at this, as he also has a background in rugby.

Motor

Tufele brings plenty of energy as he battles in the trenches. He keeps working after his first move is repelled and hustles in pursuit.

He hasn’t really had a starter’s workload at any stage of his career, with the most snaps he’s played in an NFL game being just 37. However, he has played 50 or more a couple of times in preseason.

Pass rush

With eight sacks in two seasons at USC, the Jaguars and Bengals probably expected more production from Tufele as a pass rusher. However, he has just half a sack in regular season action and doesn’t have one in preseason either.

Despite this, he has shown promise at times. A feature of his rushing is his violent hand work, as he chops down to keep offensive linemen’s hands off him.

He brings power but also has some quickness and agility and can even get to the quarterback versus a double team.

However, his overall pressure rates have been underwhelming, both in regular season and preseason action.

Run defense

Tufele’s run defense grades on analysis sites such as Pro Football Focus have typically been below average. He is often controlled at the point of attack or sealed off as his momentum is used against him to take him out of a play.

He has made plenty of impressive plays at the NFL level though. He displays the quickness to shoot gaps and explode into the backfield.

Perhaps his most impressive attribute is his strength. When he gets his pads low, he can hold his ground against a double team and even leverage his way into running lanes.

He’s efficient on the move too, reacting and hustling downhill with good range to prevent this run from getting to the second level.

Technique

As noted, Tufele has good strength and uses his hands well. When he combines this with good technique he can be effective at leveraging his way off blocks to maintain his gap.

As a pass rusher, he isn’t regarded as someone who will string moves together, but his athletic ability means he can look good when he tries to win matchups this way, so this could be an area with growth potential.

Special teams

Other than one snap rushing a punt, Tufele’s only role on special teams in college and at the pro level has been on the kick block unit.

He had one penalty in college but also had this crucial field goal block to preserve a big win against a Pac 12 rival.

Tackling

Tufele hasn’t been a very productive tackler at the NFL level as he’s averaged less than 1.5 tackles per game despite being more productive in college. However, he does contribute by bottling up runs for other players to clean up while he occupies blockers.

Missed tackles have never been a major issue for him, although he had three last season after having only had two in his first three years combined.

Coverage

Tufele never dropped into coverage in college and has only done so once at the NFL level on a play where the Bengals gave up a touchdown although this wasn’t his fault.

He batted down one pass at the line in college and has done this once in the NFL too. He will also hustle to get in on the play on short passes.

Instincts/Intelligence

The book on Tufele as he entered the NFL was that he was more of an attacking lineman who was less comfortable when tasked with a read and react assignment. However, there are signs that this is something he’s improved at since being drafted.

His awareness can sometimes be lacking when he is hit with a down block and he has yet to develop a good feel for transitioning to counter moves when initially repelled by pass protectors.

Attitude/Demeanor

Tufele’s coaches and teammates have been complimentary about his attitude and character. He’s viewed as a competitor with mental and physical toughness.

His on-field discipline at the NFL level has been excellent with just one defensive penalty in his career, for defensive holding. He had four in college.

He’s not a vocal leader and can be emotional at times, but he’s worked on his maturity and is regarded as a hard worker who is coachable.

As a measure of his determination, when he was in high school, he was once chewed out by the coaches for being two minutes late to an early morning meeting and when they asked him why he was late it turned out he had walked 15 miles to be there.

Injuries

At the NFL level, Tufele has missed 33 games, although most of these have been as a healthy scratch. He did miss six games on injured reserve in his rookie year, though, having broken his hand in a pre-game warmup.

He had some issues in college and high school too. He didn’t play as a high school senior due to a torn ligament in his foot and dealt with a hand injury that required stitches and bothered him throughout the 2019 season at USC. He didn’t miss any game or practice time due to that, though, showcasing his toughness.

Scheme Fit

The Jets signed a trio of veteran linemen to low-level deals in free agency and Tufele will compete for a role with the other two (Byron Cowart and Derrick Nnadi). You can expect any of these to end up in a rotational role as a 4-3 defensive tackle, which would be similar to the role Tufele has already played in his NFL career.

Tufele was a former teammate of current Jet Alijah Vera-Tucker at USC and played with Andre Cisco and Quincy Williams at Jacksonville. He was also a teammate of punter Austin McNamara in Cincinnati.

Conclusions

As a five-star prospect who was drafted in the mid rounds and was a rotational contributor so far in his career, it’s perhaps surprising that Tufele already hit the open market and wasn’t able to get anything more than a minimum salary deal. Especially when some of his film is actually pretty impressive.

He’s still only 25 and it’s a young 25 because he didn’t play in 2016 (injury), 2017 (redshirt) or 2020 (opt-out) so there is plenty of tread on those tires and, the Jets will hope, some residual untapped potential.

It can be treated as a prove-it deal for Tufele, who will no doubt work hard and with a chip on his shoulder as he seeks to establish himself. It should be a good competition on the defensive interior this summer.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...ing-new-york-jets-defensive-tackle-jay-tufele

 

[New York Jets]

Building A GGN Big Board 2025: Prospect No. 42

Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images

Let’s crowd source a 2025 NFL draft big board

We have the #42 prospect on the 2025 GGN Big Board. And the winner is: Grey Zabel, Offensive Lineman, North Dakota State! With Zabel taking the #42 spot, our crowd sourced Big Board now looks like this:

1. Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
2. Travis Hunter, Cornerback/Wide Receiver, Colorado
3. Mason Graham, Defensive Tackle, Michigan
4. Cam Ward, Quarterback, Miami
5. Tyler Warren, Tight End, Penn State
6. Ashton Jeanty, Running Back, Boise State
7. Tetairoa McMillan, Wide Receiver, Arizona
8. Will Campbell, Offensive Lineman, LSU
9. Armand Membou, Offensive Tackle, Missouri
10. Will Johnson, Cornerback, Michigan
11. Shedeur Sanders, Quarterback, Colorado
12. Kelvin Banks Jr, Offensive Tackle, Texas
13. Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
14. Malaki Starks, Safety, Georgia
15. Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
16. Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia
17. Matthew Golden, Wide Receiver, Texas
18. Nick Emmanwori, Safety, South Carolina
19. Colston Loveland, Tight End, Michigan
20. Jaxson Dart, Quarterback, Mississippi
21. Jahdae Barron, Cornerback, Texas
22. Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
23. Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
24. Jihaad Campbell, Linebacker, Alabama
25. Kenneth Grant, Defensive Tackle, Michigan (Tie 25)
26. Josh Simmons, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State (Tie 25)
27. Walter Nolen, Defensive Tackle, Mississippi
28. James Pearce Jr, Edge, Tennessee
29. Luther Burden, Wide Receiver, Missouri
30. Derrick Harmon, Defensive Tackle, Oregon
31. Omarion Hampton, Running Back, North Carolina
32. Tyler Booker, Offensive Lineman, Alabama (Tie 32)
33. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College (Tie 32)
34. Josh Conerly, Offensive Tackle, Oregon (Tie 32)
35. J.T. Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
36. Dillon Gabriel, Quarterback, Oregon
37. Tyleik Williams, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State
38. Aireontae Ersery, Offensive Tackle, Minnesota
39. Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
40. Mason Taylor, Tight End, LSU
41. Shavon Revel Jr., Cornerback, East Carolina
42. Grey Zabel, Offensive Lineman, North Dakota State
43. ?

From now until late April I’ll be putting up a daily poll asking GGN to vote on the best available players from a rolling list of 15 candidates. The idea here is to build a generic Big Board reflecting the community’s view of this year’s draft class regardless of the Jets’ (or any other team’s) particular needs. For example, you may think the Jets don’t need a Center this year, but that should not necessarily prevent you from placing a Center high on the Big Board if said Center warrants it. Each day we will close the previous day’s poll and the candidate with the most votes will be added to the GGN Big Board. In the event of a tie vote both players will go up on the Board. By the time the draft rolls around we should have 50 players on our Big Board.

If a name you think should be on the poll is not there you can write in candidates in the comments. If a player gets support in the comments I’ll consider adding him to the poll. If a player repeatedly gets zero votes he may be dropped from the poll for a few days.

We all have different views. What we’re looking for here is a composite of the best players in the community’s collective mind. Your views may or may not coincide with the community’s, and either way that’s OK. Life here on GGN would be pretty boring if we all agreed on everything.

Let’s get to it. Today we continue with the #43 prospect on the crowd sourced GGN Big Board 2025. Who will it be? Vote early, vote often, and let’s hear who you think are the best players in this draft.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...pect-no-42-grey-zabel-nfl-draft-new-york-jets

 

[New York Jets]

Darren Mougey says Alijah Vera-Tucker will play guard: What that means for the Jets’ draft

Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images

Do the Jets need to target a starting right tackle?

Alijah Vera-Tucker has been nothing if not a team player during his tenure on the New York Jets. Since being drafted in 2021, Vera-Tucker has played all over the offensive line, often being asked to fill in to replace injured players on an as needed basis. That tendency was bucked in 2024 as Vera-Tucker played each of his 916 snaps at right guard, but things could change in 2025 with a new front office and coaching staff entering the picture.

Recently, new general manager Darren Mougey threw cold water on that idea, stating plainly that Vera-Tucker will remain at guard.

Darren Mougey says Alijah Vera-Tucker will play guard pic.twitter.com/p2HC2jQVy0

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) March 30, 2025​

For the Jets, this takes away the best in-house candidate to play right tackle, which is notable with the departure of Morgan Moses to the rival New England Patriots. As of now, the Jets starting right tackle would likely be one of Carter Warren, Max Mitchell, or Chukwuma Okorafor, leaving much to be desired from the right tackle position given that none of these players have shown much at the NFL level.

Moreover, this also sets the Jets up to potentially take a right tackle with a premium pick in the 2025 NFL draft. This may explain why they have been increasingly linked to a player such as tackle Armand Membou, with Jets insider Tony Pauline seemingly implying that he is the Jets preferred plan at pick #7 in recent days.

“The latest rumors in league circles say the Jets will work the phones attempting to move down if Membou is not available.”

- @TonyPauline pic.twitter.com/Nbq4uTW9Dn

— SleeperJets (@SleeperJets) April 11, 2025​

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...jah-vera-tucker-will-play-guard-jets-draft-ny

 

[New York Jets]

Scouting Jets wide receiver Tyler Johnson

Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Taking a look at a new Jets wide receiver

The New York Jets signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tyler Johnson to a one-year contract early on in free agency. Today we break Johnson down in detail.

The 26-year old Johnson is listed at 6’1” and 206 pounds. He was a fifth round pick out of Minnesota in 2020. He has started eight games in his career, catching 76 passes for 828 yards and four touchdowns.

Background

Johnson was a three-star high school recruit, where he had been a dual threat quarterback. However, he was recruited to Minnesota to play wide receiver.

He only started one game as a true freshman, ending the year with 14 catches for 141 yards and a touchdown. However, his role increased in 2017 and he ended up with 35 catches for 677 yards and seven scores in 10 games as a starter.

In 2018, he was a first team all-Big Ten selection after catching 78 passes for 1,169 yards and 12 touchdowns. However, he opted not to enter the 2019 draft and improved on those numbers with 81 catches, 1,318 yards and 13 touchdowns, closing out his college career with a 12 catch, 204 yard, two touchdown effort in the Outback Bowl as he once again earned first-team all-conference honors.

Johnson lasted into the middle rounds before being drafted by the Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2020 draft. He caught a couple of touchdowns and earned a Super Bowl ring as a rookie, but ended up with just 12 catches for 169 yards.

In his second season, Johnson made the first three starts of his career and put up the best numbers of his career with 36 catches for 360 yards.

However, his career stalled at that point, as he played just three games and caught two passes for eight yards over the next two seasons. During that time, he was cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams and Las Vegas Raiders, although he ended the 2023 season on the Rams practice squad.

He bounced back with the Rams in 2024 as he made their roster and played in 15 games, starting two. He ended the season with 26 catches for 291 yards and a touchdown, with a career-high 79 receiving yards in the overtime win over Detroit, who of course had Aaron Glenn as their defensive coordinator at the time.

The Jets signed Johnson to a one-year minimum salary deal during the early stages of free agency.

Let’s move onto some more in-depth analysis of what Johnson brings to the table as a player, based on extensive research and film study.

Measurables/Athleticism

Heading into the 2020 pre-draft process, which was of course disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, the main question surrounding Johnson was his speed. He reportedly worked hard to lower his 40-yard dash only to then opt not to run for scouts. Some estimates said his 40 time would have been around 4.7 which would have basically made him undraftable, although he does display burst and acceleration at times on film.

Johnson has adequate size but he has short arms and small hands, so his catch radius is below average.

Usage

Johnson has produced both on the outside and in the slot in college and at the pro level. He moved into more of a slot role as a junior at Minnesota and has played there over 40 percent of the time at the NFL level.

As noted, he was a dual threat quarterback in high school. Despite this, he ran the ball just once (for a loss) and threw it just once (incomplete) in college.

Deep threat

Johnson isn’t a player who will get a step on his man deep, with not many downfield catches during his college or pro career. The few that he has had have tended to be on double moves and/or blown coverages.

Routes

Johnson came into the NFL with a reputation as a skilled route runner, but he hasn’t had much success at gaining separation from NFL-level defenders.

Most of his success seems to have come in the short-to-intermediate game on slants, out routes and crossers.

He can release off the line with good burst and is able to use footwork and deception to set up his breaks.

However, he has shown that he can be effective at getting a clean release when dealing with press coverage.

Hands

Dating back to his college career, Johnson has had issues with dropping easy passes. His drop rate has been poor, including in postseason games where he has dropped four of 12 targets. He had six drops in 2021 and two more in preseason in 2022 but, to his credit, hasn’t had one since. However, that’s been less than 50 targets.

He shows an ability to go to ground to secure a low catch, to come up with the ball in traffic or go up and over a defender for a catch. He can also adjust to badly thrown passes.

Red zone

With 25 touchdowns in his last two years in college, Johnson showed good red zone potential and a nose for the goal line. His four NFL touchdowns have all come in the red zone.

After the catch

After the catch is where Johnson has had some of his best highlights. He will turn upfield and run with aggression and an ability to break tackles.

Johnson also showcases a good feel for when to turn it upfield and displays good vision in the open field.

He’s been a consistent option on receiver screens, averaging almost seven yards per catch on such plays in his career so far. He fumbled four times in college, though.

Blocking

Johnson’s blocking grades on analysis sites such as Pro Football Focus have been below average as he shows uncertainty in downfield situations.

He can carry out a basic assignment well, though, as he demonstrates on this lead block to set up a touchdown.

He has had one holding penalty at the NFL level.

Physicality

Johnson works well against press coverage and has had some good success on contested catches over the years. However, his physicality manifests itself primarily when he has the ball in his hands.

Special Teams

Johnson hasn’t contributed much on special teams in his career, where he has seen work rushing punts, covering kicks and blocking on the kick return unit. He had one special teams tackle in preseason action at the NFL level and one in his college career.

He also fielded one kickoff and returned it 10 yards in college and had a good block on the kickoff return unit in one game.

Instincts and Intelligence

As a former quarterback, you’d expect Johnson to have some ability to read coverages, and he displays this with a lot of his production coming due to his ability to find open areas against zone coverage.

As noted, he has some good open field running instincts but is less comfortable when in blocking situations.

Attitude

Johnson is described as a laid-back character who likes to process information and take it in. He is humble but confident, and he shows good competitiveness while remaining under control. He has a good work ethic and his on-field discipline at the NFL level has been excellent with only one penalty.

Injuries

Johnson has been a healthy scratch at times during his career, including for most of the 2022 and 2023 seasons, but his only recorded injury at the NFL level - a rib issue - came in 2021 when he actually played all 17 games.

In college, he suffered a hand fracture in his sophomore year, which caused him to miss two games.

Scheme Fit

Johnson has been brought in to compete with Allen Lazard and Josh Reynolds for playing time, but his best chance to make the team might be as a slot receiver.

With his success against Glenn’s Lions last year, it’s possible they have a specific role in mind for Johnson.

He has played with current Jets Rashad Weaver and Zach Evans while with the Rams and Zack Bailey when he was with the Bucs.

Conclusions

Johnson was almost out of the league a few years ago, but showed he still has plenty to offer as he got opportunities due to injuries in the Rams receiving corps last season.

He’s never had a 100-yard game in the NFL and is most likely to be used in a possession role, but he has some playmaking ability that could earn him extra looks if he can also play with consistency.

As another low-cost option who would probably only be a fourth or fifth option with everyone healthy, Johnson was a solid addition who, at only 26 years old, will still be keen to prove he can be more than that.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...ing-new-york-jets-wide-receiver-tyler-johnson

 

[New York Jets]

Jets fans are higher on the team than oddsmakers in 2025

John Jones-Imagn Images

TheJets have a low 5.5 win projection from FanDuel

Our partners at FanDuel recently posted their initial over/under win totals for NFL teams in the 2025 season.

The Jets came in with a low mark at 5.5 wins, almost matching their 2024 record of 5-12. We recently asked fans in our SB Nation Reacts survey whether they expect the Jets to go over or under that total. The result was overwhelming.

I have to say that I agree with the majority on this one.

The 2024 Jets entered the seasons with expectations too high for the team’s talent level. They were almost certain to disappoint.

For the 2025 Jets, the bar has been set awfully low. I don’t think the team has downgraded in any major way. Last year’s team went 5-12 amidst some bad luck in close games and bottom of the league coaching. I know every team’s fanbase thinks a new coaching staff replacing a fired regime will automatically be an upgrade. That doesn’t always prove to be the case, but it’s difficult to imagine Aaron Glenn not being substantially better than Jeff Ulbrich.

For once, the Jets seem set to underpromise and overdeliver.

Bet on the game with FanDuel Sportsbook, SB Nation’s official sportsbook partner!​

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...re-higher-on-the-team-than-oddsmakers-in-2025

 

[New York Jets]

2025 NFL Draft: No “NEDs” for the New York Jets

Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

A certain type of receiver might be best avoided in the draft

The New York Jets have been an organization plagued with bad luck when drafting wide receivers. Garrett Wilson has panned out, but outside of that, the Jets haven’t had a receiver reach 1000 yards with the team since Jerricho Cotchery, who was drafted in 2004. That’s 20 years with 17 receivers who did not hit that mark with the Jets. A large reason for that lack of success is whom the Jets were drafting. And it’s more than just a talent issue. It’s when the players chose to declare for the NFL draft. That’s because the Jets are (normally) choosing non-early declare prospects, or, “NEDs”. And studies show that those players have a much higher chance of failing in the NFL than their early declare counterparts.

Some of that is common sense. After all, players who declare early for the draft usually excel in college football. Yet, general managers won’t stop themselves from taking chances if the ability is deemed to be there. One instance is Malachi Corley, whom the Jets selected on Day 2 of last year’s draft, only to see Corley ride the bench for the majority of the season. And though it may be too early to completely call it a career, the odds of him performing well with the Jets (or the NFL as a whole) are slim.

With that in mind, there are multiple players in this year’s draft who will be classified as “NEDs”, that the New York Jets should avoid in the first three rounds.

*For the purpose of this exercise, I will be using the MDB 2025 Consensus Big Board.

NEDs in the 2025 NFL Draft​

There are always going to be exceptions to the rule. However, just based on the “NED” criteria and their expected draft position, these players are better to avoid, than be selected by the Jets.

Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State (Rank: 33rd Overall)​

A lot of NFL fans love the prospect of Emeka Egbuka being on their football team. Egbuka hit 1011 receiving yards last year to go with 10 touchdowns. He also had an 82.4 receiving grade, which ranked 19th in the FBS. Egbuka was primarily a slot receiver with the Buckeyes, lining up inside at over an 82 percent clip. While that leaves room for him to also perform outside in the NFL, it’s not something he’s too familiar with doing.

The Ohio State receiver also holds a respectable 2.51 yards per route run. While that isn’t bad, what is concerning is his 7.9-yard aDOT, which was the 34th-lowest among receivers in the FBS (among 260 eligible players). Another issue (that fans may believe is not an issue) is that Egbuka has a high number of contested catches, with 22 in 2024. While he did catch them at greater than a 50-percent clip, a large number of contested catches usually signifies that a player is unable to create separation consistently. This is especially concerning considering the high slot-usage of Egbuka at Ohio State.

While the fan in me sincerely enjoys these type of players, very few can create sustainable success at the NFL level. With his non-early declare status (affected by injury or not), he’s a player that may be better for the Jets to avoid.

Jayden Higgins, Iowa State (Rank: 50th Overall)​

Unlike Egbuka, Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins is primarily an outside receiver. Higgins was seventh in receiving yards this past year, with a 90.5 receiving grade, which was the highest amongst the position group. While Higgins’ 2.66 yards per route run is respectable, along with his 12.1 aDOT, there are some concerns.

Like Egbuka, Higgins is a player with a lot of contested catch targets. His 24 is tied for 27th among eligible players. Yet another concern is his ability to garner yards after the catch.

His 3.8 yards after catch is tied for 48th-worst at the position. And, despite his 6-foot-4 frame, he only has 12 missed tackles forced.

Admittedly, I’d like to acknowledge that Higgins came up from the FCS and still dominated in the FBS. He also has an impressive 2.2 percent drop rate.

Higgins may be one of the players who avoids the “NED” narrative. However, he makes the list here.

Tre Harris, Ole Miss (Rank: 60th Overall)​

Tre Harris had a fantastic season at Ole Miss. The senior compiled 1030 yards on just 60 catches, with an outlandish 17.2 yards per reception. On top of that, his 89.4 receiving grade was tied for fourth among all wide receivers. Harris was consistently a playmaker with Jaxson Dart at Ole Miss. It seemed like when Dart threw it up, Harris was there to come down with it. The Rebels’ wideout led the FBS with an absurd 5.12 yards per route run, but that might not be sustainable in the NFL.

To be honest, Harris is unimpressive as a route runner. A lot of his success came on hitches and curls while the defender was playing in off-man coverage. Furthermore, he was unable to really do much after the catch when given those opportunities. Where Harris really won was with his downfield speed, and that’s where a lot of his YAC came from.

For Harris to succeed, he needs to develop as a route runner or change his release. And while his 5.12 Y/RR is incredible, the only players to surpass the 5.00 mark in the last 10 years are Geraud Sanders in 2019 and Jalen Rowell in 2016 (Justyn Ross had a 4.98). If you don’t know who those players are, I don’t blame you. It’s not to say that Harris can’t beat the odds, but with most NEDs, it may be an uphill battle to do so.

Jaylin Noel, Iowa State (Rank: 64th Overall)​

Developing for four years at Iowa State, Jaylin Noel truly broke out in 2024 with 1193 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Noel spent about 70 percent of his time in the slot last season, and his slighter frame may force him into that role into the NFL, too.

An area of concern surrounding a player of his stature is his ability to separate and make players miss at the next level. A slot player who only forced three missed tackles raises some eyebrows, especially considering his YAC was tied for the 70th-worst (4.3 yards) among 260 qualifiers.

Noel’s nuance as a route-runner may be his bread and butter, and ultimately, that may save him from suffering the dreaded outcome most NEDs face. If nothing else, it’s always encouraging to see a player stick with a program and continue to improve at an elite pace.

Jack Bech, TCU (Rank: 66th Overall)​

Jack Bech is a very interesting case. I was debating putting him on here at all considering how he was deployed throughout his college career. Bech began at LSU and played inline, and in the slot for the majority of his breakout freshman season. Then, just as quickly, he disappeared for two years before completely breaking out at TCU in 2024.

Bech has elite hands and understands how to use his leverage on his stems. He may not be the greatest separator, but he has strong hands that always seem to be in the right place. It’ll be interesting to see where Bech ends up, and how he’s deployed in the offense. Unlike other players on this list, he is the one who could be versatile enough to play multiple positions.

Savion Williams, TCU (Rank: 85th Overall)​

I don’t understand the hype surrounding TCU’s Savion Williams. A five-year player who was unable to crack 700 receiving yards in the Big 12 is concerning, to say the least. But at 6-foot-5, teams will fall in love with that size and what it can do in redzone situations.

It’s kind of ironic that both TCU players can be used in multiple positions, but Williams was also a factor as a wildcat quarterback. While he had success there, it’s hard to imagine that will be replicated in the NFL. The wildcat was a nice gimmick, but in most playbooks, it’s found its own way off the board.

Williams could be an interesting chess piece for some team, but I don’t think he fits what the Jets should be looking to do in the NFL draft.

Kyle Williams, Washington State (Rank: 91st Overall)​

Kyle Williams exploded in 2024 to the tune of 1196 yards and an incredible 14 touchdowns. He primarily played along the boundary, and had solid YAC, Y/RR, and aDOT numbers in his final season. And even looking at his film, Williams looks the part. He’s quick on his release, is good at creating separation in his stem, and has the speed to win deep or with YAC.

With that said, one should raise an eyebrow when a player truly explodes in his fifth year. Considering Washington State had the 106th-weakest strength of schedule last year (out of 134 teams), it’s a little more concerning. Perhaps even more-so when the quarterback on the same team who has never thrown for more than 500 yards, hits 3139 in his first year as the starter.

With that in mind, there is one saving grace to Williams’ production profile. Williams tends to play up to his competition. In the Holiday Bowl against Syracuse, Williams had his best game of the season. The wideout secured 10-of-15 targets for 172 yards and a touchdown. So, while there is some concern from a profile perspective, there are bright spots.

Final Thoughts​

Of course, just because a player is a “NED”, doesn’t mean that it’s the end of his football career. There have been plenty of successful players in that category. With the NIL taking over college football, there’s a good chance that we see the amount of early-declare players continuously decrease.

For now, however, the data says that taking early-declare receivers is the best option for NFL teams. Because of that, these NEDs are prospects that New York fans should be wary of when the Jets make their picks in the first three rounds of the NFL draft.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...ts-malachi-corley-emeka-egbuka-jayden-higgins

 

[New York Jets]

Building A GGN Big Board 2025: Prospect No. 45

Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Let’s crowd source a 2025 NFL draft big board

We have the #45 prospect on the 2025 GGN Big Board. And the winner is: Treveyon Henderson, Running Back, Ohio State! With Henderson taking the #45 spot, our crowd sourced Big Board now looks like this:

1. Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
2. Travis Hunter, Cornerback/Wide Receiver, Colorado
3. Mason Graham, Defensive Tackle, Michigan
4. Cam Ward, Quarterback, Miami
5. Tyler Warren, Tight End, Penn State
6. Ashton Jeanty, Running Back, Boise State
7. Tetairoa McMillan, Wide Receiver, Arizona
8. Will Campbell, Offensive Lineman, LSU
9. Armand Membou, Offensive Tackle, Missouri
10. Will Johnson, Cornerback, Michigan
11. Shedeur Sanders, Quarterback, Colorado
12. Kelvin Banks Jr, Offensive Tackle, Texas
13. Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
14. Malaki Starks, Safety, Georgia
15. Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
16. Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia
17. Matthew Golden, Wide Receiver, Texas
18. Nick Emmanwori, Safety, South Carolina
19. Colston Loveland, Tight End, Michigan
20. Jaxson Dart, Quarterback, Mississippi
21. Jahdae Barron, Cornerback, Texas
22. Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
23. Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
24. Jihaad Campbell, Linebacker, Alabama
25. Kenneth Grant, Defensive Tackle, Michigan (Tie 25)
26. Josh Simmons, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State (Tie 25)
27. Walter Nolen, Defensive Tackle, Mississippi
28. James Pearce Jr, Edge, Tennessee
29. Luther Burden, Wide Receiver, Missouri
30. Derrick Harmon, Defensive Tackle, Oregon
31. Omarion Hampton, Running Back, North Carolina
32. Tyler Booker, Offensive Lineman, Alabama (Tie 32)
33. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College (Tie 32)
34. Josh Conerly, Offensive Tackle, Oregon (Tie 32)
35. J.T. Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
36. Dillon Gabriel, Quarterback, Oregon
37. Tyleik Williams, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State
38. Aireontae Ersery, Offensive Tackle, Minnesota
39. Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
40. Mason Taylor, Tight End, LSU
41. Shavon Revel Jr., Cornerback, East Carolina
42. Grey Zabel, Offensive Lineman, North Dakota State
43. Quinshon Judkins, Running Back, Ohio State
44. Benjamin Morrison, Cornerback, Notre Dame
45. Treveyon Henderson, Running Back, Ohio State
46. ?

We’re down to the last five prospects on our 2025 GGN Big Board.

Let’s get to it. Today we continue with the #46 prospect on the crowd sourced 2025 GGN Big Board. Who will it be? Vote early, vote often, and let’s hear who you think are the best players in this draft.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...45-treveyon-henderson-nfl-draft-new-york-jets

 

[New York Jets]

Jets Reacts Survey: The biggest need heading into the NFL Draft

Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

What should the Jets address?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in New York Jets fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The 2025 NFL Draft is almost here, and the New York Jets own the 7th overall pick. The team will be in great position to address one of its most pressing needs. It’s a blessing and a curse to have multiple needs. Obviously you’d rather have the key positions filled. But having so many needs essentially allows you to take the best player available and still fill one.

In this week’s SB Nation Reacts survey, we turn it over to you. Which position would you most prefer to see the Jets address in the 2025 NFL Draft? Vote in our poll below, and we will bring you the results.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...y-the-biggest-need-heading-into-the-nfl-draft

 

[New York Jets]

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, baseball bat speed, and skill tradeoffs

Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images

Should the Jets consider Sanders at #7?

Recent reports seem to suggest that Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders might fall down draft boards a bit longer than expected.

For example, Fanduel recently altered their odds on Shedeur to have his over/under set at pick 8.5... which is notably after the New York Jets pick at 7.

Sportsbooks are starting to lean toward Shedeur Sanders Saints being a strong possibility.

Saints are now the favorite to draft Shedeur Sanders on FanDuel and his draft position O/U is set at 8.5

Do you like this fit? pic.twitter.com/2331sQddOU

— Jaime Eisner (@JaimeEisner) April 6, 2025​

So why is his draft stock falling? Well, in large part because of the sacks that he takes. Indeed, NFL/Jets insider Tony Pauline interviewed some NFL evaluators for an article recently and wrote the below.

One of Sanders’ biggest faults over the past two years, pointed out to me, and something easily witnessed on film, was the propensity to hold the ball too long and take too many sacks, and often bad sacks.

And while many will argue that Colorado fielded a terrible offensive line, which is true, people I spoke with were quick to point out that opponents rarely blitzed Sanders, yet the quarterback refused to get rid of the ball and was taking bad sacks.

Pauline also noted that Sanders’ mechanics could use work and that he didn’t rely enough on the short game. To that, I ask what the point of any of those concerns are when the guy is among the most accurate passers that college football has seen in recent years.

Beyond being an obvious benefit to a quarterback, that accuracy holds a ton of value if we’re projecting forward on what Sanders “could be” in time in relation to his tendency to take pressure. Specifically, while most quarterbacks need to get more accurate, Sanders is so accurate that he can afford to be less accurate and still be really, really, really accurate, which follows a basic premise that is being followed in baseball, a sport that I view as far more developmentally advanced than football.

For those of us that don’t follow baseball, the Boston Red Sox are currently on the rise. This is largely on the back of what many consider to be one of the finest hitting development programs in the league. Their hitting development philosophy boils down to two key elements:

1. Hit the ball hard
2. Hit the ball in the air

To complement that philosophy, the Red Sox have opted in recent years to acquire players who make a ton of contact but could stand to swing harder and with more intent to hit the ball in the air (and then they teach those players to do the latter 2 things). The reason they opt to acquire these players who make a ton of contact is because swinging harder and with a greater intention to hit it in the air typically lessens one’s contact rate. What the Red Sox have figured out is that if they ask a player who runs well above average contact rates to swing harder, the player’s contact rate still stabilizes in a good place, allowing the player to reap the rewards of their new swing. Think of it like this as a hypothetical:

• Swinging harder reduces contact rate by 6%
• A player who could stand to swing harder makes contact 10% more than league average
• Thus, if that players swings harder then they’d still make contact 4% more than league average
• Being 4% above league average is still quite good

So what’s all that got to do with Sanders? Well, he’s superbly accurate, as detailed in an article that I wrote a few weeks back. Part of avoiding sacks simply amounts to getting it out faster or off platform, which harms one’s accuracy. For Sanders, he’s so accurate that there is reason to think he can make those accuracy sacrifices and likely still be meaningfully more accurate than the average quarterback all the same.

This is a case where I see the current problem, but I don’t think that it’s a long-term problem. Every prospect has warts and this sure seems like a case where the warts can simply be reduced with some intentional coaching and a change in what Sanders is choosing to prioritize.

So, with that said, I’ll repeat what I’ve written previously because the point still stands:

Long story short, if Shedeur Sanders is available at #7 then the hardest question that the Jets should have to answer that night is what kind of champagne to pop when celebrating. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth and take Shedeur if the opportunity presents.

Seriously Jets, no need to look a gift horse in the mouth here. Take the really accurate passer and let your quarterbacks coach earn his paycheck.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...adeoffs-ny-jets-boston-red-sox-sacks-accuracy

 

[New York Jets]

Where I started is not where I ended: Armand Membou’s rapid draft stock rise

Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Is Membou overrated?

According to reports, offensive tackle Armand Membou is among the New York Jets’ preferred options with their first round pick. Membou is an offensive tackle prospect who has solidified himself as a top 10 pick in this draft. Membou is the #6 player on The Athletic’s consensus big board, which intends to summarize the placements of players on various other big boards.

Membou wasn’t always a blue-chip prospect as his draft stock would imply. Realistically, a year ago he wasn’t anywhere near Round 1 as a prospect, and teams likely would’ve been targeting him closer to day 3 than pick 3. Shown below is MockingTheDraft’s data on Membou’s draft stock as accumulated across expert, fan, and media mock drafts over the last year or so.

Look folks I’m not gonna say that we’ve gone too far on Membou, but I will say this is an insanely quick increase. pic.twitter.com/CCYwPN6DRV

— Sam Bruchhaus (@sambruchhaus) April 16, 2025​

Needless to say, that’s a pretty steep incline for Membou’s draft stock. Obviously players can change over time, but this is typically the kind of sudden rise that gives teams and their fans a bit of hesitation. If the New York Jets do take Membou then we’ll simply have to hope that the gains are real, because his previous track record would suggest that there is some significant risk in his player profile.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...apid-draft-stock-rise-mockingthedraft-ny-jets

 

[New York Jets]

Building A GGN Big Board 2025: Prospect No. 47

Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Let’s crowd source a 2025 NFL draft big board

We have the #47 prospect on the 2025 GGN Big Board. And the winner is: Darius Alexander, Defensive Tackle, Toledo! With Alexander taking the #47 spot, our crowd sourced Big Board now looks like this:

1. Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
2. Travis Hunter, Cornerback/Wide Receiver, Colorado
3. Mason Graham, Defensive Tackle, Michigan
4. Cam Ward, Quarterback, Miami
5. Tyler Warren, Tight End, Penn State
6. Ashton Jeanty, Running Back, Boise State
7. Tetairoa McMillan, Wide Receiver, Arizona
8. Will Campbell, Offensive Lineman, LSU
9. Armand Membou, Offensive Tackle, Missouri
10. Will Johnson, Cornerback, Michigan
11. Shedeur Sanders, Quarterback, Colorado
12. Kelvin Banks Jr, Offensive Tackle, Texas
13. Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
14. Malaki Starks, Safety, Georgia
15. Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
16. Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia
17. Matthew Golden, Wide Receiver, Texas
18. Nick Emmanwori, Safety, South Carolina
19. Colston Loveland, Tight End, Michigan
20. Jaxson Dart, Quarterback, Mississippi
21. Jahdae Barron, Cornerback, Texas
22. Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
23. Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
24. Jihaad Campbell, Linebacker, Alabama
25. Kenneth Grant, Defensive Tackle, Michigan (Tie 25)
26. Josh Simmons, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State (Tie 25)
27. Walter Nolen, Defensive Tackle, Mississippi
28. James Pearce Jr, Edge, Tennessee
29. Luther Burden, Wide Receiver, Missouri
30. Derrick Harmon, Defensive Tackle, Oregon
31. Omarion Hampton, Running Back, North Carolina
32. Tyler Booker, Offensive Lineman, Alabama (Tie 32)
33. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College (Tie 32)
34. Josh Conerly, Offensive Tackle, Oregon (Tie 32)
35. J.T. Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
36. Dillon Gabriel, Quarterback, Oregon
37. Tyleik Williams, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State
38. Aireontae Ersery, Offensive Tackle, Minnesota
39. Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
40. Mason Taylor, Tight End, LSU
41. Shavon Revel Jr., Cornerback, East Carolina
42. Grey Zabel, Offensive Lineman, North Dakota State
43. Quinshon Judkins, Running Back, Ohio State
44. Benjamin Morrison, Cornerback, Notre Dame
45. Treveyon Henderson, Running Back, Ohio State
46. Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Mississippi
47. Darius Alexander, Defensive Tackle, Toledo
48. ?

We’re down to the last three prospects on our 2025 GGN Big Board.

Let’s get to it. Today we continue with the #48 prospect on the crowd sourced 2025 GGN Big Board. Who will it be? Vote early, vote often, and let’s hear who you think are the best players in this draft.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...o-47-darius-alexander-new-york-jets-nfl-draft

 

[New York Jets]

Jalen Milroe, projectability, and potential: What to do with uncertain outcomes?

Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images

Swing for the fences or play it safe?

The draft is an inexact science. Teams are trying to identify 20 year old college football players who will still be good when they’re 30 years old and playing in the NFL... oh, and those same kids are often going from being broke college students to overnight millionaires, which potentially has massive implications for where their motivation comes from. Easy, right?

But in the end, teams that get it right succeed and those that get it wrong don’t. In a “what have you done for me lately?” league, getting those questions right is what separates the employed front office and coaching personnel from those submitting their resumes in hopes of finding other work.

That dichotomy is what makes high variance prospects so interesting. If the prospect pans out, then the rewards flow. For example, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was once a risky prospect and now he’s set up Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid to be in the “best coach ever” conversation. Whiff on that pick and it’s time to start polishing off that resume. Just ask former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh.

Every draft season has many high variance prospects. These are players with immense tools but not enough polish. This year, the most notable is possibly former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, whom I’ve written about before. In short, Milroe is among the best athletes that we’ve ever seen play quarterback, but his passing is thought to need some time to develop... if it ever does.

But this article isn’t really about Jalen Milroe. Rather, he’s just an example to ask a bigger question: how should teams weight potential v. projectability? Should they be taking the sure thing even though the ceiling might not be a franchise changing talent? Or should they swing for the fences and throw their job security to the fates with the hopes of finding “the guy” who brings the franchise to its renaissance?

I still don’t have an answer all these years later. As a fan, I’d love to see the team swing for the fences and hopefully set the franchise up for a dynasty run, but I also completely understand that my ability to feed my family isn’t dependent on the outcome and that taking easy profits on draft day can provide some security in a sport that often has so little.

So I ask you all, what should teams’ risk calculation reasonably be? Should they be prioritizing tantalizing talents who need refinement or taking the guys who might not have the same physical abilities but are likely to be at least be competent?

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...at-to-do-with-uncertain-outcomes-job-security

 

[New York Jets]

Scouting Jets defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi

Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

Taking a look at a Jets defensive tackle free agent signing

The New York Jets signed former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi to a one-year contract early on in free agency. Today we break Nnadi down in detail.

The 28-year old Nnadi is listed at 6’1” and 312 pounds. He was a third round pick out of FSU in 2018. He has started 87 games in his first seven seasons, albeit only one last year. Nnadi has 233 tackles and five sacks in his career.

Background

Nnadi, who is of Nigerian descent, was a four star high school recruit after having racked up 33 sacks over his last two seasons.

He headed to Florida State, where he had 18 tackles in nine games as a true freshman and then became a full-time starter over the next three seasons.

He started 13 games in 2015, with 45 tackles and two sacks. Then in 2016, he started 11 more games and had 49 tackles and six sacks as he was named as a first team all-ACC selection. As a senior, he had a career high 53 tackles but only three sacks, as he ended up being a third team all-ACC selection.

Ahead of the 2018 draft, he missed the Senior Bowl through injury and then had a disappointing combine workout which damaged his draft stock. However, he was still a day two pick as the Chiefs selected him 75th overall in the third round.

As a rookie, he immediately made a positive impact, starting 11 games and racking up 35 tackles. He didn’t have any tackles for loss or quarterback hits though.

In 2019, he started all 16 games and had a career-best 48 tackles and the first sack of his career. He also started every game in 2020, apart from the season finale, which he missed through injury. He ended up with 47 tackles.

2021 saw Nnadi register a career-high with three sacks and he also started all 17 games in 2022 and 2023, although his production was down.

In 2024, he was relegated to a reserve role as his playing time more than halved and he only started one game. He recorded 11 tackles.

Nnadi, who has three Super Bowl rings, has played in 18 playoff games, starting 12, and recorded 38 tackles and a sack.

The Jets signed Nnadi to a one-year minimum salary deal during the early stages of free agency.

Let’s move on to some more in-depth analysis of what Nnadi brings to the table as a player, based on extensive research and film study.

Measurables/Athleticism

Nnadi is short for a defensive tackle and slightly undersized for an NFL nose tackle role, but he has above average length.

His combine workout was disappointing as he ran a 5.38 in the 40 yard dash and posted disappointing explosiveness and agility numbers. He managed 25 reps in the bench press.

At his pro day, Nnadi failed to improve his vertical jump and only shaved five hundredths of a second off his short shuttle time.

In spite of his disappointing workout numbers, Nnadi shows examples of strength and explosiveness on film.

Usage

Nnadi has played most of his reps as a conventional 4-3 defensive tackle but he also has plenty of experience of lining up as a nose tackle. It has been rare that he would line up across from a tackle.

Motor

Nnadi’s motor is one of his most impressive attributes. He works hard in the trenches, brings plenty of energy, hustles in pursuit and plays to the whistle.

He has handled a starter’s workload in the past, playing 599 snaps in 2019. However, his playing time dropped off last year and he was only on the field 20 percent of the time.

Pass rush

Despite having racked up 11.5 sacks in his final three seasons at FSU, Nnadi has been a limited pass rusher at the NFL level. He had three sacks in 2021 but only has one in three seasons since then. He’s primarily a pocket collapser and doesn’t generate pressure at a high rate.

He does have the strength and power to be effective on bull rushes, but his assignment is probably to maintain pocket discipline rather than to penetrate most of the time.

Run defense

Nnadi’s film has plenty of examples of solid play against the run as he is capable of holding his ground at the point of attack, even against a double team, and penetrating or getting off blocks to plug holes.

He is quick out of his stance, enabling him to shoot gaps or gain an early leverage advantage on his man.

His run defense grades on analysis sites such as Pro Football Focus were solid for his first few seasons, including in 2020 where he ranked 8th at his position. However, those grades have been poor for the past few years.

Technique

While Nnadi doesn’t bring an arsenal of pass rush moves, he showcases some good technique in the trenches, although his pad level isn’t always consistent. He brings aggression and accurate hand usage to shed blocks and battle double teams.

Here’s another example of his excellent technique as he gets his man off balance and tosses him aside to fill a running lane.

Special teams

Nnadi’s only contributions on special teams have been rushing punts and kicks. He had a couple of pressures in 2023.

Tackling

Despite his poor workout numbers, Nnadi moves well laterally and has better range than you’d expect in pursuit.

While he doesn’t make many tackles behind the line of scrimmage, he is a productive tackler, but he does miss tackles from time to time.

He forced two fumbles in college but has only forced one so far at the NFL level.

Coverage

Nnadi doesn’t drop back into coverage very often, but it’s something he’s shown he has the athleticism to do as a change-up.

He hasn’t had a lot of production in terms of batting down passes at the line, but did intercept a pass at the NFL level when Philip Rivers was hit as he threw and it landed in his lap.

He was called for a defensive holding penalty on a screen pass once at the NFL level.

Instincts/Intelligence

Nnadi is a player who has a reputation for having good play recognition and reading his keys.

He usually plays with discipline but there are moments where he shows signs of confusion or is fooled by misdirection.

Nnadi has had nine penalties in his career for neutral zone infractions or encroachment.

Attitude/Demeanor

Nnadi is described as a quiet player who lets his performance do the talking. He’s obviously a good character, based on all the charitable work he did in Kansas City with local dog shelters.

He’s already talking like a potential leader since signing for the Jets, having come from a winning organization with a desire to be a part of what the Jets are building.

His on-field discipline has been solid as he’s averaged less than two penalties per season and, although he has been called for two personal fouls, one of these was a bad call.

Injuries

Nnadi has had excellent durability over the course of his career, missing just one regular season game due to a knee injury at the end of the 2020 season. However, he also had a triceps injury during the playoffs at the end of the 2023 season and began last year on the PUP list, which obviously contributed to him losing his starting role. He has also been listed on the injury report with a hip issue.

In 2016, while still in college, he showed toughness by playing through an early season ankle injury. He only missed one game but came off the bench twice as he was limited. He also had an unspecified injury during the scouting combine.

Scheme Fit

Nnadi is capable of lining up as a nose tackle, but the Jets are likely to operate with four man fronts and a conventional rotation, which he has plenty of experience with. He’s primarily a run stopper, which was something they lacked last season.

He was briefly a teammate of fellow free agent signing Byron Cowart while with the Chiefs.

Conclusions

Nnadi is the third of the three defensive tackle signings we’ve had a chance to look at this offseason and it’s difficult to predict who will earn the most playing time out of him, Cowart and Jay Tufele.

Of the three, Nnadi is perhaps the best known, and has the most experience. He offers more as a run defender, and that’s an area the Jets need to upgrade so this could give him an edge.

With Phidarian Mathis having been added at the end of last year, Leonard Taylor III having had a promising season as an undrafted free agent and the promise of potentially adding one or more rookies from an apparently historically deep interior lineman class, it’s entirely possible than none of the three will make the roster.

A starting role is out there to be won, though, and this will be Nnadi’s goal.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...-new-york-jets-defensive-tackle-derrick-nnadi

 

[New York Jets]

Drafting For The Offensive Line

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Who do you like?

Any talk about what the New York Jets should do in the draft should start with a look at what they currently have on their roster. Sure, you always want to select the player with a high ceiling, but you also have to look at how each prospect would fit with your team. You want to look at how much of that ceiling is projection and how much comes from actual ability.

The best way to build an NFL team is from the inside out, meaning from the offensive and defensive lines, then out to the next level of the team.

Who do the Jets have on the offensive line?

The Jets depth chart on the offensive line currently looks something like this:

Olu Fashanu (LT) Max Mitchell Obinna Eze

John Simpson (LG) Kohl Levao

Joe Tippmann (C) Josh Myers

Alijah Vera-Tucker (RG) Xavier Newman

Chukwuma Okorafor (RT) Carter Warren Zack Bailey

How the Jets stand on the Offensive Line

Keep in mind that Aaron Rodgers was throwing the ball as soon as he received it many times, so the sacks and pressures could be much higher with a different quarterback.

Olu Fashanu was a rookie last season who played 534 offensive snaps, with 336 coming at left tackle. Most of that work wasn’t very good, as he took seven penalties and allowed a single sack, but he also allowed 23 pressures. He was a rookie, so he needs time to get up to speed, but it may be wise to have another player behind him if he doesn’t develop further. Fashanu will be the starter coming into camp, but he needs to show much more this season.

Max Mitchell has been around for three years, but he hasn’t developed much at all. He played only 152 passing snaps in 2024, but he allowed two sacks and nine pressures and committed one penalty. He is a bottom of the roster guy now who probably won’t make it through camp.

Obinna Eze was a project coming out of the 2022 NFL draft. He’s big (6’ 6 1/2” 325 lbs) with 36 1/8” arms, but he has yet to play a single snap in the NFL. He’s a practice squad type.

John Simpson was signed as a free agent last season and even though he wasn’t over the top great, he was the Jets’ best overall lineman and it wasn’t close. He played 1,020 total snaps with 682 being passing snaps. He allowed three sacks and took seven penalties. He was the Jets’ best run blocker while aiding second year center Joe Tippman. Simpson was one of the reasons for the ascension of Tippmann in 2024. Simpson excels as a power/gap or inside zone run blocker. He is still only 28 years old so the Jets would be wise to offer him a three or four year extension now.

Kohl Levao is a big kid, 6’ 4” 325 lbs, out of Hawaii who was a center for the Rainbow Warriors. He came out in the 2022 NFL draft cycle, but he has yet to take an NFL snap. He is more of a practice squad stash.

Joe Tippmann took a step in the right direction in 2024 with improved play from his rookie season. He played 1,067 overall snaps, of which 712 were passing snaps. He allowed five sacks, but he took only four penalties, which was down from the eight he took in 2023 while playing in 215 less snaps. Tippmann was solid in the run game and should continue to develop alongside John Simpson in 2025.

Josh Meyers is a smart free agent signing from the Green Bay Packers for a cap charge of $3 million. He is a four year veteran who is a better pass blocker than run blocker, but you could do much worse. He is a solid low cost veteran who is very capable.

Alijah Vera-Tucker had a rebound season in 2024 after his injury plagued previous two seasons. He will be happy not to go to Denver again after tearing a triceps tendon there in 2022, then tearing his Achilles tendon there in 2023. He played 916 overall snaps in 2024, of which 619 were passing snaps. He took five penalties and allowed four sacks. He allowed only four quarterback hits and 16 total pressures. Vera-Tucker was signed by former Jets general manager Joe Douglas to a fully guaranteed $15,313,000 one year contract, which is way over the top and as much as he made during his first four seasons combined. The Jets will have to decide if they want to continue their relationship with him after the season.

Xavier Newman played a grand total of 11 snaps in 2024, which was good because he was awful in 292 snaps in 2023. He played 188 pass blocking snaps in 2023, allowing four sacks, three quarterback hits and 16 total pressures while taking two penalties. Newman is below a replacement level player so he should not make it out of training camp. This is an area where the Jets can bring in a solid draft pick who can work behind Vera-Tucker and possibly replace him in 2025 if the Jets see good things.

Chukwuma Okorafor was signed by the Jets this offseason. Okorafor played 12 total snaps in 2024 after signing with the New England Patriots last year. He played six pass blocking snaps, allowing one quarterback hit and three total pressures. He was benched, then left the team. Okorafor was placed on the exempt/left squad list, indicating he was stepping away to “ponder his future” in the NFL. He basically had a hissy fit about being benched, then quit the team. He hasn’t been a good player in his previous six seasons, which is why the Steelers let him walk in free agency when they needed offensive tackle help. The Jets would be wise to draft his replacement in 2025.

Carter Warren played 141 snaps at right tackle in 2024 after playing in 401 snaps in 2023. He allowed five sacks and 20 pressures and committed two penalties in 258 passing snaps in 2023. He allowed one sack and 11 pressures and committed one penalty in 97 passing snaps in 2024. He is a practice squad type player you hope you never have to use.

Zack Bailey is living the dream. He has played for six teams in six seasons while playing a grand total of nine snaps and taking one penalty doing so. I wish I could have it so good, as Bailey has made millions without playing. He should not make it out of camp.

The Jets should add two offensive tackles since the team has only one true starting level offensive tackle they can count on. That one player, Olu Fashanu, is entering his second year in the NFL. He struggled in 2024. The Jets hope for improvement in 2025. Hope doesn’t always come to fruition, so two able bodied tackles need to be found. At least one should be drafted, and another might be either a free agent signing or a draft pick. The Jets should also draft another guard candidate. There are many fine guard prospects in the 2025 NFL draft.

Tackles in the draft

There is a lot of talk about the Jets taking Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou at #7 since every draft guy is infatuated with him. Membou is a solid prospect, but I don’t like the idea of the Jets using a top 10 pick on a right tackle. Membou also has a poor anchor, which is troubling since he weighs 330 lbs. That is not an easy fix. I hope the Jets trade down multiple times to bring in as many players as possible. There are few can’t miss prospects in this draft, but there are numerous solid foundational players who can develop into great starting players. Nobody gets everything right in the draft, so you need as many picks as possible to build your team.

A player whom the Jets could probably get in the early third round is Emery Jones from LSU. Jones is a young athletic offensive tackle prospect with great length, quick feet and a salty disposition. He likes to drive opponents into the ground. He’s young but he has played 2,458 snaps over the last three seasons. He has strong hands and gets out of his stance immediately, with a quick first step in drive blocking. When he sets in pass blocking, he’s able to roll back to get in great position before his opponent has a chance to challenge the edge. In 556 pass blocking snaps Jones allowed one sack and four quarterback hits in 2024. He gives a full effort every snap and looks to drive his man out of the view of the camera.

Jones is big with long arms. He still has room to grow since he’s so young and he has great athletic talent. He is barely old enough to drink yet he is stuffing some of the best defensive ends in the country. His punch is strong when on target and it stops rushers’ momentum. His length keeps players off his chest, and he gets great push either around the arc or back into the second level of the defense. He has a strong grip. Once he has control, he moves his man, then finishes the block. He never looks out of control. He keeps his opponent square while driving his man back. He always will attack in the run game, looking to dominate and annihilate his opponent. He’s a fluid mover in space and he gets out on the edge to lead running backs, then will bury his man. He has great core strength to move players and a solid anchor against the strongest foe.

In the same general tier of the draft, I like Ozzy Trapilo from Boston College, who is a bit on the tall side but could be a swing tackle given some time and coaching. Trapilo is a tall, smart and strong tackle prospect with huge hands, a fluid kick slide and great experience. He has 36 college starts with 2,349 blocking reps. He has played both left tackle and right tackle in the past three seasons. In the past two seasons as a right tackle, he had 747 pass blocking snaps and allowed two sacks, four quarterback hits and twenty pressures. He has quick feet for a taller defender. He manages to keep good balance at all times whether he is going backward or forward.

Trapilo has wide shoulders which increase his wingspan, making it more difficult to beat him around the arc. He plays with good lean, which increases his power. He’s a smart kid who is reliable in pass protection and understands good positioning while playing with good angles. He doesn’t allow defenders to sneak through the B gap, forcing them on the long route, outside the passing cylinder. He is similar to Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Spencer Brown, but Trapilo is much further along in his development at this stage of his career. He has a strong upper torso and powerful arms, with huge hands and great grip strength. Once he has control of a defender they are done for the play. He played in a gap heavy run system at Boston College, but he can thrive in a wide zone scheme as well because of his great mobility. He’s a typical Boston College lineman, a solid, strong, lunch pail type.

Offensive Guards in the draft

I like a lot of guards in this draft. I love Tyler Booker from Alabama and Donovan Jackson from Ohio State, but they both should go in the first round, and I wouldn’t want to spend that kind of draft capital on a guard when the team has so many needs.

A mid second round guy (hopefully) is West Virginia offensive lineman Wyatt Milum. Milum is an intelligent, tough and strong offensive line prospect who has great power, a solid anchor and a devastating punch. Milum played at right tackle and left tackle, so he has position flexibility. He is also willing to learn the center position. He’s started 31 consecutive games with over 2,200 offensive snaps. In his past 35 games over 3 seasons, he has allowed zero sacks and just one quarterback hit in 1,155 pass blocking snaps. He’s a technically sound player with a high football IQ who can process defensive line games instantly. He’s quick out of his stance, then throws a powerful punch that derails the defensive lineman right away, which allows Milum to control the contest. He has great strength. He won the Iron Mountaineer award in 2024, which is given to the most outstanding performers in West Virginia’s offseason strength and conditioning program. He has great character, a team leader of the line and in the locker room. He is smart, having won three consecutive Big 12 1st team All-Academic awards. He plays with good lean and does a great job of keeping a low pad level for such a tall player. He held Abdul Carter to zero stats when he was lined up against him in 2024. He’s patient and doesn’t commit to the block until his opponent does in his pass rush. He has superior power in the run game and big hands with great grip as he drive blocks his man out of the hole. Milum had great development each season, which correlates to additional development in the NFL. He was the Big 12 offensive lineman of the year. He had the 6th highest PFF grade in run blocking and the 4th highest PFF grade in pass blocking. He was a consensus All-American in 2024. His arms are too short to be an offensive tackle in the NFL, so a move inside to guard is most likely. He would also make a great center if the Jets should have injury concerns at that position.

Miles Frazier from LSU is a tough, large, powerful guard prospect who is experienced at multiple positions on the offensive line and has great power when he plays with positive leverage. He moves very well for a man his size. He is very experienced as he’s played in 5 seasons (54 games) with 3,244 snaps at left guard, right guard and left tackle in his career. He is more than comfortable climbing to the second level to make a block. He has heavy hands that stop rushers in their tracks.

A powerful lower torso matches Frazier’s strong upper body. He’s not top-heavy which aids in his being very balanced. You rarely see him on the ground. He has good length, with arms like an oak tree and a very strong core. His anchor is solid, and he can drop his hips to hold back a small truck. He effectively halted Georgia’s huge defensive line, showing his strength and balance. He plays with a very wide base, which keeps him from being overpowered by bull rushes. He has quick enough feet to slide laterally to stay square to his opponent, which stops rip/swim moves on his edge. He has enough quickness to make long pulls or get to the second level of the defense to make a quality block on a moving player. He’s alert and experienced, which allows him to quickly pick up stunts, twists and blitzes. He played against some of the best defensive lines in college football.

These are some of the players I personally like. There are many more, but these would do well for the Jets to strengthen their offensive line.

Who are the players you like?

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/2025/4/21/24411975/new-york-jets-drafting-for-the-offensive-line

 

[New York Jets]

Drafting For QBs And RBs

Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images

Is there a need?

We continue with our assessments of the Jets team in determining what plan of action to take during the 2025 NFL Draft. We now turn our attention to the skill position players on the offensive side of the ball. Lets look at QBs and RBs. Once the Jets can protect the QB while opening holes in the run game; now you need players who can take advantage.

Quarterback

The Jets brain trust has been mum on adding to the QB room in the NFL Draft. They brought in Justin Fields to be the starter but gave him only $30 million guaranteed over two seasons. That is not a lot of money.

Justin Fields is the presumed starter. It’s not like the Jets were enthusiastic about signing Fields; it was more like he was the best option at the time. Whether the Jets look at Fields as a long term solution or a bridge type QB for a rookie this season or next is unclear.

Tyrod Taylor is a quality, experienced backup who can be a guiding force for Justin Fields since they have some similarities in their playing style. Taylor will be 36 before the start of the season but still has some gas in the tank should the Jets need him to play a leading role in the offense due to injury. It wouldn’t be the best scenario, but at least he can be competent running an offense while being a leader on the field.

Jordan Travis was selected by the Jets last year after a horrific injury ended his playing career at FSU. The last report I read on Travis said there was no timetable yet on his return to the field. The Jets new regime has said little else about Travis so we have no idea how they look at him as a player. You can’t rule out another PUP year if he isn’t able to go full steam to start the year.

Adrian Martinez is a player who is exciting to watch in the preseason, but his game doesn’t fit as a NFL starting QB. He can be successful in short spurts but his long term success as a signal caller is very limited. If there is an injury or two he would only be a guy to play out the string. He’s more of a good quality college QB than a guy who can lead an NFL team.

The Jets have been coy about all the QBs in the draft saying they are committed to Justin Fields as their starter. Cam Ward will be gone before the Jets pick, and it would be folly for the Jets to try trading up to #1 which would be very expensive. Shedeur Sanders has been the presumed #2 QB in the draft but has had mixed reviews.

Jaxson Dart is an interesting prospect. Teams are likely interested in him but want him at a reasonable place. I don’t see him falling past #21 where the Steelers are in need of a QB. Dart has passed for 4,279 yards, 29 TDs with only six interceptions at Ole Miss in 2024. He had 17 TDs on passes of 20 yards or more which was the most in the FBS. He’s very mobile with 1,541 rushing yards in his career. Dart is an athletic, competitive, intelligent, mobile QB with an NFL arm, good technique, and a quick release. He’s a smart kid (a NFF scholar athlete) with 38 starts in 39 games at Ole Miss. He’s a true senior who doesn’t turn 22 years old until after the Draft. His completion percentage went up every season from 61.9 ending at 69.3% in 2024. It’s safe to assume he has fantastic growth potential in the coming years. He led the SEC in every meaningful statistical category in 2024. His coach was a former NFL head coach who used an NFL offensive system. He’s a high character person who his head coach called “a special type of player.” He cares about those around him and shows great respect for his team and his school. He has mobility with 12 TDs on the ground to go along with 7,643 passing yards over the past two seasons.

He would have great potential in a zone read offense. He has a smooth, fluid drop back with eyes moving as he sets up ready to throw on his fifth step; he throws in rhythm when at all possible. Yet he works well outside the parameters of the play to 2nd and 3rd options. He’s always well balanced, throws from a solid base with good (not great) technique. He can throw from numerous platforms on the move or if the situation dictates. He’s very mobile in the pocket, always looking to make a play with the pass. he runs as a last resort. He keeps his eyes downfield. He looks deep to short on his progressions. He’s also very aware of his outlet receivers. He has the “it” factor as a player. Coach Lane Kiffin called Dart “an unbelievable leader and teammate” as he was the unquestioned leader for Ole Miss. He played in the SEC for the last 3 years which is considered the most competitive conference in college football. In those 3 years he had over 10,000 passing yards with 72 TDs He reduced his INTs in half his last two seasons.

If the Jets wanted Dart they could trade back with Dallas to #12 or or Denver at #20, each team could be looking at Ashton Jeanty as a playmaker if he is still available. I’m not saying that would happen. The Jets have been tight lipped about the Draft so they could be cooking up something.

Running Backs

The Jets seem set at the RB position with Breece Hall as the lead back although he wasn’t as explosive last season. Hall has good hands as he was 3rd on the team in receptions with 57 in 2024. He should be the lead back to start the season.

Braelon Allen is the #2 RB right now with good burst and a rugged running style. He averaged only 3.6 yards a carry in 2024, but that was more about the offensive line and his short yardage use.

Isaiah Davis made good use of his 30 carries in 2024 with a 5.8 per rush average. He has the type of physical stature that can handle a full work load if the Jets needed it.

Kene Nwangwu is listed as a RB but has zero carries last season. He played in only 2 games but did have 3 kickoff returns with one going for 99 yards for a TD against the Seahawks.

Zach Evans is on the roster but has 9 carries in two seasons; none with the Jets.

Andrew Beck is a fullback on the roster who has 6 seasons in the NFL with 8 total career carries for 6 yards. He played for Green Bay and Houston.

If the Jets were to draft a RB it wouldn’t be high on the totem pole. Detroit moved up in the draft to take Jahyr Gibbs, and that has worked out great for their team. If he is still there later in the Draft, and San Francisco doesn’t gobble him up I would take Bhayshul Tuten out of Virginia Tech. Tuten is a fast (4.32/40), rugged, explosive running back prospect with great hands, toughness and lower body power. He has genuine breakaway speed with a top speed of 23.15 miles an hour. He’s not some wiry, track speed guy as he has a robust frame plus he bench presses 400 lbs during workouts. He’s incredibly sudden since he has the ability to work down the line then explode through a lane with great acceleration.

He is a perfect one cut runner who would work best in a wide zone scheme like in San Francisco. He will often break through a line up the sideline with a reduced speed as the 2nd and 3rd level defenders set their pursuit angles. Then he will turn on the jets and outrun them to the end zone. He has very good contact balance as he breaks through arm tackles then speeds into the secondary. He lacks height which he exploits by running with good lean while dipping his shoulder. This gives defenders the least amount of surface area to attack; it’s like trying to arm tackle a bowling ball. He averaged 7.6 yards a pop on wide zone carries in 2024. He was used effectively as a kickoff returner who had 40 returns with 2 TDs in his career. He has great hands. He caught every catchable pass in 2024 (zero drops) averaging 9.7 yards a catch and 8 career receiving TDs. He gets up to speed on inside runs then makes sudden cuts to avoid tacklers. He has some wiggle in his game. His jump cuts are a work in progress but are effective when used. He’s a physical runner who can make the first man miss in the hole with home run speed who will cause defenses to keep more men in the box thus changing their defense. He is a splash play threat.

What the Jets are doing with these positions is anyone’s guess. I can see the Jets making an unexpected move with a few trades and maybe a player no one is talking about.

Who is your guy you like?

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/2025/4/22/24412373/jets-looking-for-qbs-and-rbs-in-2025-nfl-draft

 

[New York Jets]

New York Jets Flight Connections 04/23/25

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Bringing your daily links to the NFL’s New York Jets

Good morning Gang Green Nation! A rumor is making the rounds that the Detroit Lions may be interested in trading Jameson Williams. As far as I can tell this seems to be speculation based on the Lions’ tight salary cap situation next year. It does not appear to be coming from sources inside the Lions’ organization. Nonetheless, if the Lions are interested in trading Williams, should the Jets be interested?

Williams broke out last year with a 1000-yard season in his third year with the Lions. He has electric speed, something the Jets lack at wide receiver, and Williams would clearly represent a major upgrade in talent on a Jets team with Garrett Wilson and pretty much nothing else of any consequence at wide receiver. However, Williams has just one productive season under his belt in the NFL. He has played in just 33 games in three seasons. He missed time in his rookie year in 2022 recovering from a torn ACL. In 2023 Williams was suspended for gambling. In 2024 Williams was suspended for using PEDs. In short, Williams has some significant character questions and has had trouble keeping out of trouble. That doesn’t sound like the kind of guy Aaron Glenn would be eager to acquire in his quest to rebuild the culture of the Jets. As talented as Williams is, I’d probably steer clear and let him be somebody else’s headache.

Here are your links to your New York Jets this glorious Wednesday in April:

Ethan Greenberg - Who Does NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah Think the Jets Should Select in the 2025 NFL Draft?

Randy Lange - Celebrating the 2000 Jets Draft Class 25 Years Later

ESPN - 2025 NFL Nation mock draft: First-round predictions

Andy Vasquez - Jets trade rumor: Could they land big-time weapon with ties to Aaron Glenn in pre-NFL Draft deal?

Nikhil Mehta - Jets Could Target Jahdae Barron, Tyler Warren, Armand Membou At No. 7

Mike Fisher - Cleveland Browns Linked to New York Jets' Breece Hall in Shocking NFL Trade Proposal

Luke Hubbard - Five Most Likely Landing Spots For Will Campbell in the 2025 NFL Draft

Adam Schultz - New York Jets Issue Massive Statement In Double-Down On Quarterback Justin Fields

Adam Schultz - New York Jets Top 2 NFL Draft Needs Made Perfectly Clear

Kam Towle - Jets 2025 NFL draft target: Full draft profile, scouting report for CB Maxwell Hairston

Nick Wojton - Brandon Stephens explains why joining Jets was 'pretty easy decision'

Nick Mongiovi - Jets NFL Draft rumors: Warren, Membou, Barron linked to Gang Green

Patrick McAvoy - Jets Rumored Target Called 'Finishing Piece'

Zach Pressnell - Jets Insider Makes Shocking NFL Draft Prediction For New York

Brandon Natale - Top Jets Draft Classes and Their Impact

Justin Fried - New Jets regime won offseason battle for prized front office addition

Mike Luciano - Jets urged to avoid popular NFL Draft target due to polarizing reason

Justin Fried - NY Jets draft smoke builds as second insider hints at shocking pick

Michael Zimmelman - 2025 NY Jets Six-Round Mock Draft

Alexander Wilson - Jets could be eyeing explosive Lions wide receiver on the trade block

Alex House - Jets rumors: Mason Graham could 'define Aaron Glenn's regime' at No. 7

Here are your missed connections from yesterday.

Enjoy the day everybody.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...ions-jahdae-barron-armand-membou-tyler-warren

 

[New York Jets]

Jets Reacts Survey: Which prospect should the Jets pick in the 2025 NFL Draft?

Denny Medley-Imagn Images

It’s almost here.

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in New York Jets fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The NFL Draft has almost arrived. Months of speculations are about to end, and there will be a new member of the New York Jets.

Now we turn it over to you. Which prospect do you want the Jets to select in the 2025 NFL Draft? That is our question in our new SB Nation Reacts poll.

Of course it is possible that the Jets could trade up or down. They also might pick somebody completely unexpected. However, there are a handful of candidates who have received extensive buzz.

Vote in our poll below to tell us which prospect you want the Jets to take, and we will bring you the results before the Draft.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/202...ct-should-the-jets-pick-in-the-2025-nfl-draft