20th Pick – New York Jets (10-6)
Darron Lee – ILB
Ohio State – Redshirt Sophomore
6-1, 235 Pounds
The Jets need to restock their talented defense with more depth, and with guys like Leonard Williams, Sheldon Richardson, and Lorenzo Mauldin in place, the Jets can start drafting for wants. But with so many different moving pieces this upcoming free agency, the Jets could end up seeing guys like Antonio Cromartie, David Harris, and the possible Darrelle Revis release. The Jets should be doing everything in their power to try to keep Muhammad Wilkerson and Damon Harrison (plus Chris Ivory and Ryan Fitzpatrick), as the Wilkerson and Harrison combo are 2/4’s of the combo.
The many moving pieces that could be putting Todd Bowles in an awkward situation, but a big hitting inside linebacker like Darron Lee could soften the blow for some of the departures. Darron Lee plays with a nose for the ball, finding the holes within the offensive line and fighting off chip blocks. Darron Lee is a guy with great speed, has good recognition, and has good coverage skills. He could even play outside linebackers to set an edge (like he did in college), Darron displays good wrap-up abilities, and can play through injury.
A few of us thought that the Jets had no chance making the playoffs, but the Jets seemed closer then ever with some late year performances. I had a great feeling for the kind of year the defense would have, as they didn’t even care about choosing another defensive lineman (Leonard Williams) when they had Pro Bowl caliber players in place. Talent is talent, and I don’t think that the Jets will draft a quarterback when it seems so unwaranted. I feel that the Jets will either give the reigns to Ryan Fitzpatrick with Bryce Petty waiting to take over, or they will be the dumb ones to give Sam Bradford a big unwaranted contract (or if they can pry Kirk Cousins from Washington Redskins dead hands).
Player Comparison: Mychal Kendricks – Philadelphia Eagles