New York Jets 2010 Draft Review

The Jets' draft was short but sweet. You have to add the trades for Santonio Holmes and Antonio Cromartie to the mix for accuracy. Kyle Wilson was not a need but some had him rated as the highest corner in the draft. He was considered by Cleveland at the 7th pick so the Jets got a lot of value selecting Wilson at pick 29. He can step into the return game (which is now a need because of the Leon Washington trade) and play in the Jets' sub packages. The Jets thought Vlad Ducasse was a good enough player to immediately release Alan Faneca. He will be pegged as the starter at left guard and should give the run game a boost based on his size and ability. Joe McKnight is a quick, homerun-type running back and should help provide a change of pace from the styles of Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson. My favorite player in the whole draft was Kentucky fullback John Conner. He may allow the Jets to move on from Tony Richardson in the near future and will be a special teams warrior right out of the gate.


Round 1, Pick 29

Kyle Wilson, CB/KR, Boise State

Ht: 5’ 10 Wt: 194

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Kyle Wilson is another versatile cornerback who can also return punts even with the acquisition of Antonio Cromartie.  The Jets felt Wilson was the best player left on the board that fit a need for them.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Quick, fast, competitive, playmaking corner who will have to prove himself on a more consistent basis against bigger, faster receivers but could develop into a No. 2 corner with versatility to play the slot in nickel packages and also return punts.

NFL projection: Top-50 pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report: Wilson is a very quick and explosive athlete with the playing speed, instincts and ball skills to consistently close quickly and make plays on the ball to break up passes. He is definitely going to need to work on his backpedal if he is ever going to become the NFL player that he has the talent to be. Wilson really stepped and made a name for himself when he shined at the Senior Bowl and then was just as impressive at Boise State’s Pro Day where he really shined and ran in the 4.4’s. Over- all, Wilson has all the physical talent (Other than ideal size) to become a very good starting cornerback in the NFL and if he can improve his back-pedal he could really become top level, pro bowl cornerback, along with a good punt returner.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Wilson is a natural playmaker who earned all-conference or All-American honors in all four seasons with the Broncos.  He emerged as a junior with 15 passes broken up (including five interceptions) and three punt returns for touchdowns in 2008.  In ’09, he returned two of his three interceptions for scores and answered questions about his willingness to stick his head into the pile in run support. 

Round 2, Pick 61

Vladimir Ducasse, OT, Massachusetts

Ht: 6’ 4 3/8” Wt: 332

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Ducassse is a raw, inexperienced prospect but is going to a perfect situation in New York.  He doesn't have to start right away because of the amount of experienced players on the Jets' offensive line.  It will take him two or three years to develop, but the reward outweighed the risk at this point.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Big-bodied college left tackle who projects best to right tackle or guard in the NFL. Got away with leaning and relying on his size at UMass and is not polished, but most of his flaws are coachable, and he possesses legitimate physical ability and significant upside. Could handle the left side for a power-running team such as the Cowboys, Steelers or Cardinals. Could blossom into a left tackle with good coaching but may have to start his career inside.

NFL projection: Top-40 pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  A Haitian-born athlete who didn’t play football until high school, Ducasse has a ways to go before successfully taking on veteran NFL defenders.  Although he engulfed or pancaked smaller FCS players, he didn’t completely dominate.  Some teams will project him inside to use his size and mobility without worrying about his raw technique and lack of experience protecting a franchise quarterback.

112.)  New York Jets
Joe McKnight, RB, Southern Cal

Ht: 5' 11" Wt:  198

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The knock on McKnight is that he is not a tough runner.  With the Jets already having two backs that are more power than finesse, McKnight could come in as a good change of pace back.  I believe this spells the end of Leon Washington's Jets' career.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Capable of making defenders miss in tight quarters due to breathtaking lateral agility and sudden acceleration, McKnight will supply big plays.  But for all the hype, his production and consistency at USC was a bit underwhelming.  His lanky build and only average strength are of concern to scouts who wonder if he can prove to be anything more than a change-of-pace back at the next level. 

139.)  New York Jets
John Conner, RB, Kentucky

Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 246

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  My favorite player in the entire draft, "The Terminator" is what every football team wants in a football player.  Willing to play special teams and a violent run and pass blocker, the Jets have found a way to improve their run game even more.  Conner plays football like a bull in a china shop.   

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  The few NFL teams still longing for a throwback will keep tabs on Conner.  A former walk-on, he emerged as a valuable special teams performer and lead blocker early in his career.  As head coach Rich Brooks gained more trust in him, Conner was used more often as a receiver and runner.

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

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