The New York Jets selected Alabama wide receiver ArDarius Stewart with the 79th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
The New York Jets selected players on the defensive side of the ball with their first two picks in the 2017 NFL Draft. With their third pick, the Jets went on the offensive side of the ball. With the 13th pick in the third round and 79th overall, the Jets selected Alabama wide receiver, ArDarius Stewart.
No matter who is under center for the Jets next season, they needed weapons on offense. They get one in the third round with Stewart. Stewart is an explosive athlete, averaging 10.7 yards after the catch per reception, which was second in power-five conferences last season. His after the catch ability is what makes him special.
Stewart knows what to do with the ball in his hands and can make defenders miss. He can also be an asset on special teams. He has experience as a return man and covering kicks.
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What the Jets will really like is the physicality that he has to his game. He will help out in the run game as a blocker, something that is important to a team that will rely on running the ball as much as the Jets will.
Stewart should have a role with the Jets right off the bat; maybe not as a starter right away, but definitely in sub packages. He has the versatility to line up at multiple spots as the Jets should manufacture ways to get the ball in his hand in space, such as bubble screens.
While he is a good prospect for the Jets, he does have some work to do. He could use some refinement running routes. He slows down at times out of his breaks, which makes it difficult to separate from press coverage.
Stewart also has to hit a hole when he sees it. Pro Football Focus said that he has a tendency to run east and west at times instead of north and south. That may work against college defenses, but it won’t lead to much success in the NFL.
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Stewart will be a useful piece for a Jets offense that needs playmakers. He has a chance to develop into a solid starter and should contribute right off the bat for the Jets.