New York Jets: Grading The 2017 NFL Draft Class
By Nolan Rich
![Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jamal Adams (LSU) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) as he is selected as the number 6 overall pick to the New York Jets in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jamal Adams (LSU) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) as he is selected as the number 6 overall pick to the New York Jets in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e4bfb1ecb3a937875750e83a8376b54e0e5092f85af2c730673d302ed7fc44f1.jpg)
Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; West Georgia defensive lineman Dylan Donahue does the vertical jump during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
No.181: Dylan Donahue: DE/OLB: West Georgia
The good news is that Donahue will help fill depth with his versatility in the linebacker core. While he played end in college, at 248 pounds New York will have to stand him up on the outside or at the end position in sub packages.
The versatility to line up in different positions makes Donahue a possible role player on the Jets defense. But, one of the biggest knocks is that he is coming from a small school and didn’t face great competition in college.
While this makes sense from a depth and versatility perspective, the Jets have drafted multiple linebackers over the past two drafts and could have used this pick to find an offensive line, cornerback, or even another tight end project.
Small school prospects can be successful in the NFL, however, an undersized pass rusher at one of the few positions where the team has depth is a bit of a head scratcher. Donahue will need to contribute on special teams and have a strong training camp to make the team as a role player.
. GRADE . C. .