New York Jets: Grading the players Gang Green selected on Day 2
Going into the second night of the 2019 NFL Draft, New York Jets fans were incredibly optimistic that their picks would just keep getting better based off of their phenomenal first round pickup, Quinnen Williams.
Despite speculation, the New York Jets didn’t attempt to trade up and select at all in the second Round. Both of their picks came in the third and they were more functional picks rather than the glamorous ones. With the 68th and 92nd Overall picks, the Jets snagged defensive end, Jachai Polite and offensive tackle, Chuma Edoga. Neither of these picks is Quinnen Williams, but they still both have an opportunity to make a large impact on this Green Gang roster.
A+. . Defensive End. Florida. 68: JACHAI POLITE
In my mind, this is the second best defensive end in the draft outside of Josh Allen. If not for the hamstring injury that prevented him from posting solid numbers in the draft combine, Polite could have very well been a first-rounder. The fact that the Jets were able to get such a talent in the third round means that an A+ is in order.
DE is a big hole that the Jets needed to fill with a talented outside linebacker, and they definitely found their guy in Polite. In his most recent season with the Florida Gators, he was able to rack up 11 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, and six forced fumbles. General Manager Mike Maccagnan has invested plenty of time and money into making this defense as formidable as he could. Alongside Quinnen Williams, Polite is definitely another great addition to this now scary looking front seven.
OT. USC. 92: CHUMA EDOGA. C.
The New York Jets received this pick from the Teddy Bridgewater deal with New Orleans. They used it to get more protection for their current quarterback, Sam Darnold. Gang Green was playing with house money for this pick and decided to work towards the long term, instead of the now. Edoga’s work ethic and inconsistency on the line of scrimmage were issues during his collegiate days at the University of Southern California, but he has a lot of upside.
Edoga’s 99.3 pass blocking efficiency rating was tied for the highest among offensive tackles in this draft. His selection was definitely a product of what made Darnold most comfortable as Edoga was his main blocker at USC. Although he may not start immediately for the Jets, he’s a future option that can give Darnold more safety in the pocket when given the correct motivation.
Overall Day 2 Grade: B
Next. New York Jets: Grading Quinnen Williams. dark
It wasn’t a day filled with the sexiest picks but at the end of it, the Jets aren’t blinded by the hype. All this team is looking to do is get out of their humiliating years and make a return back to AFC contention. New York is on the right track and tonight was yet another indication that Maccagnan and crew still have plenty of moves yet to make in this year’s Draft.