With the NFL draft approaching, we’re taking a look at Joe Douglas’ first three draft picks as the Jets’ general manager.
This week, we take a look at the 2021 draft.
This was one of the most anticipated drafts in the Jets’ recent memory. They had two first-round picks after the Jamal Adams deal last summer, and finished second overall after going 2-14 in 2020.
Adam Gas was fired and Robert Saleh was appointed as the new head coach, giving Douglas a new partner.
Here’s my view on draft picks: First and second round picks should be immediate starts or major contributors. Third round draft picks must play for special teams as rookies and become juniors by year two or three.
I don’t want to give letter grades for each option. Too early for some of them. Let’s pass/fail grades for their career so far.
Here’s a look at the 2021 draft:
QB Zach Wilson, first round, No. 2 overall
This choice overshadows the rest of this draft. As a GM, you usually get a pick in the first two places at once, and you better get your franchise.
Wilson didn’t look like such a guy in his first two seasons, and now the Jets are trading for Aaron Rodgers because of it. There is a chance of Wilson getting his career back on track, but it seems unlikely that will happen with the Jets.
pass/fail: fail
OG Alijah Vera-Tucker, first round, No. 14 overall
The Jets traded for Vera-Tucker in the first round because they had such a strong belief in him. This seemed like a good decision.
Vera-Tucker was on his way to the 2022 Monsters season before tearing his triceps muscle in Week 7. He started at left guard, right guard, right tackle, and left tackle in his first two seasons, showing impressive versatility.
pass/fail: pass
Elijah Moore, second round, No. 34 overall
The Jets just traded Moore to the Browns in a move that could secure Rodgers. However, it would hurt if Moore developed into a star with the Browns.
The potential is clearly there. He had some flashes with the Jets, but fell out of favor with the coaching staff and demanded a trade over the course of last season. Although I still think Moore has a lot of potential to be a good player, this selection has been a mistake so far.
pass/fail: fail
Michael Carter, fourth round, 107th overall
I think this may be the most difficult assessment of all the choices Douglas has made. Carter showed potential as a junior, then took a step back in his sophomore year. The 2023 season is huge for Carter.
When evaluating this choice, I cannot overlook the potential Carter demonstrated. Also remember how I feel about fourth-round picks. It’s a crapshoot. The Jets have already got seven touchdowns from Carter. That’s a win.
pass/fail: pass
Jmyn Sherwood, fifth round, No. 146 overall
Sherwood played in 22 games, including starting four as a starter before suffering a season-ending injury.
He blinked at times when he was playing in place of CJ Mosley, who is a solid player on special teams. However, there is no reason to believe that Sherwood will be a major contributor for years to come and that this selection was a success.
pass/fail: fail
CB Michael Carter II, fifth round, 154th overall
Carter has played in 32 games in his first two years and is a de facto starter as the slot back cornerback, a position that has become very valuable in today’s NFL.
Carter was a pleasant surprise fifth-round pick. He’s played some really solid games, and has two interceptions over their careers. He should be locked up as a third pillar for the next few years.
pass/fail: pass
Jason Pinnock, fifth round, 175th overall
This is another player for whom it would be too early to judge. Pinnock played sparingly as a rookie, but he was hooked on the Giants after being cut by the Jets last year. He started five games for the Giants and played well.
Because his future won’t be with the Jets, though, I’m going to Douglas on this one.
pass/fail: fail
Humsa Naseer El-Din, sixth floor, No. 186 in total
Converted from safety to linebacker, Naseeruddin was pretty much just a special teams player his first two years.
pass/fail: fail
CB Brandin Echols, sixth round, 200th overall
Echols started 14 games as a starter, and had two memorable interceptions—one by a pick six and one by Tom Brady.
The Jets decided to promote in 2022 with Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed, sending Echols to the bench. Echols has developed into a solid player on special teams, and has given the Jets terrific cornerback support.
pass/fail: pass
Jonathan Marshall, sixth round, 207th overall
Marshall only played four games as a starter, then the Jets moved on. He is currently on the Steelers roster, but has not played a game since 2021.
pass/fail: fail
overall assessment: There’s still a lot to learn about this season after just two seasons. Players like Michael Carter (backrunner), Elijah Moore, and a few others have shown potential that hasn’t really developed into production.
However, it is all of this draft that will be remembered for Wilson. If he ends up being one of the worst picks in franchise history, that will be the takeaway. If he can turn things around and become a Jets starter again, this draft will be viewed differently.
Want to pick up a game? The Jets schedule with links to purchase tickets can be found here.
waiting for s
Quinn Williams was expected not to appear for the Jets’ offseason start Monday. Williams said in January that he would stay away if he did not have a new contract. The two sides were negotiating, but they did not reach an agreement.
It is necessary for the Jets to sign Williams to a long-term extension. He was a dominant player on the field and a good dressing room man. He didn’t make noise about the contract until this season, when he’d be fully justified in wanting more money.
The planes should be able to do that for $23 million to $25 million a year. That’s less than $32 million a year, more than anyone else.
The Jets haven’t re-signed a first-round draft pick since Muhammad Wilkerson in 2016. They need to end this drought with Williams.
Stat is that
Airplanes have not had any long-range attack weapon over the past decade. They’re hoping Garrett Wilson and Bryce Hall can change that.
It’s been a while since they’ve had someone find the end zone so often. Just look at the top 10 players in the squad:
1. WR Don Maynard (1960-72): 88 TDs
2. WR Wesley Walker (1977-89): 71 TDs
3. RB Emerson Boozer (1966-1975): 65 TDs
4. RB Curtis Martin (1998-2005): 63 TDs
5. RB Freeman McNeil (1981-92): 50 TDs
6. RB Bill Mathis (1960-1969): 46 TDs
7. RB Johnny Hector (1983-92): 44 TDs
8. WR Wayne Chrebet (1995-2005): 41 TDs
9. WR/TE Jerome Barkum (1972-1983): 40 TDs
T – 10. WR Laveranues Coles (2000-02, 2005-08): 37 TDs
T-10. TE Mickey Schuller (1978-89): 37 TDs
Source: Pro Football Reference