The Jets have been active and have made some huge moves during the draft. I will start with the draft:
First Round: Kyle Wilson: CB
The Jets drafted Kyle Wilson with the 29th pick of the 1st round. Apparently the Jets did not expect any of the top cornerback prospects to be available with this pick and they were absolutely thrilled when Wilson fell so far. Wilson should be able to fill in right away as the 3rd cornerback and could serve as a replacement to Antonio Cromartie if the Jets are unable to resign him after this year. Rex Ryan loves cornerbacks and this move should free up the Jets to blitz even more than they did last year.
Second Round: Vladimir Ducasse: OL
Vladamir Ducasse is a monstrous offensive line prospect who should take over the starting job right away for the Jets. His measurables are 6'5 332 pounds and he should fill in at guard. The Jets were ready to take him late in the first round before Wilson fell. This move prompted the Jets to release Alan Faneca.
Fourth Round: Joe McKnight: RB
McKnight was drafted by the Jets in the fourth round to be the replacement to Leon Washington as the 3rd running back. McKnight is a good change of pace back with good speed and elusiveness. He may not be Leon Washington but he should be able to contribute right away.
Fifth Round: John Conner: FB
Conner was drafted by the Jets to be the eventual replacement to Tony Richardson. Conner will be able to contribute on special teams right away and is a favorite of Rex Ryan.
Released/Traded Players:
Alan Faneca: The Jets said goodbye to Alan Faneca when they drafted Vladimir Ducasse in the second round. Faneca was horrible in pass protection this year and the Jets hope that Ducasse can fill in and do the same kind of job. The Jets will miss Faneca's leadership and veteran presence up front but his salary was far too high to keep for this year.
Leon Washington: Washington was traded shortly after the Jets drafted Joe McKnight in the fourth round. He was traded for a 5th round pick where the Jets drafted John Conner. Washington has been my favorite player for years and I was in shock when I heard he was traded even though I had been expecting it. The Jets did not get the value that I thought they could get for a player with Washington's abilities and therefore there must be some legitimate concern about whether he can return successfully from his horrible injury last year. I hope Leon fully recovers and becomes a great player in Seattle.
Overall, I think the Jets made some necessary and unnecessary moves yesterday. The release of Alan Faneca and the plan to replace him with Vladimir Ducasse is a good one and should give the Jets a solid left side of the line for years to come. However, the trade of Leon Washington for a 5th round pick was hard to stomach as Washington has been a fan favorite for years.
I don't like draft grades but I will give the draft a solid B.
