For those who are clamoring for the Jets to pick a WR in the first round and who think that such a move will pay immediate dividends, take a look at this chart Drafted WRs: 2013 production, participation Round (Pick) Player Team Rec. Yards TDs Drops Snaps 1(8) Tavon Austin Rams 40 418 4 6 403 1(27) DeAndre Hopkins Texans 48 767 2 2 915 1(29) Cord Patterson Vikings 43 438 3 4 396 2(34) Justin Hunter Titans 18 354 4 1 307 2(41) Robert Woods Bills 39 560 3 0 805 2(59) Aaron Dobson Patriots 36 513 4 6 496 3(74) Terrance Williams Cowboys 43 697 5 2 609 3(76) Keenan Allen Chargers 66 957 8 2 827 3(78) Marquise Goodwin Bills 16 261 3 0 276 3(79) Markus Wheaton Steelers 6 64 0 0 142 3(92) Stedman Bailey Rams 13 193 0 0 144 4(101) Ace Sanders Jaguars 45 434 1 4 533 4(102 ) Josh Boyce Patriots 9 121 0 1 170 4(128) Quinton Patton 49ers 1 0 0 0 42 5(144) Kenny Stills Saints 31 565 4 1 616 7(209) Brice Butler Raiders 9 103 0 2 202 7(236) Marquess Wilson Bears 1 3 0 0 40 Source: ESPN Stats & Information I'm not saying drafting WR early is a mistake. I'm saying that it will take 2-3 for any drafted WR to fully contribute to the offense. It is rare for a rookie WR to make a big contribution.
Hopkins has almost 1000 yards as a rookie and he's had 2 or 3 different QB's throwing him the ball. Patterson also contributes on ST but I do agree WR is risky because we are so desperate for a good one that if we fail to do so we might be stuck in nuetral for a few more years on O.
YOU SIR! Need to stop with all this logical thought and reason. Have you forgotten what board you are on.
I agree you will probably not get the immediate impact that many on here think. I am not a big fan of drafting WR's too high in the first round. Just like RB, WR is also a position that you can good pretty decent value in rounds 2 -4, if you have competent scouting - which is a big question mark with Jets. Not saying that there have not been some great early picks at WR but in general top 15 is too high to be reaching for a WR. I think the Jets should be looking to upgrade WR through FA this offseason as they still need to look at OL, TE, S and LB in the draft as well. I think part of the reason our special teams suck (coverage especially) is a lack of real depth players.
I do think it is important that we temper our expectations for a rookie WR, especially one with an unproven QB throwing to him, but this WR draft class is FAR superior to last years. There is no comparing the two. Watkins, Evans, and Lee, the 3 guys we realistically will be targeting, are light years above last year's crop of WRs. There is uncertainty and a learning curve for every position on the field, better that we endure those growing pains with a player that contributes to a position of need, than to, I don't know, what position would you draft instead?
That is why, you don't just draft 1 WR - you go out and sign one (or 2) via FA as well. You also acquire some talent at the tight end position. Sure it won't be overnight - but it sure as hell beats having Holmes and Stephen Hill on top of the depth chart. We need weapons to grow around Geno (or whomever the QB is). Keenan Allen has been amazing this season. Justin Hunter caught a game winning TD pass and has been productive as a rookie, that one big play by a rookie WR could be the play that gets you into the playoffs. The same could happen if the Jets draft one - the only way to know is to actually try.
It's not about the move paying immediate dividends. It's about getting talent in here on offense. Moving on from the Schillens', Nelson's, and Gates' of the world. The Jets need to try and find a legit receiver either via the draft, FA, or trade. I don't care where he comes from.
I don't think anyone thinks a first round wr is "the last piece of the Super Bowl puzzle," but it's a position we need to address and it seems like there are a few blue chip prospects. And any of the 2013 1st round rookie receivers would probably be the best receiver on our roster. As would Keenan Allen. I wouldn't mind double dipping, we need help on offense.
this is true, it takes a while to be a great contributor just as it will for any player of any other position. We can't expect jerry Rice to show up on day 1 (hell even Rice wasn't great out the gate if I remember right) still I think its worth it to take the payers with the highest ceiling at that position nonetheless. Its been too long, its our greatest need and we WILL be signing another veteran WR to be our #1 guy for next year so no worries about that being done. what matters is addressing the position the nest we can. In my opinion our best bet for immediate impact is Marqise lee, if I'm not mistaken they run a similar offense at USC and his route running is supposed to be one of his greater assets, meaning easier transition. but even he shouldn't be expected to be the new randy moss or anything, any of that is gravy.
Yes in certain aspects you are correct but watching kenaan allen this year you could see the talent he brought to that team. Me I would look at evans and benjamin and then look at one of the tightends in between them. This would give us the playmakers we need. Fix the o line and secondary in free agency and be done.
Maybe not a quick fix ... But I'll happily take Julio Jones, Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas, Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd, AJ Green etc. We need to draft the best WR on the board with our first pick. And possibly do it again with our second pick.
Folks here think we are going to rebuild the entire offense with our one first round pick. Honestly, listening to folks here we're going to come out of round 1 with a big fast beast WR, a big tall pass catching TE, a superfast gamebreaking WR and a stud RT. All with one pick. _
If it has to go to the offense, 1st round is for QBs and OLs. Since I am expecting the Jets to pick anywhere from 8th to 20th, I'd say picking QB with 1st round is a huge gamble as well - that leaves OL, and possibly TE if he's that good.
I think the best approach is to follow your board draft day and use FA to fill up the holes in your roster. TE/WR need to be upgraded badly but I wouldn't be happy if Idzik reached there and passed on a Kenny Vaccaro type safety in the first round. If this team drafted based purely on need, we wouldn't have Sheldon Richardson. Keenan Allen & Terrance Williams are proof that WR studs can be found after round 1. === QB is the only position a GM should reach.
We need superior athletes on offense, and superior athletes will cost us high draft picks. They might not make an immediate impact, but they could pay big dividends over the long haul. We cannot continue to roll with castoffs and complimentary players. Our offense needs difference makers.
I see where youre coming from but last year was a terrible year for WRs. This year has MUCH more talent on the WR standpoint then last one by far. If we can snag one of top 3, he will be in much better shape next year. With all the cap room, it would be nice to bring in a FA one as well if one became available. Hill and Nelson arent #1 or #2 WR capable. We all know Holmes will be gone as well. Having a capable WR will work wonders for any QBs progress.
A good QB can make almost any set of WRs look good or at least a lot better - sadly we have probably the worst starting QB in the NFL so regardless of who we sign or draft the O is going to struggle again next year - though fingers crossed we see some improvement(and for heaven's sake we draft a vet that can actually play when called upon).
Any of the players at pick 8 through 76 would be in the top three of our receivers yardage wise. Some would be leading the team. Its not about a quick fix player that solves everthing, but its about adding multiple weapons to an area that has showcased 2 players with any talent at all. Kerley and Holmes are the only receivers we have over 400 yards and holmes may not be back. If he is back there is no sure bet he will be healthy. Adding someone like Watkins, Evans, Lee, or Benjamin to this group will be an upgrade in pure talent. If we can add a decent receiving TE in the second as well all the better. Anyone who watches football should know the more receivers you have that can create separation and make plays with the ball in their hands the better. I'll take a rookie getting his 500 yards if it gives Kerley more space to operate in. The biggest possible way to improve this offense is for Geno to play more games like the Cleveland game and less of the multiple turnover variety. We are tied for Dead last in turnover ratio with Houston who is 2-13 so far this year.