They don't have to be but it is going to be harder for them to succeed as a wideout than a guy who is 6'5" that's just the reality.
Victor Cruz is considered a slot receiver and look how he torches defenses deep quite often. Cooks looks like he's got pro bowl potential. You can still grab a big physical outside WR in the 2nd round.
I would stay away from Sanders. Draft Cooks then we could either: 1. draft a taller receiver later on. 2. sign a FA like Nicks 3. stick with Hill and give him another shot.
Cruz's productivity absolutely dips when he plays on the outside. Does anyone really believe the Jets would draft wide receivers in back to back rounds? Let alone our first 2 picks? The Jets should acquire 1 FA starting WR and 1 draftee.
What exactly would be the problem with drafting wide receivers in back to back rounds? It's something that should be considered heavily. Cooks/Beckham Jr/Lee at 18, and then Davante Adams at 49 would be nice.
I thought Van Noy looked very poor in drills today. Slow to react and change of direction was weak compared to others. Doesn't mean he's going to be a bad pro, just something to note.
Does anyone know how well shazier has done at the combine? At wr beckham just impresses more and more.
I don't necessarily agree that Cooks will be best as a slot receiver. He has to get stronger and learn how to defeat press coverage, but he has the speed, toughness and route running ability to be effective anywhere. Even if you're right, I think he's better than Kerley already. I like Kerley a lot, but he isn't a real playmaker. He doesn't have speed to score from anywhere on the field. Cooks does. It could be that Cooks is the best WR the Jets get a chance to draft. I sure wouldn't pass on him because he's short and they have Kerley already. Cooks would be killer running slants over the middle. I like Matthews, Adams and Evans a lot, but like Beckham and Cooks just as much. I don't care much for Robinson at all. He's the last WR I'd take from that top tier. I don't really like Benjamin, but I think I might take him over Robinson.
I felt similarly for the linebacker drills. He seems to be at his best going straight ahead. Chris Smith and the guy from Boise State I'm not familiar enough with were the OLB standouts to me. Full Day 3 Observations: http://www.cornerblitz.com/2014/Combine/DL1.aspx
Shazier didn't run the 40 and didn't do positional drills. Not sure why. The guy had a 42" vertical leap and did well on the bench as well (25 reps?) so at least he did something positive there.
The way the draft is looking I would be surprised if we end up going defense in Round 1 Maybe a Corner or Linebacker
I missed most in drills, but saw Demarcus Lawrence of Boise. He looked good. I thought he showed good feet & quickness, and fluidity in his movements. Would be a solid addition in the middle rounds.
And the biggest lack of depth on this team is WR so that answers your statement about the possibility of the Jets drafting WR's in back to back rounds. Of course they should consider it. This is the deepest receiver draft in years and there could be more drafted in the first 2 rounds than any in history. The WR position on this team sucks. The Jets need multiple guys to overhaul that position. I hope they get 2 marquee WR's in the first 2 rounds. Also regardless of where Cruz lines up, he burns defenses deep consistently. Cooks brings the same dynamics to the table. His lack of height shouldn't overshadow his ability nor should it be a big issue for him.
That's a fair assessment great point - as long as they can find acquire wide-outs with different skill-sets. If we get Cooks and we'll need to pair him and Kerley up with someone that can go up and catch the football, especially in the RZ. The Jets desperately need someone that can win 1 on 1 on the outside consistently.
Yes, that's key for them. Cooks, Kerley and a big outside threat and this receiving corps looks vastly improved.
Cooks stock has sky rocketed and i do like the player BUT if we add a guy like him we still need a Vertical threat... We cant go into the season with Kerley, Cooks, Nelson!
Agree 100%. I'll bet that if Justin Gilbert is there they might suck him right up. Move Cro to safety and we have us a damned good secondary.
Cooks led the NCAA in receiving yards and runs a 4.3 40... how is he not a vertical threat? Is Desean Jackson a vertical threat?
This would mean we need more physical receivers that can win press coverage. Guys that go over the middle and are excellent in short to the intermediate game. Cooks is one of the better deep threats available. Cooks is a more physical version of TY Hilton somewhat.
