FPC Jets Round Table: Darnold, UDFAs, 2018 Projections

The Full Press Coverage Jets writers and managing editor sat down recently to discuss what happened before, during and after the draft. This includes opinions on how the Jets won and how they lost, Sam Darnold and other rookie projections, and if the Jets have what it takes to take on the AFC East rivals.

Let us know whose takes you agree with the most!

Featured contributors to this roundtable:

– Kyle Hirshkind: Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Jets Follow @kylehirshkind

– Alessandro Senatore: Staff writer for Full Press Coverage Jets Follow @AMS1928

– James Cunningham: Staff writer for Full Press Coverage Jets Follow @JCunninghamNFL

– Adam Melendez: Staff writer for Full Press Coverage Jets Follow @melendez2015

– Brian Cunningham: Staff writer for Full Press Coverage Jets Follow @brian43cunni

Q1: Of all the picks the Jets made during the 2018 NFL Draft, who is your favorite and least favorite and why? 

Kyle: Got to love the Sam Darnold pick. The Jets have set themselves up for success with one of the best quarterback prospects in recent memory. If they can develop him, minimize the turnover issues and overall sloppiness, Darnold could lead this team for years to come. My least favorite would have to be RB Trenton Cannon. But don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate the pick at all. I believe, however, the Jets could’ve targeted an OL or and edge rusher to fill the more necessary holes in the roster.

Alex: Hate to be the black sheep of the flock but Nathan Shepard is my clear favorite of this draft. The Jets’ defensive line was one of the best in the NFL three to four years ago, but now it is a joke and that needed to change. The Jets were a top defensive team but after an implosion from the brass they are no longer. So hopefully, Shepard can come in and fill some big shoes. While I want so say Darnold is not my favorite (Mayfield fan) honestly, Trenton Cannon is the biggest mistake the Jets can take with that pick. Unless he is willing to work for special teams until the very crowded backfield dies down, I don’t see how the Jets utilize him.

Brian: Sam Darnold. This is the first time in a long time that I feel we may have a franchise quarterback. I see Ben Roethlisberger in him, he is an above average sized quarterback with good pocket awareness/mobility and a strong arm. This guy really has the potential to be something special in Jet Green. I cannot believe the Browns passed on him and it will be something they will have to deal with for a long time. Best QB in the draft how could this not be my favorite pick.

Adam: Sam Darnold was my favorite pick. While I wasn’t a fan of him coming out of college, I think that the Jets made the right move. His turnovers do concern me, but if he can learn behind Josh McCown, he could certainly be the future of the Jets. While I did not have any negatives to say about our draft class, I was hoping that the Jets could help boost the offensive line. It may not be a glaring need, but giving a young quarterback time to throw the ball will help in his development.

James: Out of all the Jets picks, I think they found the best value in Parry Nickerson. I’m a big fan of Darnold, but Nickerson in round 6 is some serious value. Nickerson is a speedy stud who gets himself involved play after play. My least favorite pick was Foley Fatukasi. I think it was unnecessary to grab a second defensive lineman when the Jets have a glaring need at offensive line and edge rusher.

Sam Darnold can sling it 🙌 pic.twitter.com/dJPbbbGIUg

— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 5, 2018

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Q2: Which UDFA was your favorite grab? Who was your least favorite?

Kyle: I really like the addition of Oklahoma’s FB Dimitri Flowers. I had the opportunity to interview him recently and it struck me to hear how humble he is. He’s been highly regarded as one of the biggest sleepers out there just due to his versatility and ability to plug in almost anywhere on the field. Though the fullback position is one that many call a dying breed in the NFL, I’m sure the Jets can find a way to utilize him in the best way possible. Can’t say I have a least favorite signing quite yet.

Alex: I like the signing of Dimitri Flowers or any defensive signing simply because I can not choose. The Jets need help on defense and need to continually fuel the defense with younger talent. They also need to train them with veterans who are considered one of the best or at a top tier. I like the Flowers signing mostly because he is a plug and play player and is useful in a lot of spots that can really keep the defense on their toes. My least favorite is Ryan Green. I’m not hating on the man because I can see some good talent, but again there are way too many running backs in the backfield.  Unless he is working for special teams or works a new position all together he will not see the field at any time short of injuries.

Brian: My favorite UDFA signing was Austin Golson, OL from Auburn. Jets need OL help and they are getting a very tough and versatile lineman. He has played every position on the offensive line for Auburn throughout his career. He brings versatility, toughness and a sense of leadership to the Jets OL. My least favorite UDFA signing was Ryan Green, RB from Florida State. I just don’t see what he brings to the table. He barely has any college experience in the backfield ending his career as a 3rd string the past two seasons. He does not have experience with special teams either. I see the athleticism but I see no consistency or production.

Adam: It’s hard to say anybody but Dimitri Flowers as a favorite. A versatile player in a fullback could be key for the Jets offense if they want to ignite a fire. With Flowers having the ability to run, catch, and block from his position, he will be a ton of fun to watch. As for the least favorite signings, it would have to be the running backs. With the Jets already having Powell, McGuire, Rawls, and Crowell adding two more UDFA running backs just seem to crowd the room.

James: My favorite UDFA was easily Dimitri Flowers. The value he brings at fullback is great, and the fact that he went undrafted shocks me. The Jets made a mistake parting ways with Tommy Bohanon, and Flowers is a good way to make up for it. My least favorite UDFA was Lord Hyeamang. Another defensive tackle?! It was a filled position, and that is a great reason why he’s already cut.

https://twitter.com/FPC_Jets/status/992023705730600960

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Q3: If you could have made all the picks for the Jets in the draft, what would you have done differently, if anything?

Kyle: I really like most of the Jets’ 2018 draft picks. I think they did a great job overall. Here are a few ones I may have done differently: Round 3 – OLB Malik Jefferson (instead of DT Nathan Shepherd), Round 4, DE Da’Shawn Hand (instead of TE Chris Hendron), Round 7, WR Equanimeous St. Brown (instead of RB Trenton Cannon). I’m no expert of course, so it will be interesting to see how these players pan out. Hopefully they can prove me wrong.

Alex: I like most of the picks the Jets made, however, I would’ve chosen Josh Rosen over Sam Darnold. Rosen is much more of an NFL quarterback than Darnold. He has the natural talents and ability to be thrown in and strive while Darnold still needs to be shaped and taught a few things. I would have kept the third round, changed the fourth round to Detrez Newsome (RB). I know I say the backfield is crowded but Newsome is a type of talent you don’t pass on. In round 7 I would have grabbed St. Brown (WR) simply because the Jets need good wide receivers and while they already have a lot, most of them will be cut.

Brian: I would not change anything in the first round. However, there was a player I liked in the third round that the Jets passed on: Royce Freeman. The running back from Oregon became the schools all-time leading rusher. He is a big back who runs efficiently. Not the fastest but seems patient, elusive and smart enough to be a good RB in the NFL. I would not be surprised if this guy catches some headlines in the NFL. I can see why the Jets passed on him, needing defensive help and already adding Crowell. But this guy is a really good talent who slipped in the draft.

Adam: I wouldn’t change a thing. While I did mention that I would have loved an OL pick, I also like the guys that the Jets selected. I trust that the Jets made the right choices.

James: I think the only pick I would change is the Fatukasi pick. Picking another interior defensive line was foolish. I would go back and take an edge rusher with that pick. I would’ve selected Jacob Martin from Temple. Martin had 8 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss last season with Temple.

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Q4: Out of all the younger players, who do you think will make the biggest splash for the Jets this coming year?  Who will make the biggest splash for the Jets over the next coming seasons?

Kyle: In terms of immediate impact from the rookies, I think CB Parry Nickerson could have the most. His speed mixed with play-making abilities could allow the Jets to have quite a scary secondary if he gets any playing time. Over the next few years, however, I think without a doubt that it’s Sam Darnold who will have the biggest impact (hopefully). He was brought to MetLife just for that reason, so it’s only right to think that the newest signal-caller in town will have the biggest potential going forward.

Alex: For immediate impact, I would have to say TE Chris Herndon or DT Nathan Shepard.  Both of these positions are unknown to the Jets. They had good players at DT until some recent unfortunate business and they have never had a good tight end since maybe Jeff Cumberland. Tight Ends have eluded the Jets, and if we could add another receiving threat rather than a blocker, then the field would be different. But overall Darnold will be the one who makes the biggest splash for the Jets. Hopefully, it is a good splash where they can use future picks for defense and offensive talent and not waste more picks on QBs.

Brian: Obviously, you can see my love for Darnold and Adams and they will be the Jets key players for years to come. But here’s my dark horse guy who could make a splash for the Jets: Isaiah Crowell. This guy reminds me of Chris Ivory back a couple years ago with the Jets. Real tough downhill runner who has success under a real poor organization in Cleveland. Throw him on a better team in a better situation and this guy could have a great year. Running game is key for opening up the passing game, the Jets need Crowell.

Adam: For this season, I think that Chris Herndon could be someone to watch. The Jets seemed to figure out how to get the tight end involved in the passing game, and with the Jets moving on from Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Herndon can be the product of the improving offense. A third rounder with the potential of being a day one starter? That alone is enough to draw attention. In the long run, the answer is obvious: Sam Darnold. If he develops well, the long, painful search for the successor to Broadway Joe will come to an end. He will be the Jets leader.

James: I think Jamal Adams will make the biggest splash this coming season. He was overlooked as a rookie because of his interception count, but he played well. Troy Polamalu had 0 interceptions his first year, and look at him. Jamal Adams will be the best player on this Jets defense for years to come.

https://twitter.com/FPC_NFL/status/990709345661878272

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Q5: With all the draft picks and UDFA players added to the rosters, who will rank where in the AFC East and why?

Kyle: I’m still reluctant in thinking that the Jets get by the Patriots this year in the AFC East. However, I do think the Jets have improved their roster greatly and will be able to squeak their way into the No. 2 spot. With the Dolphins and Bills seemingly having bigger questions marks, I think the Jets will have the space they need to move up the ladder and challenge the kings of the division.

Alex: I think this year could be a special year for the Jets. With more holes filled, the Jets are looking much better than the Bills and Dolphins, but still not as great as the Patriots. I feel like the Patriots will continue to rule for a little bit until the Jets come in and take over as the number one. If they don’t take number one this year, than at very minimum they grab the number two spot in the AFC East. The Bills and Dolphins will be fighting for dead last.

Brian: Kills me to say it but of course, I have the Patriots winning the AFC East. Simply because of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. The Jets come in 2nd and fight for a wild card spot lead by rookie phenom Sam Darnold and a playmaking secondary. The Bills underperforming as Josh Allen has a rough rookie season. The Dolphins come in last, as they should with their roster.

Adam: The Jets aren’t going to dethrone the Patriots right off the bat, but they will improve from where they have been the last two years. The players who are on the team want to be there, and with leaders in Jamal Adams and Uncle Josh, expect the Jets to make a hard push for second place in the AFC East. I predict that the finishing order will be. 1. New England Patriots 2. New York Jets 3. Buffalo Bills 4. Miami Dolphins.

James: I think the Patriots will be the clear winner in the AFC East. The division not including the Pats is atrocious. The Jets, Bills, and Dolphins are all in rebuild mode. Second place is completely up in the air, but don’t expect much out of any of those three.

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Agree or disagree with any of our takes? Want to get in on the debate? Reach out to us and let us know your thoughts!

– Kyle Hirshkind: Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Jets Follow @kylehirshkind

– Alessandro Senatore: Staff writer for Full Press Coverage Jets Follow @AMS1928

– James Cunningham: Staff writer for Full Press Coverage Jets Follow @JCunninghamNFL

– Adam Melendez: Staff writer for Full Press Coverage Jets Follow @melendez2015

– Brian Cunningham: Staff writer for Full Press Coverage Jets Follow @brian43cunni