2020 gave new general manager Joe Douglas his first real shot at picking the future of the New York Jets. How have his nine picks, Joe Douglas’ foundation of the Jets, faired in their inaugural season?

Jets Picks

Mekhi Becton– ( A+)

Joe Douglas first pick with the New York Jets has been a smashing success. “Mount Becton” has become arguably the top offensive lineman from the 2020 draft. The rookie has faced some of the League’s most feared pass rushers, and handled them all. In a season where he took on both Bosa brothers, Chandler Jones, Frank Clark, and Melvin Ingram, Becton has answered the call. He has established himself as a cornerstone of the Jets future, and the future looks bright. Mount Becton has the potential to be a future All-Pro. Joe Douglas nailed this pick.

Denzel Mims– (B+)

It took Mims a while to get onto the field. He didn’t make an appearance until Week 7. But since then, Mims has been exactly who Jets fans were hoping- a big bodied receiver with next-level ball skills and body control. He averages 17+ yards a catch. But, he’s only averaging 3.2 catches a carry on 6 targets a game. The ball has been trying to get to him, but the 50% completion rating doesn’t fall entirely on Mims. He’s only dropped one pass in his NFL career so far. While he hasn’t found the end zone yet, Mims can easily be worked into the Jets game plan. He possesses the ball skills of an elite physical receiver. He is currently PFFs 4th highest graded rookie receiver. Considering Joe Douglas traded back and still got Mims, this is a quality pick with a huge upside.

Ashtyn Davis– (C+)

Davis was slated as one of the top safeties coming out of this draft behind Grant Delpit and Xavier McKinney. Both of them faced injuries and missed an ample amount of time. Davis has played in every game for the Jets in some facet. Come Week 8, he’s a fully fledged starter. It’s safe to say Davis, who walked onto Cal’s football team, outplayed veteran Bradley McDougald, who’s short tenure in New York has been a disaster. While he still makes mistakes in film, Davis has also made a few memorable plays for the Jets. Davis has been good value for the pick. There is still some left to be desired, but Ashtyn Davis will remain on this team for some time.

Jabari Zuniga– (N/A)

Zuniga can’t be graded just yet. He’s been filling the role asked of him- supplemental edge defender. Zuniga’s busiest game was 23% of the defensive snaps. Because of this, we can’t grade the Florida product yet. I’d rather not give him an ‘F’ because he hasn’t seen the field much.

La’Mical Perine– (C-)

Perine’s career day was 40 yards on 11 carries. Originally the backup to Frank Gore, Perine has been serviceable. He averages 3.6 yards a carry. However, in recent events, Perine has been outshined by Josh Adams and Ty Johnson, two waiver claims. While likely still a part of the Jets future, the only thing saving Perine from a lower grade is that he is a 4th round player.

James Morgan– (N/A)

Morgan has taken zero snaps for the Jets. When Darnold went down, Flacco took over. Consider the same situation has Zuniga.

Cameron Clark– (N/A)

Again, Clark is like Morgan and Zuniga. No snaps taken.

Bryce Hall– (B-)

It took a while for Hall to make the field. Hall has played in 4 games, but started 3 since Blessaun Austin was placed on IR and Pierre Desir was released.  Hall is the prototypical cornerback- tall and heavy. He’s been a tackling machine. Frankly, Bryce Hall is built like a safety playing cornerback, and he’s done remarkably well so far. There is some promise to this kid. It will take some time to develop, and while he isn’t the second coming of Revis, Hall has done enough in a short period of time to be a very serviceable cornerback.

Braden Mann– (C)

Braden Mann has gotten a lot of opportunities to punt this year (60). His current average of 45 yards per punt puts him right at the league average. Plus side, none of his punts have been returned for a touchdown, nor has he been blocked.

Jets Future

So far, Joe Douglas’ first draft class with the New York Jets looks promising. The top picks are playing well and trending in an upward direction. The later picks are developmental talent, as expected. Joe Douglas drafting is a far cry from the disasters of Mike Maccagnan or John Idzik. For the first time in a very long time, the Jets are drafting with competency.