The 2014 draft offers Jets general manager John Idzik the opportunity to shine, writes Brian Costello of the New York Post. After a 2013 draft which yielded one star (Sheldon Richardson) and at least two question marks (Dee Milliner and Geno Smith) with the Jets’ first three selections, Idzik, outside of Eric Decker, went bargain-shopping during free agency, trying to supplement New York’s roster with low-cost additions. As Costello notes, a solid draft could mean building a strong foundation on which to continue to solidify the team, while a weak return could mean the demise of head coach Rex Ryan and much more pressure on Idzik himself.
More from the AFC East:
- Many mock drafts have the Jets selecting Brandin Cooks with the 18th pick, and ESPNNewYork.com’s Rich Cimini thinks this is a good idea, comparing Cooks to DeSean Jackson, with whom Marty Mornhinwheg, the Jets’ offensive coordinator, had success.
- LSU receiver Jarvis Landry said he felt most comfortable during meetings with the Jets, in addition the Falcons and and Colts, tweets Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports.
- ESPN.com’s James Walker believes the Dolphins should take local product Seantrel Henderson off its draft board following Henderson’s failed drug test, which makes some sense considering the offensive line drama in Miami last season.
- Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Calvin Pryor will likely be gone by the time the Patriots pick at No. 29, so if New England doesn’t trade up, Deone Bucannon could be an option for the Pats, writes Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald.
- Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio said the team won’t shy away from drafting another receiver, even though the Pats brought in three rookies at the position last season, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald.