The Jets are high on safety Kyle Hamilton, according to sources who spoke with Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. Armed with picks Nos. 4 and 10, the Notre Dame standout should be there for Gang Green, if that’s who they want to take. Still, with several weeks to go between now and the draft, the Jets have ample time to consider all of their options, including players at more premium positions.
Here’s more out of East Rutherford, via Cimini:
- The Jets are “always looking at” big defensive linemen, as head coach Robert Saleh noted recently, and that could lead them to Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux. Cimini hears that the Jets would be hard-pressed to pass on him if he slips to No. 4. He’s long been thought to be a candidate for the No. 1 overall pick, but it’s definitely possible that Thibodeaux could fall to the Jets at No. 4.
- Some insiders believe that GM Joe Douglas will zero in on the offensive line with a tackle at one of their two Top 10 picks. That’ll largely be dictated by the George Fant / Mekhi Becton situation, Cimini hears. The Jets may opt to leave Fant on the left side and move Becton to the right. If they follow through on that, that’s a sign that the Jets are losing confidence in Becton’s ability to shed weight and, by extension, his long-term potential.
- While some see the cornerback position as a major draft target, Saleh continues to pump up his current trio of Bryce Hall, Brandin Echols, and Michael Carter II. “The challenge for those three is to find the ball. Once they do that, they’ll be right there with the upper echelon of the league.” Combined, the three CBs tallied just two interceptions last year.
- Braxton Berrios could be too rich for the Jets’ blood this offseason. One agent predicted that the speedy wideout will look for top slot money, which would put him at ~$9MM/year.
- Jets tight ends coach Ron Middleton is fond of Colorado State’s Trey McBride and Ohio State’s Jeremy Ruckert, but it’s not clear if the scouting department likes either player enough in Round 2. The Jets could pass on that group of pass-catching TEs, Cimini hears, which would prompt them to spend in free agency instead.
If Thibs is there you definitely take him. He’s exactly what they need.
Aside from him don’t take an OT, Hamilton is a smart move with the 10th pick but at 4 you should be able to get better.
Hamilton would be great with the tenth pick, I think.
Hey, last time the Jets drafted a top ten safety, they got great production out of him and then got two first rounders for him.
Respect the way Saleh pumps up his guys, but that cornerback group desperately needs more talent.
Becton may work better at RT in the end. His size and agility could pay off big time in the run game if he secures that spot. It’s kind of cool I think to see Fant succeed at tackle, given that he didn’t get into football until late.
It’s sad when the state of affairs for the Jets is the undrafted kid get the critical starting role over the number pick. Speaks volumes of the front office and drafting g ability.
In fact, when was the last time the Jets drafted someone at number and held onto them and the player was thought of as a Jet? 2007 with Revis? Everyone since then has either flopped or been traded.
But who was really negative about Becton at the time? He was a widely regarded top tackle. I honestly don’t blame the jets for this one. Could have been any of the team after them making that “mistake”.