New York Jets Draft Grades
How did the Jets do in the 2021 NFL Draft? We give the New York Jets draft grades for every pick they made.
Round 1 (No.2 Overall) QB, Zach Wilson
To no ones surprise Joe Douglas went with the BYU quarterback that looks like he is a Disney movie heart throb more than a NFL player. However the tape says something different. I wasn’t originally on the Wilson wagon, but after interviewing him and his lineman at the BYU Pro Day he won me over. As long as the Jets front office doesn’t do him dirty like they did Darnold, he has major upside. Hopefully they got their cornerstone this time around.
Grade A
Round 1 (No.14 Overall) OL, Alijah Vera-Tucker
The Jets traded up to secure some protection for newly acquired Wilson. I applaud them for that, but I wonder if they took the right player. The Vikings moved back to 23 (Jets pick) and landed Darrisaw, who may have been the better option. I don’t know that I believe in last years first rounder Becton as a left tackle. Either way I’m happy they are surrounding Wilson with help in the USC stud Vera-Tucker. Grade B+
Round 2 (No.32 Overall) WR, Elijah Moore
Douglas and company continue to do for Wilson what they never did for Sam Darnold. They take the uber talented Ole Miss wide receiver Moore. I was actually rooting for them to take Javonte Williams here, but Moore was one of our favorites here at Draft Dive as well. Moore can play from day one and can line up anywhere as a receiver. This may even allow the Jets to part ways with Jamison Crowder and save some money. The only reason I don’t give them an A is I think Williams out of North Carolina is that good, and he was available. Grade B+
Round 4 (No. 107 Overall) RB, Michael Carter
Well it wasn’t the running back from North Carolina that I wanted them to get, but it’s not a bad pick at all. Carter is slightly undersized, but his shiftiness and elusiveness are next to none in this class. Watch his highlights against Miami last season and you’ll wonder if he is even human. Carter isn’t a three down bruiser, but he can carry the ball 15 times plus he will be a trusted check down for the Rookie QB. Adding a player like that in the fourth round rather than second is pretty good. Grade A+
Round 5 (No.146 Overall) S, Jamien Sherwood
The safety out of Auburn is not the most athletic safety around, but he isn’t small. It’s rumored that the Jets see him as a linebacker more so than a DB. Either way, I’m not a fan of the pick here. Either it’s too early to take him as a safety because there are better safety options, and if he is a linebacker, then it’s far too early for a project player. The Jets need quality play, not projects right now. Grade D
Round 5 (No.154 Overall) DB, Michael Carter II
No that’s not a typo. The Jets took two players with the same name. This Michael Carter is a defensive back from Duke. I didn’t have him being drafted, so I call this a major reach. He isn’t strong enough to be a safety in the NFL. He will probably give it a go at slot corner, but players like Shaun Wade from Ohio State, who struggled on the outside but excels in the slot, were still available. Grade D
Round 5 (No.175 Overall) CB, Jason Pinnock
The defense for the Pitt Panthers is representing itself well in the 2021 NFL Draft. Pinnock has some great tape, but follows it up with some horrific tape. Maybe he can contribute on special teams but once again a reach for me. The jets keep taking players way too early in my opinion.
Grade C
Round 6 (No.186 Overall) S, Hamsah Nasirildeen
Gang Green goes safety again. The Florida Sate product is way more talented than his sixth round selection would suggest. Injury concerns hurt his status, but he can tackle sideline to sideline and makes great reads. Another player who is rumored to be moved to linebacker. Robert Saleh could make this young man an absolute beast. If he stays healthy and takes the coaching, he could be a major factor down the line.
Grade B+
Round 6 (No.200 Overall) CB, Brandin Echols
The Jets use another late round pick on an top tier athlete with major upside. The former wide receiver out of Kentucky has 4.35 speed and recorded an 11’4” broad at his pro day. He will contribute on special teams. I’d like to see the Jets take someone with a track record of success and athleticism somewhere around here though. I’m giving Saleh the benefit of the doubt though, as he creates great football players. Grade B-
Round 6 (No.207 Overall) DT, Jonathan Marshall
One last shot on a major athlete with their last pick. I wonder if Saleh or Douglas is making these picks? Can Saleh really turn anyone into a beast? A lot of big swings here, but not a ton of serious production on day 3. For a team trying to support its young QB I wanted to see more!
Grade B-
Analyst- Ken Noble
Overall Grade B-
