FLORHAM PARK, NJ — The New York Jets, who haven’t gotten too many things right over the past decade, found themselves in an unusual position Saturday near the conclusion of the NFL draft.
On the receiving end of universal praise.
Instead of bowing, coach Robert Saleh shrugged.
“I’ve also been to places where we’ve been universally taunted,” Saleh said, recalling his time as an assistant coach for the Seattle Seahawks in 2012 Class D, if I remember correctly.
“It doesn’t matter. We have to develop these young men. They have to come in and perform. In about three years we’ll know.”
The Jets walked away with seven players, including four of the top 36 picks. They used their original first-round picks against Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and they traded late in the first round to select Florida State defensive end Jermaine Johnson II. They traded for Iowa State running back Breece Hall in the second round.
Gardner, Wilson and Hall were considered by many draft analysts to be the best players in their respective positions.
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General manager Joe Douglas raised additional draft capital by trading certainty Jamal Adams and quarterback Sam Darnold in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Addressing the draft, he said the Jets have an opportunity to do “something special.”
Douglas didn’t want to call it that when it was over, but he was clearly pleased.
“We noticed a few things in the draft, but we also made the most of our opportunities to attract quality players,” said Douglas, who completed his third draft as GM. “Ultimately we will see how it develops over the next few years.
“Nothing ever fits perfectly in the draft, but I feel like things have gone our way over the past two years and we’re making the most of what we can.”
The Jets needed an influx of talent after finishing their 11th straight season out of the playoffs, 4-13 – the league’s longest active drought.
After the top-four picks, the Jets added third-round tight end Jeremy Ruckert and capped the draft with two fourth-round picks — tackle Max Mitchell and defensive end Micheal Clemons. They started with nine picks but had a total of seven selections after trades, allowing them to move up for Johnson and Hall.
An open question is the status of 2020 first-round pick Mekhi Becton, who has had knee surgery and is not participating in the offseason program. There has been speculation about him for months. Saleh publicly lobbied Becton, who has been dealing with weight issues, to rejoin the team.
“You want all your guys to be here,” Saleh said of the offensive tackle. “It’s optional, but I know he’s working his ass off in Dallas. We’re keeping an eye on him. We know exactly what he’s doing and we know where he is in his rehab.”
Glancing at a TV camera, Saleh said with a smile, “We’d love to have you back, mate. We’ll take care of you.”
Saleh brought this to Becton’s attention at the end of the season, saying he had to compete with George Fant to regain the left tackle job. On Saturday, he was evasive when asked about Becton’s role, hinting there’s a chance they could get him in the right tackle.