New York Jets: Grading Each Pick Of The 2015 NFL Draft

The new Jets front office led by GM Mike Maccagnan executed a fantastic draft as the team filled some glaring needs. The New York Jets may very well have put together the best draft among all 32 NFL teams. They were able to add players that will make immediate impacts as rookies. Gang Green has made offseason moves that will make them competitive in an extremely difficult AFC East.

Overall 2015 Draft Grade: A

First Round: No. 6 overall- DE Leonard Williams USC

Leonard Williams was the best player in this draft. While the Jets did not necessarily need to add another interior lineman, Williams was the first ranked player on the Jets’ draft board. Many experts didn't believe that Williams would fall to the Jets at No. 6 and there is no shame in adding a fantastic player. With Muhammad Wilkerson a no-show at offseason workouts because he wants a new contract, there is a feeling that the Jets could be listening to offers for the All-Pro defensive lineman. Overall, the Jets added a fantastic player that will make this defensive line even more lethal than it already is.

Grade: A

Second Round: No. 37 overall- WR Devin Smith OSU

Devin Smith is a first round talent that slipped to the Jets in the early second round. Many scouts believe that Smith is the best deep ball receiver in this draft class. He will provide another weapon for a Jets offense that has upgraded tremendously. Last season, the Jets were the 5th worst passing offense in the NFL. By adding Smith, Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker will be able to work underneath where they are both more comfortable. This was a great pick for the Jets.

Grade: B+

Third Round: No. 82 overall- OLB Lorenzo Mauldin Louisville

It was pivotal that the Jets added an edge rusher in this draft. Lorenzo Mauldin has plenty of upside with the ability to play in multiple defensive fronts. His quickness, power and balance provide him with the ability to make an immediate impact along with Jason Babin, Calvin Pace and Quinton Coples as outside pass rushers.

Grade: B

Fourth Round: No. 103 overall- QB Bryce Petty Baylor

Bryce Petty will provide competition at the quarterback position for the Jets this season. While head coach Todd Bowles has put faith behind Geno Smith as being the future of this organization, Petty should bring competition and competitiveness to the quarterback position. Petty has the size and arm strength that fits the mold of a NFL quarterback. He throws the best deep ball of all the quarterbacks in this draft and many can see Petty developing into a solid quarterback for many years to come.

Grade: B+

Fifth Round: No. 152 overall- OL Jarvis Harrison Texas A&M

Harrison’s injury history and concerns about his work ethic hurt his draft stock as he fell to the fifth round. But, if Harrison can fix the lackadaisical areas of his game, he will be able to bolster an offensive line that must protect Geno Smith in order for this team to succeed. He is a better pass-blocker than run-blocker and showed scouts great awareness. While he played predominantly OG in college, Harrison has the skill set to play tackle if needed in the NFL.

Grade: B

Seventh Round: No. 223 overall- NT Deon Simon Northwestern State (LA)

Simon had weight issues and injury issues in his 2014 season at Northwestern State that caused concern for many scouts coming into the draft. If Simon can answer the questions surrounding his longterm durability, he is an intriguing prospect because of his tremendous size, length and upper-body strength and could be an effective nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme.

Grade: C+