New York Jets select Darron Lee with pick No. 20 in the 2016 NFL Draft
By Jon Dove
New York Jets select Darron Lee to play cover tons of ground on defense.
Lee is an elite athlete who can make plays from sideline to sideline, but there are question marks. He lacks the size and power needed to take on blocks. Lee is someone who looks to work around blocks and will need a strong defensive line to be at his best.
The situation in New York is actually great for Lee because they have one of the better defensive lines in the NFL. They feature the big bodies needed occupy blockers and allow Lee to flow to the football. However, Muhammed Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson are better when allowed to penetrate.
Personally, I have Lee rated as a 4th round prospect who needs a lot of time to develop. He not only lacks toughness, but also struggles make quick reads. His hesitation after the snap is an issue because it makes him a step late at times.
This wasn’t a major issue in college, but things will be different in the NFL where everyone is a very good athlete.
The Jets could’ve used this pick to bring in a young quarterback such as Memphis’ Paxton Lynch. Even if Ryan Fitzpatrick is brought back, New York doesn’t have a young quarterback who can match the talent level of Lynch.
Bryce Petty may actually be further away from playing than Lynch. There’s still the second round where the Jets could look at someone like Christian Hackenberg. He’s as talented as any signal-caller in this year’s class.