With The First Pick
Fansided

Correcting Jets mistakes just one year later in 2019 re-draft

By Timothy Rodriguez

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Quinnen Williams of Alabama poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after he was picked #3 overall by the New York Jets during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Quinnen Williams of Alabama poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after he was picked #3 overall by the New York Jets during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 22: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Redskins avoids being tackled by Antoine Bethea #41 of the New York Giants in the first half at FedExField on December 22, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 22: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Redskins avoids being tackled by Antoine Bethea #41 of the New York Giants in the first half at FedExField on December 22, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

The Jets gave up their 2019 Second round pick in the Sam Darnold trade. How did they do with limited capital?

Round 3:

Pick 68 – Original Pick:EDGE – Jachai Polite
New Pick: Receiver – Terry McLaurin

I’m sorry New York. I really am. The Florida Gators’ pass- rusher, Jachai Polite, had the potential to be the steal of the draft in 2019. Instead, he ended up being one of the weirdest draft stories in recent memory. Throughout much of the draft process, Jachai Polite found himself in the first round of seemingly every mock draft. The fall from grace started at the NFL combine. Polite bombed his interviews, and even told the media that teams were “bashing” him. He followed up this debacle by pulling out of the workouts after suffering an injury.

Polite was very much worth taking in the third round because he was pegged as someone with first round talent. New York took a chance on him to help bolster a front seven that had recently acquired C.J. Mosley and first round pick Quinnen Williams. Polite’s demeanor and work ethic carried over from the combine to training camp. After fining Polite over $100,000 for numerous infractions, the Jets cut him on September 1st. Polite’s Jet career lasted roughly four months.

With the 68th pick, New York could have selected a speedster from Ohio State named Terry McLaurin. The young receiver went eight picks after the Jets, to the Washington Redskins. McLaurin finished his rookie campaign with 919 yards and seven touchdowns. For reference, no one on New York’s roster had more yards, or touchdowns, than the one Redskins fans call “Scary Terry”. Perhaps a young receiver to pair with Darnold and Bell would leave Jets fans more optimistic for what the future holds in New York.

More from New York Jets

Pick 92 – Original Pick: OT – Chuma Edoga
New Pick: Chauncy Gardner-Johnson

The Jets got a second swing of the bat towards the end of the third round. They used this pick to select USC’s Chuma Edoga, an offensive tackle, and former teammate of Sam Darnold. Edoga was seen as someone with raw potential. The Jets drafted him to be a depth piece and developmental prospect, as they already had their starters set at offensive tackle with Kelvin Beachum, and Brandon Shell (Yes, I’m serious).

Edoga began the season as a backup, and was later thrusted into a starting role. Edoga started games at both tackle spots before landing on injured reserve. Edoga allowed seven sacks in his eight starts. However, the Jets seem to be fine with that as they’ve guaranteed him a starting job in 2020.

The player the Jets could have taken is Florida safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. Johnson was a solid rookie for the Saints who made contributions on both special teams and defense. The Jets were in talks to move their superstar safety, Jamal Adams, earlier this season. Having Gardner-Johnson already on the team would have made the transition easier, and would have given the Jets even more incentive to move Adams for an absolute ransom.

Home/New York Jets