With the first three weeks of training camp complete, most of the Jets' 2012 draft picks seem to be settling in. If they can stay on the trajectory they’re on, this draft could prove to be a good one.
The Jets wanted to get younger and faster on defense and they accomplished that with DE Quinton Coples and LB Demario Davis. They also tried to shore up WR with Stephen Hill and Jordan White, but although both have made progress, they have work to do.
Top pick: DE Quinton Coples (first round, No. 16 overall) -- It was almost a given that the Jets would select a pass rusher with their first pick. Coples raised some eyebrows because although he has the size (6-6, 285) and athleticism his consistency has been an issue. But the Jets stated immediately that they expected Coples to be a starter. During the first two weeks of training camp, his performance was ordinary, and there were concerns he might not be the reliable component they were looking for.
But in the first preseason game against the Bengals, Coples looked like a different player with five tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. The Jets hope that game will provide a foundation for Coples to build on and he'll develop consistency going into the regular season. Grade: B+
No. 2 pick: WR Stephen Hill (second round, No. 43 overall) -- Hill spent most of his time at Georgia Tech blocking because the Yellow Jackets run the Wing-T in which pass-catching is is not often used. But Hill’s size, speed and talent made him an
attractive pick. Hill (6-4, 215) runs a 4.3 40, giving the Jets a big, fast receiver they’ve been looking for. Hill is picking up the offense well but needs to improve his route-running and coverage recognition. If he can solidify those aspects of his game, this pick could be a boon for the Jets' passing game. Grade: B+
No. 3 pick: LB Demario Davis (third round, No. 77 overall) -- Coach Rex Ryan immediately drew a parallel between Davis and Ravens Pro Bowl LB Ray Lewis in talent and leadership abilities.
Davis came on strong during OTAs, but was sidelined for a week of camp with a hamstring pull. Davis has picked up the defense so quickly that DC Mike Pettine said they are already adding more than the usual rookie fare to his plate. Davis is vocal and composed on the field and doesn’t miss assignments. Grade: A.
No. 4 pick: S Josh Bush (sixth round, No. 187 overall) -- The Jets needed young blood at safety behind veterans Yeremiah Bell, LaRon Landry and Eric Smith. Bush had a quiet camp so it's unclear what his contributions will be. The Jets see him as a special teams contributor and someone who can learn the defense and possibly contribute in some of the sub packages. Grade: B
No. 5 pick: RB Terrance Ganaway (sixth round, No. 202 overall) -- Ganaway showed some flashes in camp but nothing to make him challenge Joe McKnight or Bilal Powell. His size (6-1, 240) is a plus, and it appears he'll make the team, mostly because the Jets need to develop RB depth. Grade: B
No. 6 pick: OL Robert Griffin (sixth round, No. 203 overall) -- The Jets are desperate for depth on the offensive line. Unfortunately, Griffin did nothing during camp to distinguish himself. It's likely he'll be waived and, unless claimed by another team, signed to the practice squad so they can try to develop him. Grade: C
No. 7 pick: S Antonio Allen (seventh round, No. 242 overall) -- Allen is a special teams specialist but showed flashes on defense during training camp with several interceptions. Allen played S and LB at South Carolina and is known to be a hard-hitting tackler. He’s raw, but has potential. Grade: B
No. 8 pick: WR Jordan White (seventh round, No. 244 overall) -- White was prone to injury in college, including two ACL injuries, which dropped his value. He continued that trend, breaking his foot in OTAs during the third week of training camp. He jreturned running full speed and seems to have no lingering effects. White has made a few spectacular catches and, if he can stay healthy, he could turn out to be a sleeper. Grade: B+
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