New York Jets 2012 Draft Review

(UPDATE - Corrected stats for Stephen Hill - Thanks to our friend @Dennis_Agapito)

My thoughts on the Jets 2012 draft picks.

1st round - Quinton Coples - Defensive End - North Carolina

There's no question QC has all the physical tools to perform at a high level in the NFL, and he possesses everything anyone could want in a modern pro lineman. The one question mark that has seemed to permeate his draft stock has been whether he has the inate intensity to convert his physical attributes into playmaker status.  Motor is one of the underrated qualities that gets lost in the age of physical "freaks". He could have been a gamble as a top-10 pick, but  sitting at #16 in first round with  Rex as motivator, it was a good selection.

2nd round - Stephen Hill - Wide Receiver - Georgia Tech

Stephen Hill is big, strong, and super fast while being classy kid. He's the deep threat the Jets need, and should relieve some pressure from Santonio. SH only caught 28 balls in his Senior year (averaging 29 yards per catch) from an option offense, and so was not polished in routes, going to need time and teaching to refine route-running that high producing college WR's have had the opportunity to develop. He's a great red zone threat and I really love this pick.

3rd round - Demario David - Linebacker - Arkansas State

I love this kid's intensity. I only saw him at the Sr bowl and combine but was very impressed. The Jets have obviously determined that they need speed on defense, especially outside and that he has it. He has obvious leadership qualities and many of this years picks seem to have those backgrounds, part of healing locker room with equal mix of high character, high quality talent. (another underrated intangible)

6th round - Josh Bush - Safety - Wake Forest

I didn't get to see him play, as he wasn't in any postseason games or combine. Will hold off commenting until training camp, but this is one of those picks where good scouting can find great talent under the radar. 

6th round - Terrance Ganaway - Running Back - Baylor

Ganaway is a strong downhill runner, with a non-stop motor, great attitude, already a great locker room and special teams guy for sure. He's a steal in 6th round for just those aspects, but his talent level provides flexibility in Sparano's new offense with an option-skilled player.

6th round - Robert Griffin- Offensive Guard - Baylor

The lesser known RG at Baylor, he's been a wide-bodied/big blocker for Ganaway but there is question on pass blocking readiness for pros. 

7th round - Antonio Allen - Safety - South Carolina

He's an absolute steal in the 7th round - A powerful hitter in a Ryan defense is always an important part of the swagger. He needs to work on coverage, but will be an immediate special teams impact for sure, as many of these picks will be. We lost a great deal of Special Teams players before last season, and I think it was part of consideration.

7th round - Jordan White - Wide Receiver - Western Michigan

This kid is a real football player - He may not be fastest or biggest but he always gets open and catches everything in sight. If he's given a real chance, he has to make it.

Overall:

B+ Draft with a good mix of talent, leadership, and class.