FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- A few takeaways on the New York Jets' draft:
Best move: Is there any doubt? It's USC defensive end Leonard Williams, arguably the top defender in the draft. He was a top-three player on the Jets' draft board, so it was a no-brainer when he fell to them at No. 6 overall. "Great pick," a rival scout told me. "Very good player," another personnel executive said. This was an immediate test for first-year general manager Mike Maccagnan, who preaches "best player available." If he had passed on Williams, it would've been an indictment of his own philosophy. The Jets didn't need help on the defensive line, the strongest unit on the team, but teams with few stars can't afford to pass on future stars, regardless of position. With Williams, Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson & Co., the Jets could have a modern-day New York Sack Exchange.
Riskiest move: In the second round, the Jets passed on a few accomplished pass-rushers, opting for Ohio State wide receiver Devin Smith. It's risky because he's not a complete receiver; he's a one-trick pony -- a speed guy who lives by the "go" route. If you're going to have only one trick, it's a good one to have, but the Jets are counting on him to develop into an every-down, every-route receiver. This qualifies as a projection pick, based heavily on Maccagnan and his scouts' belief that Smith has the skill set to make the transition. The Jets hired Maccagnan for his scouting acumen; this is one of those picks where he can show his smarts. If Smith isn't a full-time player by 2016, it's a disappointment.
Most surprising move: This was one of the deepest running back classes in years, and the Jets decided not to tap into all that talent. Sure, they picked up St. Louis Rams castoff Zac Stacy for next to nothing (a seventh-round pick), but he's not a dynamic runner -- a career average of 3.9 yards per carry. They still don't have enough giddy-up in the backfield. The best place to draft a runner would've been in the second or third round, but they opted for Smith and outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin, respectively. Maccagnan doesn't believe in drafting for need; he's a value guy all the way. Time will tell whether his draft board got it right.
File it away: It'll take three years before a final evaluation can be made on quarterback Bryce Petty, chosen in the fourth round. A product of Baylor's spread offense, which is radically different from an NFL system, Petty faces a tough learning curve. Yes, new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey has spread concepts in his offense, but it'll still be culture shock for Petty. He has to learn how to play under center, how to huddle (don't laugh) and how to read progressions. The arm talent is there -- he throws a pretty deep ball -- but this project will require patience and good coaching. In the meantime, it sends a message to incumbent Geno Smith. He doesn't have to worry about Petty this year -- Ryan Fitzpatrick is the immediate threat -- but it could be a different story in 2016.
My take: Williams, Smith and Mauldin will contribute immediately in various packages, and they should be full-time players by 2016. That alone is worth a thumbs up. If Petty develops into a good starting quarterback, it'll go down as a franchise-altering draft. Thumbs up.
