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1 - Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina (6-6, 284); 2 - Stephen Hill, WR,
Georgia Tech (6-4, 215); 3 - Demario Davis, ILB, Arkansas State (6-2, 235); 6
- Josh Bush, S, Wake Forest (5-11, 208); 6 - Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor
(6-0, 239); 6 - Robert T. Griffin, OG, Baylor (6-6, 340); 7 - Antonio Allen,
S, South Carolina (6-2, 210); 7 - Jordan White, WR, Western Michigan (6-0,
208)
Top Picks Analysis: The Jets bypassed some of the draft's top edge-rushing
prospects such as Melvin Ingram, Whitney Mercilus and Nick Perry in favor of
Coples, who ranks as one of the more puzzling players of this year's group.
The versatile end has the strength, wingspan and lateral mobility to be a
dominant force as both a run stopper and pressure-creator, but developed a
reputation as a disinterested loafer as a collegian. Still, his sky-high
ceiling was worth a gamble in the middle of the first round. Gang Green then
traded up in the second to secure the draft's fastest receiver in Hill, a
long-strider with very good hands and excellent blocking skills who should
help open up the offense, though his knowledge of routes is limited from
playing in Georgia Tech's option attack. The third round produced another
fleet-footed but unpolished youngster in Davis, a compactly built thumper with
developing instincts who could take over for the aging Bart Scott following a
one-year apprenticeship.
Best Value Pick: If Coples can perform to his immense talent level, he'll be a
heist at the 16th overall pick. The best of the late-rounders may be Allen, an
intimidating hitter who could turn out to be a special-teams demon.
Questionable Calls: The Jets got subpar play from right tackle Wayne Hunter
last season and have received next to nothing out of 2010 second-rounder
Vladimir Ducasse, so it would have made sense for a team that wants to
establish a punishing ground game to look for some help there. The need for
another outside linebacker that can get to the quarterback still exists as
well following the draft.
Summary: The Jets weren't able to rectify all the trouble spots on their
roster, but getting two top-level athletes with tremendous upside with the
first pair of picks is still noteworthy. Nobody here is a sure thing, but
there's still plenty to like about this cast.
FINAL GRADE: B-
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