The Jets selected 5 players on Saturday in Rounds 6 and 7 of the draft. Here’s a brief breakdown and analysis of the newest members of the New York Jets:
Josh Bush, DB, Wake Forest - Bush earned high marks in team evals because of his speed and versatility. After spending time playing both corner and safety in his first three seasons, Bush officially moved from cornerback to free safety last season and tallied 55 tackles and six interceptions. He was named a 2011 All-ACC first-team selection for his performance.
Bush runs a sub 4.5 (the Jets times him at 4.49 at his workout) and is also known for what he can offer cerebrally. His experience as a corner also speaks to his cover skills at the safety position, something we desperately need.
Bush will likely play free safety as a back up for now and could also play DB in dime situations. He will also lend a hand on special teams and could even play in the slot if needed.
This pick was a surprise to many considering the safeties that were still on the board at the time of the selection, but Bush, based on my research, was an excellent value pick.
Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor – Ganaway is a power back who draws comparisons to Brandon Jacobs and LeGarrette Blount, with a style of play that will compliment the Jets commitment to “Ground and Pound.” He has the power and size to run between the tackles and will be particularly effective in short yardage and goal line situations. Other words used to describe him as “monster,” “workhorse,” and “bull in a china shop.”
Ganaway has only one year of experience as a starter at Baylor, but in that year he set or tied 13 school records. His one year of starting experience could be viewed as a negative, but it also could be reason to believe that he will continue to develop and grow with guidance and coaching from Sparano. All of the scouting reports indicate that he specifically needs to improve his pass protection and his pass catching skills.
Ganaway ran a 4.65 at the combine, but he ran a 4.5 at Baylor’s Pro Day, so he does have some speed for a guy his size.
No doubt Greene is the starter, but Ganaway has a real shot to assume the role over time. He is also bigger than Greene, and that may help with durability. I’m sure that the team will need to sort out how they plan to use all of the backs in their system, but Ganway’s similarity to Greene is pretty interesting. I think it also tells us something about how the Jets plan to use Joe McKnight; they will need a back with his skills to compliment Greene and Ganaway.
For what it’s worth: It also seems that Ganaway is a very high character guy who has dealt with a lot of adversity in this life. I think he will be an excellent addition to the locker room and his intangibles are a quality you cannot overlook.
Robert T. Griffin, G/T, Baylor – At 6-foot-6, 333-pounds, the other Robert Griffin from Baylor can play right guard, left guard, center, and right tackle. He will immediately provide much needed depth for the offensive line and could possibly move into the role of Brandon Moore or Matt Slauson, as both are entering the final years of their contract. Several scouting reports indicate that he has the body type to play right tackle in the NFL, but he does need to coaching and time to refine his skills.
Antonio Allen, S, South Carolina - The South Carolina strong safety was an absolute steal in the 7th round as he was projected to go in the 4th or 5th round coming into the draft.
Many suspected he dropped due to his “tweener” traits – he is almost a linebacker/safety hybrid (he played the “spur”* position in the S.Carolina defense) – and the lack of a natural position is difficult for a lot of teams.
The scouting report on the National Football Post describes him as, “A physical in the box type player who doesn’t key overly well. Isn’t an NFL caliber pass defender either and looks more like a very average old school type strong safety.” Most of the scouting reports on Allen are consistent in pointing out his play in-the-box and add that he needs to improve his play in coverage.
*It is my understanding that the spur position was created to cover big tight ends. In other words, this is a guy that could potentially help with the Jets little Gronk problem.
Jordan White, WR, Western Michigan – First thing on White that jumped off the page for me? In 2011, he led the nation with 140 catches and 1,911 receiving yards and scored 17 touchdowns. He is Western Michigan’s career and season leader in receptions, receiving yards and 100-yard games.
White has average size and speed, but he an “NFL-ready route runner.” His athleticism allows him to plays bigger and faster than he is and scouting reports indicate that he will adapt very well at the next level. He has the potential to be one of those “diamond in the rough” type players and though I see him competing for the 4/5 WR spot this year, he could very well sneak his way into a #3 receiver type of a role.
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You can read more about the Jets first round draft pick DE Quinton Coples, second round pick WR Stephen Hill and third round pick LB Demario Davis on The Green Room. I have also started a list to track all of the Jets undrafted free agent signings. (You can follow it here). I will update as more information becomes available.




