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We now have three new members to Gang Green and personally I love the addition of each and every one of them. Right now I'm giving a metaphorical pat on the back to Mike Tanenbaum, Terry Bradway, Joey Clinkscales and Rex Ryan. If only we had a 4th round selection to take Massie, It would be an elite first two days for the Jets.
I think the situation we found ourselves in at #16 was a prime example of why trading up this year, really wasn't a logical situation. We had a great choice of Coples, Upshaw, Reiff, Ingram and DeCastro, more choice than I think anyone thought we would have. In the end we took the guy with the most upside. I really like Coples, if you avoid his 2011 tape where he looked pretty lazy, then you love the guy. When it came time to shine at the Senior Bowl, he came out swinging and Mayock commented that he looked every bit the Peppers clone.
There is a big risk with Coples and nobody is going to deny that, but he has this raw talent and if anyone can get a player to play at full speed every snap, it's Rex Ryan. Not only do I think this was the best pick for the New York Jets, I think this was the best situation for Quinton Coples. I can't wait to see what he can bring to the team, I like him more as 4-3 defensive end coming off the edge, and sometimes lining him up inside at DT. It's versatility, and we know how much Rex loves versatility.
Stephen Hill is another player who I just love, and that's pre combine love too. He is extremely raw when it comes to the finer points of wide receiver play, just as all receivers who play in that option offense at Georgia Tech are. However there are benefits to it as well, Hill has spent the last couple of years blocking his butt off. When you run as much as Georgia Tech do, you need these wide receivers to block well. We plan to run a lot going forward, we are going to need the same thing. In 2010 we played off the play-action and we had Braylon who could get behind defenses. In 2011 we didn't have that and we missed it, it effects the whole system. Now we have a guy with blistering pace, it stretches the field and allows more room for Holmes, Keller and Kerley to work underneath. He is raw, but he has first round game changing potential. I'll take that in the 2nd round at a position of need.
Finally it's my boy Demario Davis. I can't express just how happy I am we are the ones that are taking a chance on this guy. A natural born leader, a guy with excellent pace, instincts and the ability to knock you out. Like Mike said in his post day two conference, he will come in and work hard and play specials straight away. However in my humble opinion it won't be long until we start seeing Barts playing time decrease and Demario's increase. I have a lot of confidence in Demario in every facet of the game. Run stopping, running with tight ends and receivers and rushing the passer. It's one of those selections like the David Harris one, where I think we'll realise quite quickly just how good the value was.
All in all, I have absolutely loved this draft. I think we have three excellent players, at three at areas of need. I wish we still had that 4th round pick to select Bobby Massie, and I would consider trading future picks to get a shot at him. It's a case of filling the needs this year, I don't mind losing a 3rd round next year to fill a need that's still going to be there next year if we don't select this year (I'm not sure that made sense but it is 5:30am).
So far, so good. Can it get even better? lets hope so.