The Jets had a very tumultuous draft class a few months ago. Today we are going to take a look at the rookies and give a breakdown on their skills and chances at starting this season.
Round 1- Will McDonald Defensive end. This was one of the reach picks in the first round. Widely considered a 2nd-3rd round prospect Jets front office shocked the world by selecting him so high. The run on offensive tackles might have made them panic but fans and future madden franchise owners were SHOUTING for any offensive lineman at that point. Defensive end was not a position of need, then add a potential reach on top of it and many fans were unhappy. He is an older (24) year old rookie which doesn’t help his causes for starting year 1 in madden. He is 74 overall star dev with 82 speed and 87 acceleration which is more then enough to me off the edge. His pass rush stats will need content as he has 66 power move 75 finesse and 65 block shed. He will be a part of the rotation and possibly take over if Carl Lawson is moved but don’t expect him to start year one.
Round 2- Joe Tippman Center. Tippman fills a need and was a solid pick In the second round. He was an excellent run blocker for Wisconsin and was a part of an offensive line group that produced over 2000 rush yards last year. Tippman has age on is side but is just 71 overall. 73 speed 81 acceleration and 89 strength are all more then serviceable for the position. Add is 75 awareness and 74 run block with 72 pass block and expect him to start for all 5 years of the cycle.
Round 4- Carter Warren Left Tackle. The jets once again went to the offensive line well but maybe too late in the draft to find a starter. He tore his meniscus in college and gave up 11 penalties last season. He will probably just be a depth guy for 2-3 years as he’s just 66 overall with 63 run block and 74 pass block.
Roudnd 5- Israel Abankanda Running Back. This seemed like a great depth add after Breece Hall injury but with the signing of Dalvin Cook the Jets may wish this pick was used elsewhere. He ran a 4.44 40 and had a solid combine which helped his draft stock. 69 overall with 92 speed and 86 carry and 75 break tackle he will be a solid 3rd option in the backfield. Look for him to take over the rb 2 role if Dalvin has just a one year stay with the team.
Round 5- Zaire Barnes MLB. Barnes is a scheme fit and fills a hole in the weakest position group of the team. He ran a 4.54 40 and was given 88 speed for that. At just 66 overall and an older 24 year old rookie you would think he wouldn’t start this year but due to a lack of depth expect Barnes to be a starter all 5 years.
Round 6- Jarrick Bernard-Converse CB. Bernard-Converse absolutely helped himself out with a crazy showing of a 4.39 40 and 42 inch vert. Add that with his 6’1 frame and he’s got the makings of a future madden star. In real life he will mostly be special teamer but for the cycle we like his chances of cracking the starting lineup by year 2. Another 66 overall rookie (becoming common here) he has 63 man and 66 zone coverage. He will be a project for sure but has the makings of a future contributor.
Round 7- Zach Kuntz Te. Zach is the project of a projects. Standing at 6’7 he is a monster on the field. He is on the practice squad in real life and his madden stats are all awful. His 85 speed and size will keep him on teams but his 55 or lower for all route running will prevent him from being anything more than a jump bal specialist.
