Joe Douglas is going to have to make the most of the 2020 NFL Draft is the Jets want to have any chance at contending next season.
New York’s roster has multiple holes that need to be filled. In his first draft running the show as a general manager, Douglas will be tasked with accomplishing this feat by putting together a class that features multiple players that can make an impact early in their professional career.
Fortunately for Douglas and the Jets, this year’s draft is loaded with talent at positions where New York has needs. There are also numerous prospects worth staying away from at those positions. With that being said, let’s take a look at some prospects Douglas should be wary of selecting.
A.J. Terrell, Clemson
The Jets need to add some depth at cornerback, but there are certain corners available in this year’s draft that could only compound New York’s issues at the position.
A.J. Terrell is not a bad player by any means. However, he is not a fit in Gregg Williams’ defensive scheme. Terrell comes from a Cover 2 background and does not have a skill set that indicates he could thrive in a more man-heavy scheme. He also got torched by LSU underclassman Ja’Marr Chase in the College Football Playoff title game, causing his draft stock to endure a hit.
Odds are Terrell will wind up with a team that runs a defense that plays more to his strengths. He’s just not the answer to New York’s problems at cornerback.
Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado
In a year in which the draft is loaded at wide receiver, there is no need for the Jets to go after an injury-prone wideout like Laviska Shenault Jr.
If it weren’t for a lengthy injury history that has caused many teams to back off, this would not be a conversation. Shenault Jr. has the talent to be a first-round pick. However, injury concerns, combined with poor combine interviews, have sent his draft stock falling.
Shenault Jr. still projects as a day two pick, but the Jets would be better off going with a receiver with a cleaner bill of health.
A.J. Epenesa, Iowa
A.J. Epenesa’s numbers at Iowa were off the charts, but elite college production does not always translate over to the NFL.
Epenesa’s poor combine performance (5.04 40-yard dash, 4.46 short shuttle, 7.34 three-cone and only 17 bench press reps) have raised questions about his ability to become a successful edge rusher at the next level. He does not have the speed or quickness to be a 3-4 outside linebacker, nor does he have the strength to thrive as a 3-4 defensive end.
The Jets could be in search of some pass-rushing help once day two of the draft rolls around. If Epenesa falls out of the first round, Joe Douglas would be wise to steer clear of him.
K.J. Hamler, Penn State
K.J. Hamler has the speed and big-play ability to become an electric NFL wide receiver, but there are some issues when it comes to anointing him as a sure-fire playmaker at the next level.
Hamler’s hands are suspect and he has a relatively small catch radius. Receivers who profiled similarly in the past, such as Nelson Agholor, have struggled to produce in the professional ranks.
Hamler has potential, but in such a deep wide receiver class, the Jets are better off taking a player with a more polished skill set.
