2013 NFL Draft Grades: New York Jets

Apr 26, 2013; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (left) and former NFL player Mark Brunell (right) introduce Geno Smith (West Virginia) as the number thirty-ninth overall pick to the New York Jets during the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2013 NFL Draft has come and gone, and now it’s time for some reflection. While some teams traded around to get who they want, others stood pat to see who would slide to them — and if there’s one thing to remember about this draft it’s players that slid around the rounds. But now that the draft is behind us, the all important grading phase has begun, so lets take a look at how the New York Jets did in this year’s NFL Draft.

Draft Picks

Dee Milliner, cornerback, Alabama — Round 1 (9)
Sheldon Richardson, defensive tackle, Missouri — Round 1 (13)
Geno Smith, quarterback, West Virginia — Round 2 (39)
Brian Winters, guard, Kent State — Round 3 (72)
Oday Aboushi, offensive tackle, Virginia — Round 5 (141)
William Campbell, guard, Michigan — Round 6 (179)
Tommy Bohanon, fullback, Wake Forest — Round 7 (215)

Best Pick: Geno Smith

While this selection will add a lot of drama to the organization, they need to do something about the quarterback position. Geno Smith was one of the top signal-callers in this year’s draft, and it is impressive that the Jets could land him in round 2, especially when you consider that quarterbacks are often time overdrafted. Smith will also finally give the team a reason to part ways and move on from former first-round pick Mark Sanchez, who has been nothing short of a disaster during his time leading the team.

Worst Pick: Sheldon Richardson

Richardson is a very talented defensive lineman, but his skill set was better suited for the three-technique in a 4-3 defense. Richardson does not fit in the Jets 3-4 front and he really doesn’t address any need on a team that has a roster that seriously lacks talent.

Analysis: The Jets managed to have two first-round picks, but still disappoint the fan base. Milliner was a solid choice to replace Antonio Cromartie as he moves in to the Darrelle Revis role and Geno Smith was a good value pick, but the draft class was underwhelming considering the amount of premium draft picks the Jets had.

2013 Draft Grade: C