Pass-rush possibilities in the 2014 NFL Draft

Stacy Revere

The New York Jets have many needs this off-season, and luckily are carrying 12 picks in this year’s draft to fill some holes and make upgrades.

Last season, the Jets ranked t-13th in sacks, with 41. That is a nice improvement from 2012, when the team only reached the 30-sack mark (t-25th). Their roster is stacked along the defensive line, but they still lack that dynamic player off-the-edge. That is a near necessity in today’s pass-happy NFL.

This year’s draft class holds some potential Pro Bowl pass-rushers, but the drop-off from the top talents and the rest of the class is large. Let’s examine some of the draft pick opportunities the Jets have, including players that could be diamonds in the rough.

What a rush!

The top pass-rush specialists in this year’s draft are Jadeveon Clowney (DE/South Carolina), Khalil Mack (OLB/Buffalo) and Anthony Barr (OLB/UCLA).

In most mocks, all three players are off-the-board when the Jets draft at 18. While the NFL draft is no sure bet, I have to agree with the majority opinion that, barring a trade, they are not options for Gang Green.

After these three weapons, there really isn’t a player that stands out as a solid 18th pick selection. And while a trade-back is possible, I doubt the Jets would then pass-up on some of the better wide receivers or corner-backs that would still be on the board. Thus, I move towards round two and beyond.

So you’re saying there’s a chance?

For me, the first player that comes to mind post-round one, as a best-fit for Gang Green, is Telvin Smith (OLB/Florida State).

Smith’s draft stock is highly varied by outlets, but I still see him as a late round two through mid-round three player – at least from the Jets’ perspective.

Here’s a player that is passionate about the game, speedy – second-best 40-time among LBs (4.52), and plays the game with a noticeable fluidity.

The biggest argument against drafting Smith in the higher rounds is that he has a very lean frame (6’3″, 218 lbs), potentially lacking the strength to match up with the tougher players in the NFL. He has also started just one full season, his senior year.

However, with Rex Ryan, I could see Smith thriving. With a dominant defensive line in place, LB Calvin Pace was able to reach a career-high 10 sacks last season. Opposing offensive lines cannot block the big boys up front – Wilkerson, Harrison, Richardson – and still expect to prevent a quick linebacker like Smith from getting to the QB.

Even given the changes on the D-Line, it’s how Aaron Maybin was able to get the nickname ‘Mayhem’ during his short stint with the team that is notable. It was a product of the Rex Ryan defence. Smith won’t have to constantly power through blocks; the holes will be there for him to burst through.

In coverage, Telvin Smith is an asset, and that only adds to his value against some of the sole pass-rush specialists in this year’s class.

Some other options

Outside of Smith, there are some other potential sleepers for Rex Ryan to plug-and-play with.

Adrian Hubbard (OLB/Alabama) – Hubbard has a very solid build (6’6″, 257 lbs), and can surprise opposing offences with his acceleration to the ball. Having played for a program like Alabama, he’s more developed in his techniques than some of the others in the class. He gets his hands up at the line of scrimmage, but lacks being ‘special’ in any one category. Some see him as over-confident, limiting the drive for improvement, a.k.a. ‘Bama.

Jeremiah Attaochu (DE/OLB/Georgia Tech) – Attaochu is a Nigerian-born player who stands at 6’3″ and weighs about 252 lbs. His best trait, in my opinion, is his high motor, always willing and wanting to be the one making a play. He processes the burst and power to get past blocks. He could stand to get faster, which could make him very hard to stop. He’s still learning proper technique – he is a raw player with tons of potential. Of course, he is also Georgia Tech’s all-time sack leader.

Who would you like to see the New York Jets target?