With pandemic slowing sports, Jets have yet to sign any of their 2020 draft picks

The New York Jets have yet to sign any of their nine 2020 draft picks even though most of the league hasn’t signed any of their rookies.

It’s been over a month since the 2020 NFL Draft took place and none of the Jets’ draft picks are officially on the roster.

The Jets have yet to sign any of their nine picks. That includes Mekhi Becton, Denzel Mims, Ashtyn Davis, Jabari Zuniga, La’Mical Perine, James Morgan, Cameron Clark, Bryce Hall and Braden Mann.

The Jets aren’t alone in this, though. Most picks have yet to ink their contracts because of the coronavirus pandemic. Out of 255 draft picks, only 51 have officially signed with their respective teams so far.

All these rookies have yet to even enter their own training facilities. The pandemic has prevented players and coaches from stepping foot inside their training centers. As you see more facilities opening up and fewer restrictions in place, more rookies should begin signing their contracts.

For the Jets, they’ve had some issues in the past with signing rookies. Two years ago, Sam Darnold missed the first few days of training camp because his contract wasn’t signed. Just last season, Quinnen Williams held out of the first day of training camp because he couldn’t come to terms on a deal in time.

General manager Joe Douglas takes a very conservative approach when negotiating, so keep an eye on that as things progress.

At this point, it’s just a waiting game. Players need to get back to the facilities before they can start negotiating contracts. But as of now, the Jets shouldn’t be concerned with not having any of their nine rookies unsigned as the calendar flips to June.

Jets have decisions to make when it comes to secondary experience vs. potential

Joe Douglas overloaded his secondary this offseason which means the Jets will have to make a lot of choices for the future of their defense.

Determined to fix one of the weakest positions in 2019, Joe Douglas went out and built an arsenal of defensive backs to leave no stone unturned.

The Jets currently have nine cornerbacks and seven safeties on the roster after free agency, the draft and undrafted free agent signings. They won’t keep all 16 players, but they’ll have a wealth of talent to evaluate and options to build the perfect secondary. Some of those players will start, others will be cut or added to the practice squad, and one might even be traded away to give way for younger players.

Safeties Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye are virtual locks to make the team as starters alongside cornerbacks Pierre Desir, Brian Poole and Bless Austin. They all have experience and all performed well recently. Third-round pick Ashytn Davis will also have a role to play as a versatile safety for Gregg Williams, and fifth-round rookie Bryce Hall will make the team if he’s healthy. He could, however, be a PUP candidate, much like Austin was in 2019.

Adam Gase kept six cornerbacks and three safeties on the roster last season, so by the earlier estimation that leaves about one safety and two cornerback spots left on the team. This is where critical decisions come into play.

The Jets were ravaged by injury and poor play at cornerback in 2019, so it would be smart for New York to keep a deep bench in case. But they’ll need to choose between a couple of experienced starters – Arthur Maulet, Nate Hairston and Quincy Wilson – and two undrafted free agents – Lamar Jackson and Javelin Guidry – to fill out the rest of the position group.

Maulet has the inside track after starting and performing well in six games for the Jets in 2019 alongside Austin and Poole. The Jets traded a sixth-rounder for Wilson, who flashed early in his career as a rookie with the Colts but floundered in a scheme change. Hairston, who came over from the Colts last season, sometimes looked good, but he was also benched a few times and couldn’t win the job over Austin or Maulet.

The two UDFAs could be solid contributors for different reasons. Jackson is a big-bodied shutdown corner-type, while Guidry is smaller but much faster in coverage. Williams will have an intriguing decision depending on if they want experienced players or young potential at the position.

As for safety, it will all depend on what the Jets do with Maye. Rumors swirled earlier this month that the Jets were shopping Maye, but other reports refuted that claim. If the Jets move Maye before the October trade deadline, that could open up the possibility for at least another safety to make the team or another cornerback with multi-positional ability. UDFA Shyheim Carter, as well as 2019 returnee Bennett Jackson, have the ability to play both cornerback and safety.

The two biggest questions the Jets must answer as they shape their secondary are if they desire experience or potential and if Maye will be a part of the team after this season. Regardless of those answers, the Jets seem to have a lot more options in the backfield of their defense than they did in 2019. That alone is a step in the right direction for the Jets’ defense.

As rumors heat up, Logan Ryan is still a great fit for Jets

According to reports, the Jets are in contact with free-agent cornerback Logan Ryan.

Could the Jets be close to adding a veteran cornerback to their secondary?

According to Brian Costello of the New York Post, the Jets have had contract discussions with representatives for free-agent cornerback Logan Ryan. However, no formal offer has been made to Ryan and there is no strong feeling within the organization about whether he will actually sign with the team.

After the Jets drafted Ashtyn Davis, who could potentially line up at cornerback, Bryce Hall and traded for Colts cornerback Quincy Wilson, it remained to be seen if general manager Joe Douglas and company would have any interest in adding Ryan given New York’s newfound depth at the position. Now, it seems like the Jets are exploring the possibility.

Ryan, 29, is coming off arguably the best season of his career, setting new highs in tackles (113), pass deflections (18), sacks (4.5) and forced fumbles (four). Ryan also added four interceptions as a member of a Tennessee Titans defense that reached the AFC Championship Game.

Despite his strong showing throughout 2019, there is a major blemish on Ryan’s resume. He allowed the most yards (967) of any cornerback in football, per Michael Nania. However, Ryan also saw the most targets (114) at his position and played the third-most coverage snaps (623), causing his yardage allowed total to become somewhat inflated. Ryan gave up only 41 first downs on those 114 targets, which limited opposing wide receivers below the league average of 40.1 percent first downs per target.

Ryan is not an elite corner, but he could be exactly what the Jets need at this point in time. A duo of Ryan and Pierre Desir would be an immediate upgrade over what New York had on the outside at cornerback last season and would give defensive coordinator Gregg Williams two established defensive backs to insert into his scheme.

If the Jets are serious about their pursuit of Ryan, there may be some financial hurdles that need to be cleared before a deal can come to fruition, as New York only has $14.2 million remaining in salary cap space. This could mean the end for Brian Winters’ tenure with the team, as releasing him would free up $7.28 million, likely enough to sign Ryan. It could also mean Avery Williamson’s time with the Jets is up, as New York would clear $6.5 million in cap space by releasing him.

If all financial hurdles are cleared and Ryan, who grew up in New Jersey and played his college football at Rutgers, is interested in a homecoming, adding him to the secondary could be exactly what the doctor ordered for the Jets. At the very least, it looks like the wheels for such a move to occur are now in motion.

Report: Jets fielding trade offers for safety Marcus Maye

Marcus Maye could be the odd-man-out in the Jets secondary after New York drafted Ashtyn Davis in the third round.

The Jets have already done a lot to re-shape their secondary this offseason. Now, the next tweak could include moving 2017 second-round pick Marcus Maye.

Joe Douglas fielded trade offers for Maye this offseason and over the past year, according to the Daily News’ Manish Mehta. Mehta added that Adam Gase wanted to trade Maye as soon as the Jets hired him in early 2019.

Maye formed a tenacious tandem with fellow safety Jamal Adams when the two were drafted in consecutive rounds in 2017, but his injury history and the selection of Ashtyn Davis in the third round of the 2020 draft could signal the end of Maye’s time in New York. Davis is a dynamic — albeit raw — prospect who could initially be a gadget player in Gregg Williams’ defense but has the potential to be a starter at deep safety – his preferred position.

That could leave Maye the odd man out as early as next season when his rookie contract expires, especially with the team and Adams talking an extension. The Jets could be looking to trade Maye earlier, though, to recoup assets in case he gets injured in 2020 or so they won’t have to wait for a compensatory pick. Maye has one year left on his rookie contract that will pay him only $1,358,733 in 2020 with a $2,085,378 cap hit.

Maye rebounded in 2019 after an injury-filled 2018 season and played in all 16 games. He finished with 65 combined tackles, one interception and a career-high seven pass breakups.

The Jets have an intriguing choice on their hands. The trio of Adams, Maye and Davis could prove to be fun for Williams’ defense given Adams’ and Davis’ ability to play all over the field. But if a team offers the Jets a solid package for Maye, Douglas likely won’t shy away from making a deal and adding more pieces to his new roster.

How Leonard Williams trade impacted the Giants’ 2020 draft

How did the trade for DT Leonard Williams impact the New York Giants’ 2020 draft and who could they have taken with the lost pick?

The New York Giants had 10 selections in the 2020 NFL Draft, but should have had 11. They traded away their third-round pick (and a future pick) to the Jets last October in exchange for defensive lineman Leonard Williams.

So, who did the Jets select with the 68th overall pick?

Safety Ashtyn Davis of Cal, considered by many one of the top three-to-four players at his position and one that has been compared by scouts to the Minnesota Vikings’ Pro Bowler, Harrison Smith.

So, who could the Giants have used that pick on had they kept it and simply signed Williams in free agency?

Wisconsin edge rusher/linebacker Zack Baun, Texas A&M defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, Temple center Matt Hennessy and Houston offensive tackle Josh Jones to name a few.

Instead, the Giants didn’t select in the third round until pick No. 99, a compensatory selection in which they used to take UConn offensive tackle Matt Peart.

The Giants had four picks in the seventh round, two of those picks (Nos. 247 and 255) were compensatory selections which they used to take Minnesota cornerback Chris Williamson and Georgia linebacker Tae Crowder.

The 238th overall pick, obtained in a 2018 trade that sent cornerback Eli Apple to the New Orleans Saints, was spent on another inside linebacker — South Carolina’s T.J. Brunson.

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2020 NFL Draft: Sam Darnold, Bless Austin among Jets’ winners and losers

Sam Darnold and Bless Austin are among the Jets winners and losers following the completion of the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Jets went into the 2020 NFL Draft with the main objective of making sure Sam Darnold has the tools around him to become a better quarterback in 2020.

New York certainly did that, adding two offensive linemen and two skill players. The Jets put Darnold in a better position to succeed than they ever have before. At the same time, they were able to find value on the defensive side of the ball, adding more contributors for Gregg Williams to utilize. The draft has unintended consequences and while some may reap its benefits, there are other players who have been put on notice by the organization.

Now that it’s over, let’s take a look at the Jets’ winners and losers from the 2020 NFL Draft.

Winner: Sam Darnold

Joe Douglas promised Sam Darnold’s parents he would do everything in his power to protect their son. Douglas did that with the selections of Mekhi Becton and Cameron Clark, two physical bullies on the line who will be menacing in the run game and ensure the protection of their quarterback.

In addition, Douglas was able to add a wide receiver, Denzel Mims, who has the potential to be a No. 1 at the next level. His wide catch radius should certainly improve the Jets’ struggles in the red zone in years past. Also coming aboard is Florida running back La’Mical Perine, who is an ideal dual-threat back to complement Le’Veon Bell.

While the Jets may have wanted to add another pass catcher, they’ve certainly put Darnold in a better position to succeed from a protection standpoint. There is still the undrafted free agency period and veterans will shake loose once training camp is underway. For now, Darnold is in a better position after this weekend than he ever has been in a Jets uniform.

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Grading all 9 Jets picks in the 2020 NFL Draft

Joe Douglas grabbed nine players in the 2020 NFL draft to shore up positions of need for the Jets.

Joe Douglas should be very happy with his first draft as Jets general manager. He manipulated the draft board to finish with nine players, all of which have the potential to play significant roles for the Jets in 2020.

The Jets filled positions of need early with the selections of offensive tackle Mekhi Becton and wide receiver Denzel Mims but added great depth at positions like guard, cornerback, running back and quarterback. This draft featured the most players taken by the Jets since 2017 when they also took nine players. Only two players from that draft still play for the Jets, so Douglas is looking for better results.

Only time will tell, but for now, here are JetsWire’s grades for all nine of the Jets’ 2020 draft picks.

OT Mekhi Becton – No. 11 overall

The Jets got the biggest player in the draft in the 6-foot-7, 364-pound Becton, who’ll become a run-blocking force for New York. Becton can open up lanes for Le’Veon Bell and keep Sam Darnold upright by pancaking any defender in his way.

Becton might have the most potential of any of the top linemen in the draft but he’s also an incredibly raw pass-protector. He’s a bully on the field but that could be to his detriment against smarter and more experienced pass rushers. Becton fits the bill as a dominating lineman who should be a stabilizing presence at the tackle position for the Jets’ offensive line.

Grade: B-

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5 things to know about new Jets DB Ashtyn Davis

Here are five things to know about new Jets defensive back Ashtyn Davis, who the team selected with the 68th pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

With the pick the Jets acquired in the Leonard Williams trade, Joe Douglas went the unconventional route.

Douglas took Cal defensive back Ashtyn Davis, a player who had not been linked to the Jets primarily because he played safety in college. However, the Jets seem to be infatuated with his positional versatility and had several teams kicking themselves when they stole him with the 68th pick.

With that said, let’s get to know the Jets’ newest member of the secondary. Here are five things to know about Davis.

Betting on Himself

From college walk-on to third-round pick, Ashtyn Davis’ NFL dreams became a reality when the Jets selected him with the 68th selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Davis was set to go to the University of Redlands following his senior year of high school but changed his mind following a last-minute visit to Cal. The problem? Cal’s football coaches had no idea who Davis was. Even worse, Cal’s track coaches said they’d rescind their scholarship offer if Davis played football. This led to Davis ultimately turning down a track scholarship offer from Cal, which forced his parents to take out loans to pay for his college tuition.

Eventually, Davis made both teams and wound up being put on a full football scholarship by Cal.

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Instant Analysis: Gregg Williams is going to have fun with Ashtyn Davis

Jets got a raw prospect in defensive back Ashtyn Davis, but he has the speed and versatility to be a force on Gregg Williams’ defense.

Many Jets fans will wonder who Cal defensive back Ashtyn Davis is and why the Jets took him 79th overall, but the pick makes a lot of sense because of his raw athletic ability and versatility on defense and special teams.

For starters, Davis is fast. He went to Cal on a track scholarship before walking onto the football team and working his way from punt return specialist to cornerback to free safety. He returned 70 punts for 1,604 yards and averaged almost 23 yards per return for the Bears. He also recorded 102 solo tackles with seven interceptions as a defensive back.

The Jets don’t have an immediate need at safety – yet – so the expectation is that Davis will be a cornerback and return specialist. His experience at safety means he could also play in the deep secondary if called upon, but he should help fill out the cornerback room led by Pierre Desir, Brian Poole, Bless Austin and Arthur Maulet.

Davis said he can play almost anywhere on defense – cornerback, safety and even weakside linebacker – but prefers the “deep defense.”

“I’m looking forward to manning some people up,” he said. “I think that’s in the cards for me.”

Davis’ sentiment lines up with a lot of scouting reports that peg him as a hard-nosed and fearless defensive back, which could either be a blessing or a curse for Gregg Williams. The Jets love bruisers on defense (see Adams, Jamal) but Davis appears to be over-aggressive at times. He sometimes takes himself out of plays and fails at finishing tackles. Davis is also coming off groin surgery he had in December that forced him to miss the end of the season and the NFL combine.

With that said, Williams knows how to coach up raw talent, and Davis possesses plenty of traits that the coordinator desires.

Davis fits well in a Jets defense that craves versatility. He’s definitely still a developmental player but could turn into a solid enforcer for the Jets in the near future.

Grade: C+

WATCH: Highlights of new Jets DB Ashtyn Davis

Here are Ashtyn Davis’s senior year highlights from California.

In a surprise pick in the third round, the Jets went with California defensive back Ashtyn Davis.

Davis converted from a cornerback to a safety after his sophomore season. He has good cover skills for a safety, but is best known for his run-stopping ability. He also returned kicks and was a gunner on special teams at California.

As a defensive back, Davis recorded 166 total tackles, seven interceptions and 12 pass breakups. He had 1,604 kick return yards on special teams.

Let’s take a look at some of his 2019 highlights at California: