It is moving day here at the Touchdown Wire Power Rankings. What teams are climbing, and what teams are falling?
It is moving day here at the Touchdown Wire NFL Power Rankings.
Anyone who has followed professional golf is familiar with the phrase “moving day.” Saturday, the third day of most tournaments, is called moving day. The cut has been made, approximately half of the initial field of players has gone home, and now it is time for golfers to charge up the leaderboard. Moving, if you will.
That week is here for us.
By now we have a good sense of where each team really is as an organization. Some teams are moving down as a result, while others arm making charges up the board similar to Tiger Woods in his prime.
The Rams will have plenty of doubters to prove wrong this season.
Expectations for the Rams have been set notably lower for the 2020 season after the team finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs last year. They’re no longer seen as legitimate Super Bowl contenders by the majority of media members, and some are even putting the Cardinals ahead of them in the NFC West.
A good portion of offseason rankings have compounded the low expectations set for Los Angeles, too.
When rating their roster, it’s easy to see strengths, but there are also glaring weaknesses. The linebacker corps is bare, the offensive line is shaky and the secondary is beaming with youth. There’s potential, but also risk involved in these units.
The Athletic recently ranked every offense and defense in the NFL, and the Rams were slotted in the bottom half of the league on both lists.
Their offense was ranked 19th after being put at No. 17 last year.
Blaming last year’s offensive decline on Gurley would be unfair. The Rams’ offensive line took a big step backwards and remains a big question going into 2020. Jared Goff ranked 34th in completion percentage above expectation, threw 16 interceptions and fumbled 10 times. The Rams are much more likely to repeat last year’s performance than revert to 2018 form.
As for the defense, it was surprisingly low, too. After being ranked ninth last year, Sheil Kapadia put the Rams 17th in the NFL, behind the Browns and Colts.
Starting with the best defensive player in football (Aaron Donald) and one of the best corners (Jalen Ramsey) offers a solid foundation and a relatively high floor. But there are reasons for concern with this group. They’re moving on from Wade Phillips, one of the best defensive coordinators of this era, and handing the keys over to a relative unknown in Brandon Staley. As for personnel, the Rams lost six players who logged at least 400 snaps last season. They don’t have much pass rush outside of Donald, and linebacker is a big question. Add everything up, and it’s a lot of turnover during a shortened offseason.
The Rams do have a lot of questions to answer, and they have to do so in a short period of time with the preseason canceled and training camp shortened. But if their younger players can come through and become quality starters, Los Angeles could be in good shape.
The secondary has Jalen Ramsey, the defensive line boasts Aaron Donald, and John Johnson and Taylor Rapp make up a promising safety tandem. Time will tell how this roster shapes up, but the potential is there.
Training camps are opening. How has the balance of power shifted since the draft?
With training camps starting to open, it is time for the most time-honored of traditions: Power rankings! Fun, right? But let us be honest, the beauty of sport is how it gives us endless debate and banter before the games even begin.
For each team here, you will see their previous ranking from after the draft as well as a discussion of what – if anything – has changed in the past few weeks. Some late roster moves, coupled with decisions by individual players to opt-out of the season due to COVID-19 concerns, account for the minor changes between then and now.
Enough methodology. Let’s get to the yelling!
32. Cincinnati Bengals
Previous ranking: 32
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Not much has changed for the Cincinnati Bengals since the draft. As expected, they opened the draft by adding quarterback Joe Burrow from LSU. The Tigers’ passer was sensational a season ago, leading the school to a National Championship, securing a Heisman Trophy and demonstrating to NFL evaluators that he has the competitive toughness, accuracy and pocket presence you want in a pro QB. Then the Bengals added wide receiver Tee Higgins at the top of the second round, a very nice acquisition. Higgins is a ball-winner at the catch point and a potential A.J. Green understudy. Logan Wilson from Wyoming and Akeem Davis-Gaither are a nice inside/outside tandem of linebackers as well.
But we are still talking about a team that finished 2-14 last season, gave up a a whopping 6.1 yards per play last year on defense (tied with the Houston Texans for dead-last in the league), allowed opposing passers an Adjusted Net Yards per Attempt (ANY/A) of 7.4 (ranking 28th in the league) and is facing the prospects of breaking in a rookie quarterback during a pre-season that is likely to be truncated. Burrow is fantastic, but all rookies have a learning curve, especially when the learning time is going to be limited.
They’ll have Green back, playing under the franchise tag, and if Burrow has a solid rookie year they should be much improved over 2019. But…we need to see it first.
31. Detroit Lions
Previous ranking: 31
(Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports)
The selection of Jeff Okudah was a wise pick by the Detroit Lions, as Matt Patricia comes from the Bill Belichick school of thought meaning man coverage is the main course on the defensive side of the football. Okudah is a silky-smooth coverage cornerback with pristine footwork and change-of-direction skills.
Drafting D’Andre Swift was the selection at 35, and what he offers as a receiver either out of the backfield or even flexed outside eases the sting of going with a running back early in the draft. Julian Okwara is a bursty player off the edge, who could prove to be a late-round steal. Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg both were named to Touchdown Wire’s Top 11 interior offensive linemen, and Stenberg’s reputation as a nasty player could give the Lions’ offensive line a bit of an identity. But the 2020 season might be riding on the right arm – and health – of quarterback Matthew Stafford. Provided he is healthy the Lions could make some noise in the NFC North, but it is too soon to start moving them up boards just yet. But if he and wide out Kenny Golladay click in 2020 like they did at the start of 2019, watch out. This could be a sneaky-good offense.
30. Jacksonville Jaguars
Previous ranking: 30
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the 2020 NFL Draft with some draft capital to spend, and they made a ton of additions. First off, they did not chase the shiny object in front of them in the first round. Jordan Love was available when they were on the clock both at nine overall and then later in the round at 20, but they addressed needs with great players in cornerback C.J. Henderson and EDGE defender K’Lavon Chaisson. Henderson gives them the cover cornerback they lost in the departure both Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye. Chaisson gives them a presence on the edge that might ease a potential trade of Yannick Ngakoue.
Then in the middle rounds they added Laviska Shenault Jr., who could be a matchup nightmare for defenses, a stout interior tackle in Davon Hamilton, and Ben Bartch, the small-school offensive tackle who at times looked like the best OT at the Senior Bowl during practice week. Collin Johnson from Texas is also a nice addition at wide receiver.
By trusting their board and executing a plan, they started to put some pieces together around second-year quarterback Gardner Minshew. There is still a long way to go for Jacksonville, but this is a solid start. And to be honest, I wanted to move them up for this video alone:
Speaking of plans, the Carolina Panthers certainly had one for the 2020 NFL Draft. Matt Rhule’s first as an NFL head coach saw the team add a player on the defensive side of the football with every single draft selection. Derrick Brown can be an immediate impact player up front, with his ability against the run coupled with what he can do to push the pocket. Yetur Gross-Matos was viewed as a potential first-round selection, so grabbing him at the top of the second was a very smart pick.
Many thought the Panthers might go with Isaiah Simmons at the top of the draft, so drafting a potential Simmons-lite player in Jeremy Chinn makes a great deal of sense. Chinn is a very athletic safety who can be used in a variety of roles. They then added Kenny Robinson, the former XFL safety, in the fifth round.
The ultimate success of the Panthers in 2020 likely rests on the right arm of Teddy Bridgewater. The free agent acquisition now can be assured that this is his team going forward, and he should be an ideal fit in Joe Brady’s offense. With some weapons around him, and an improved defense on the other side of the football, Bridgewater should be in a good position to make his contract a wise investment for Carolina. Regardless, this does look to be the start of a rebuild down in Carolina.
28. Washington Football Team
Previous ranking: 28
(Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports)
It has been a tumultuous off-season in Washington, with a long-overdue name change and a stunning expose regarding sexual harassment of employees and sports writers published at the Washington Post. As for the product on the field, when you add the likely best overall player at the top of the draft, you are off to a good start. The Washington Redskins did exactly that with the second pick in the draft, selecting Ohio State EDGE Chase Young. The defender impacts every single play whether it shows up in the score sheet next to his name or not, with the attention he commands and the effort expended to try and contain him. He will create opportunities for the rest of an already stout Washington defensive front, with players like Ryan Kerrigan and Montez Sweat.
Washington did not pick again until the third round, but the additions of Antonio Gibson, a matchup nightmare of an offensive weapon, along with Antonio Gandy-Golden give quarterback Dwayne Haskins some exciting options in the passing game. Adding them to a mix that already includes Terry McLaurin is a nice boost to the huddle. Tight end remains a need, but given the questions about this year’s class they did not force a pick at that position.
Also, let’s consider that Washington also did not chase the shiny object, by either drafting a quarterback at two like some recommended or trading out of the spot, risking that they would lose out on Young. They added a premier player at a premier position, and built around their rising second-year QB who did show improvement down the stretch. A reasoned approach that seems unlike the usual Dan Snyder decision. Which is a good thing.
The Washington Football Team also got some good news with the word that quarterback Alex Smith was cleared to return to play. Even if he never makes it back, Smith is a player worth rooting for.
27. Miami Dolphins
Previous ranking: 27
(USA TODAY Sports)
The entire success or failure of this draft rests on the right arm – and hip – of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. After sending up smokescreen after smokescreen that the Miami Dolphins were going to either draft Justin Herbert, or potentially trade up to draft an offensive tackle, the organization stayed right at the fifth spot and made Tagovailoa the pick. Provided he stays healthy, Chan Gailey’s spread offense is almost an ideal setting for him in the NFL.
With their two remaining first round picks, the Dolphins added an offensive tackle in Austin Jackson that is a bit of a reach, but was better in 2018 than he was a year ago and could improve with NFL coaching. Auburn defensive back Noah Igbinoghene is a smart pick, as he joins an already impressive gropu of cornerbacks in Xavien Howard and Byron Jones. That will give head coach Brian Flores the flexibility to play matchups with his corners, something he did often along with Bill Belichick back in New England.
In all, this was a solid draft and the future does seem bright in Miami with all their free agent acquisition and the players added over the past few days. This is a team that played hard for Flores down the stretch and does seem to believe in his vision. But ultimately, the arm and hip of Tagovailoa are going to determine whether this plan succeeds in the end. With some changes taking place around the rest of the AFC East, Miami could be relevant quicker than you expect.
26. New York Jets
Previous ranking: 25
(AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
The New York Jets had, by our estimation here at Touchdown Wire and other around the football media landscape, a very impressive draft. Mekhi Becton is a mountain of a man, but the largest man at the Combine in Indianapolis still managed a post a 5.1 40-yard dash which still seems absurd to type. He is a bruiser, a true finisher of a lineman, who is going to keep Sam Darnold clean for the years to come. Then they pounced on Denzel Mims at 59 overall, a track star and potential game-breaker of a vertical receiver and a perfect replacement for the loss of Robby Anderson. They could have packed up and gone home at that point and called it a win of a draft.
But they were not done. Ashtyn Davis is an ideal center fielder in the back of their defense, but can also transition to cornerback should the team retain safety Jamal Adams and not need to move Marcus Maye into more of a strong safety role. Jabari Zuniga is an athletic presence off the edge, and Bryce Hall is a tremendous value at cornerback late on Day Three. Heck, even punter Braden Mann was a smart selection, viewed as many as the top punter on the board.
But decisions since then have weakened the team for 2020, at least on paper. After a lengthy bit of discourse between the organization and standout safety Jamal Adams, general manager Joe Douglas traded Adams to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for almost a king’s ransom. The Jets received first-round picks in 2021 and 2022, a third-rounder in 2021, and safety Bradley McDougal. This hurts them in the near-term (explaining their slight slide since the post-draft rankings) but if Douglas hits on even one of those picks, this is a great move for the Jets in the future.
25. New York Giants
Previous ranking: 26
(Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports)
New York Giants’ general manager Dave Gettleman did a great job with the first two selections, adding a pro-ready offensive tackle in Andrew Thomas and then cashing in on the fall of Alabama safety Xavier McKinney. Thomas comes from a Georgia offense that prepared him for a life in the pros, and is a force in both pass protection and the running game. McKinney is a versatile safety that can function down in the box and as a single-high player, and comes from a Nick Saban system that is as complex a defense as it gets in the college game.
Gettleman then spent additional resources on the offensive line and the second level of the Giants’ defense. Matt Peart has the potential to be a swing tackle behind Thomas and Nate Solder and could be a starter-in-waiting behind the veteran. Carter Coughlin might be a potential developmental project, as he played down on the edge in college but might transition to off-ball linebacker. Cameron Brown is a fun player to watch who thrived in Penn State’s overhang LB position, but sliding more inside will take some time.
New York’s 2020 season hinges on the second-year growth from quarterback Daniel Jones. The former Duke University passer showed signs of growth last season, particularly with how he handled pressure, but needs to avoid turnovers, both in the pocket and when throwing downfield. The added protection should assist him in that effort, but any sort of sophomore slump will make the seat under Gettleman get a bit warmer.
Making matters more difficult for the Giants this offseason was the actions of former first-round pick DeAndre Baker. The defensive back was arrested back in May on felony charges for a robbery that occurred in Florida, and he was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list as a result a few days ago. The Giants’ secondary was a problem in 2019 and this news does not help.
The poor finish in 2019 without Myles Garrett weighs heavily
Any defense featuring Myles Garrett, Sheldon Richardson, Denzel Ward, Larry Ogunjobi, Olivier Vernon and a promising young supporting cast figures to be one of the NFL’s better units. Alas, it didn’t play out that way in 2019. Based on the preseason defensive unit rankings from Touchdown Wire, there is skepticism that the talent won’t equal the sum of its parts in 2020, either.
Cleveland checks in at No. 21, smack dab between Seattle and Indianapolis, in the preseason look at all 32 NFL teams and their defensive units.
The commentary offers a mix of upbeat optimism for brighter days under new coordinator Joe Woods with the downer that was the dramatic falloff by the 2019 unit after Myles Garrett got suspended.
Cleveland was as loaded with talent as any team, but fell from 14th to 26th in Defensive DVOA in the second half of the season as the offense similarly fell apart. The good news is that there are pieces with which to build for new defensive coordinator Joe Woods. Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams are two of the league’s best young cornerbacks, defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi remains an underrated force, and two LSU draftees — safety Grant Delpit and linebacker Jacob Phillips — should help the middle of the defense.
The poor finish in 2019 under adverse circumstances is definitely discouraging, but the talent in the front four and back five is fully capable of elevating the new-look Browns defense well above the current 21st ranking.
How did the 2020 NFL Draft change the landscape of the NFL? Not a ton, but some teams helped themselves while others fell down a peg.
With the 2020 NFL Draft behind us, it is time for the most time-honored of traditions: Extrapolating draft picks into how they impact power rankings that take place far too early. Fun, right? But let us be honest, the beauty of sport is how it gives us endless debate and banter before the games even begin.
For each team here, you will see their previous ranking, their list of draft picks, and their draft grade as determined by the brilliant minds here at Touchdown Wire. Those grades and these draft classes weighed heavily in the movement from the previous set of rankings, to today.
Enough methodology. Let’s get to the yelling!
32. Cincinnati Bengals
Previous ranking: 31
Draft picks: QB Joe Burrow, WR Tee Higgins, LB Logan Wilson, LB Akeem David-Gaither, DE Khalid Kareem, OL Hakeem Adeniji, LB Markus Bailey
Touchdown Wire draft grade: B
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
As expected, the Cincinnati Bengals opened the draft by adding quarterback Joe Burrow from LSU. The Tigers’ passer was sensational a season ago, leading the school to a National Championship, securing a Heisman Trophy and demonstrating to NFL evaluators that he has the competitive toughness, accuracy and pocket presence you want in a pro QB. Then the Bengals added wide receiver Tee Higgins at the top of the second round, a very nice acquisition. Higgins is a ball-winner at the catch point and a potential A.J. Green understudy. Logan Wilson from Wyoming and Akeem Davis-Gaither are a nice inside/outside tandem of linebackers as well.
But we are still talking about a team that finished 2-14 last season, gave up a a whopping 6.1 yards per play last year on defense (tied with the Houston Texans for dead-last in the league), allowed opposing passers an Adjusted Net Yards per Attempt (ANY/A) of 7.4 (ranking 28th in the league) and is facing the prospects of breaking in a rookie quarterback during a pre-season that is likely to be truncated. Burrow is fantastic, but all rookies have a learning curve, especially when the learning time is going to be limited.
31. Detroit Lions
Previous ranking: 30
Draft picks: CB Jeff Okudah, RB D’Andre Swift, EDGE Julian Okwara, G Jonah Jackson, G Logan Stenberg, WR Quintez Cephus, RB Jason Huntley, DT John Penisini, DT Jashon Cornell
Touchdown Wire draft grade: B
(Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports)
The selection of Jeff Okudah was a wise pick by the Detroit Lions, as Matt Patricia comes from the Bill Belichick school of thought meaning man coverage is the main course on the defensive side of the football. Okudah is a silky-smooth coverage cornerback with pristine footwork and change-of-direction skills.
Drafting D’Andre Swift was the selection at 35, and what he offers as a receiver either out of the backfield or even flexed outside eases the sting of going with a running back early in the draft. Julian Okwara is a bursty player off the edge, who could prove to be a late-round steal. Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg both were named to Touchdown Wire’s Top 11 interior offensive linemen, and Stenberg’s reputation as a nasty player could give the Lions’ offensive line a bit of an identity. But the 2020 season might be riding on the right arm – and health – of quarterback Matthew Stafford. Provided he is healthy the Lions could make some noise in the NFC North, but it is too soon to start moving them up boards just yet.
30. Jacksonville Jaguars
Previous ranking: 32
Draft picks: CB C.J. Henderson, EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson, WR Laviska Shenault, DT Davon Hamilton, OT Ben Bartch, CB Josiah Scott, LB Shaquille Quarterman, S Daniel Thomas, WR Collin Johnson, QB Jake Luton, TE Tyler Davis, CB Chris Claybrooks
Touchdown Wire draft grade: A-
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the 2020 NFL Draft with some draft capital to spend, and they made a ton of additions. First off, they did not chase the shiny object in front of them in the first round. Jordan Love was available when they were on the clock both at nine overall and then later in the round at 20, but they addressed needs with great players in cornerback C.J. Henderson and EDGE defender K’Lavon Chaisson. Henderson gives them the cover cornerback they lost in the departure both Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye. Chaisson gives them a presence on the edge that might ease a potential trade of Yannick Ngakoue.
Then in the middle rounds they added Laviska Shenault Jr., who could be a matchup nightmare for defenses, a stout interior tackle in Davon Hamilton, and Ben Bartch, the small-school offensive tackle who at times looked like the best OT at the Senior Bowl during practice week. Collin Johnson from Texas is also a nice addition at wide receiver.
By trusting their board and executing a plan, they started to put some pieces together around second-year quarterback Gardner Minshew. There is still a long way to go for Jacksonville, but this is a solid start.
29. Carolina Panthers
Previous ranking: 28
Draft picks: DT Derrick Brown, EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos, S Jeremy Chinn, CB Troy Pride, S Kenny Robinson, DT Bravvion Roy, CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver
Touchdown Wire draft grade: B
(John Reed-USA TODAY Sports)
Speaking of plans, the Carolina Panthers certainly had one for the 2020 NFL Draft. Matt Rhule’s first as an NFL head coach saw the team add a player on the defensive side of the football with every single draft selection. Derrick Brown can be an immediate impact player up front, with his ability against the run coupled with what he can do to push the pocket. Yetur Gross-Matos was viewed as a potential first-round selection, so grabbing him at the top of the second was a very smart pick.
Many thought the Panthers might go with Isaiah Simmons at the top of the draft, so drafting a potential Simmons-lite player in Jeremy Chinn makes a great deal of sense. Chinn is a very athletic safety who can be used in a variety of roles. They then added Kenny Robinson, the former XFL safety, in the fifth round.
The ultimate success of the Panthers in 2020 likely rests on the right arm of Teddy Bridgewater. The free agent acquisition now can be assured that this is his team going forward, and he should be an ideal fit in Joe Brady’s offense. With some weapons around him, and an improved defense on the other side of the football, Bridgewater should be in a good position to make his contract a wise investment for Carolina.
28. Washington Redskins
Previous ranking: 29
Draft picks: EDGE Chase Young, RB/WR Antonio Gibson, OT Saahdiq Charles, WR Antonio Gandy-Golden, C Keith Ismael, LB Khaleke Hudson, S Kamren Curl, EDGE James Smith-Williams
Touchdown Wire draft grade: A-
(Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports)
When you add the likely best overall player at the top of the draft, you are off to a good start. The Washington Redskins did exactly that with the second pick in the draft, selecting Ohio State EDGE Chase Young. The defender impacts every single play whether it shows up in the score sheet next to his name or not, with the attention he commands and the effort expended to try and contain him. He will create opportunities for the rest of an already stout Washington defensive front, with players like Ryan Kerrigan and Montez Sweat.
Washington did not pick again until the third round, but the additions of Antonio Gibson, a matchup nightmare of an offensive weapon, along with Antonio Gandy-Golden give quarterback Dwayne Haskins some exciting options in the passing game. Adding them to a mix that already includes Terry McLaurin is a nice boost to the huddle. Tight end remains a need, but given the questions about this year’s class they did not force a pick at that position.
Also, let’s consider that Washington also did not chase the shiny object, by either drafting a quarterback at two like some recommended or trading out of the spot, risking that they would lose out on Young. They added a premier player at a premier position, and built around their rising second-year QB who did show improvement down the stretch. A reasoned approach that seems unlike the usual Dan Snyder decision. Which is a good thing.
27. Miami Dolphins
Previous ranking: 26
Draft picks: QB Tua Tagovailoa, OT Austin Jackson, CB Noah Igbinoghene, G Robert Hunt, DT Raekwon Davis, S Brandon Jones, G Solomon Kindley, DE Jason Strowbridge, DE Curtis Weaver, LS Blake Ferguson, QB/WR/RB Malcolm Perry
Touchdown Wire draft grade: B
(USA TODAY Sports)
The entire success or failure of this draft rests on the right arm – and hip – of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. After sending up smokescreen after smokescreen that the Miami Dolphins were going to either draft Justin Herbert, or potentially trade up to draft an offensive tackle, the organization stayed right at the fifth spot and made Tagovailoa the pick. Provided he stays healthy, Chan Gailey’s spread offense is almost an ideal setting for him in the NFL.
With their two remaining first round picks, the Dolphins added an offensive tackle in Austin Jackson that is a bit of a reach, but was better in 2018 than he was a year ago and could improve with NFL coaching. Auburn defensive back Noah Igbinoghene is a smart pick, as he joins an already impressive gropu of cornerbacks in Xavien Howard and Byron Jones. That will give head coach Brian Flores the flexibility to play matchups with his corners, something he did often along with Bill Belichick back in New England.
In all, this was a solid draft and the future does seem bright in Miami with all their free agent acquisition and the players added over the past few days. This is a team that played hard for Flores down the stretch and does seem to believe in his vision. But ultimately, the arm and hip of Tagovailoa are going to determine whether this plan succeeds in the end.
26. New York Giants
Previous ranking: 25
Draft picks: OT Andrew Thomas, S Xavier McKinney, OT Matt Peart, CB Darnay Holmes, G Shane Lemieux, OLB Cameron Brown, OLB Carter Coughlin, OLB T.J. Brunson, CB Chris Williamson, LB Tae Crowder
Touchdown Wire draft grade: B-
(Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports)
New York Giants’ general manager Dave Gettleman did a great job with the first two selections, adding a pro-ready offensive tackle in Andrew Thomas and then cashing in on the fall of Alabama safety Xavier McKinney. Thomas comes from a Georgia offense that prepared him for a life in the pros, and is a force in both pass protection and the running game. McKinney is a versatile safety that can function down in the box and as a single-high player, and comes from a Nick Saban system that is as complex a defense as it gets in the college game.
Gettleman then spent additional resources on the offensive line and the second level of the Giants’ defense. Matt Peart has the potential to be a swing tackle behind Thomas and Nate Solder and could be a starter-in-waiting behind the veteran. Carter Coughlin might be a potential developmental project, as he played down on the edge in college but might transition to off-ball linebacker. Cameron Brown is a fun player to watch who thrived in Penn State’s overhang LB position, but sliding more inside will take some time.
New York’s 2020 season hinges on the second-year growth from quarterback Daniel Jones. The former Duke University passer showed signs of growth last season, particularly with how he handled pressure, but needs to avoid turnovers, both in the pocket and when throwing downfield. The added protection should assist him in that effort, but any sort of sophomore slump will make the seat under Gettleman get a bit warmer.
25. New York Jets
Previous ranking: 27
Draft picks: OT Mekhi Becton, WR Denzel Mims, S Ashtyn Davis, EDGE Jabari Zuniga, RB La’Mical Perine, QB James Morgan, OT Cameron Clark, CB Bryce Hall, P Braden Mann
Touchdown Wire draft grade: A+
(AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
The New York Jets had, by our estimation here at Touchdown Wire and other around the football media landscape, a very impressive draft. Mekhi Becton is a mountain of a man, but the largest man at the Combine in Indianapolis still managed a post a 5.1 40-yard dash which still seems absurd to type. He is a bruiser, a true finisher of a lineman, who is going to keep Sam Darnold clean for the years to come. Then they pounced on Denzel Mims at 59 overall, a track star and potential game-breaker of a vertical receiver and a perfect replacement for the loss of Robby Anderson. They could have packed up and gone home at that point and called it a win of a draft.
But they were not done. Ashtyn Davis is an ideal center fielder in the back of their defense, but can also transition to cornerback should the team retain safety Jamal Adams and not need to move Marcus Maye into more of a strong safety role. Jabari Zuniga is an athletic presence off the edge, and Bryce Hall is a tremendous value at cornerback late on Day Three. Heck, even punter Braden Mann was a smart selection, viewed as many as the top punter on the board.
Of course, there is still the question of how well Adam Gase can lead this team. Losing Adams via a trade might weaken the defense. The growth and development of Darnold here in his third season is also something to watch. But this was a good weekend for the Jets.
