NFL Draft 2019

NFL Draft and Free Agency Interview with scout Frank Coyle of DraftInsiders.com for GreenRewind.com

  Analyzing the NY Jets strategy for NFL Free Agency and NFL Draft 2019
by Frank Coyle of draftinsiders.com

#1 Knowing the Jets have $99+ million in cap space and their weaknesses, where and on who would you spend the money on?

Jets have many needs going forward. GM Mike Maccagnan did a good job cutting cap problems in recent years to put them in the current situation. Their top priorities are edge pass rushers, a true feature back and #1 receiver, offensive tackle, defensive linemen and cornerbacks. They need to add a few top starters prior to the NFL Draft 2019. Most FA additions will probably come on the offensive side of the ball with selected defensive additions. With tags starting being used this week, edge defenders like DeMarcus Lawrence, Jadeveon Clowney, Preston Smith, Dante Fowler, Dee Ford, Trey Flowers and Shane Ray could come off the FA board soon. All these edge rushers are just entering their prime. Lawrence, Clowney, Smith, Flowers, Fowler and Ford will be expensive, but they bring the hot commodity the Jets need – edge pass pressure. Smith may not get the publicity of the others, but is an emerging impact edge defender that can make a difference. Flowers would be a coup to wrestle away from the Patriots. Always around the ball and makes plays. Jets will have to compete for the top FA prospects here or use a high draft selection. With no #2 pick currently, they may have their choice of any edge prospect other than Bosa. Josh Allen of Kentucky is a stud and the most complete edge defender in this draft class. The Jets will entertain moving back in top ten for a #2 selection. I love DE/LB Montez Sweat from Mississippi State. He strikes and brings explosiveness and power and has impact talent. He figures off the board by the middle of the first round. With $99 million in free agency available and the #3 overall selection, the Jets could address this area with two edge rushers and elevate this unit significantly with premier defenders like DL Leonard Williams and safety Jamal Adams inline already.

I also like free agent OTs, JaWuan James, Cedric Ogbuehi, Jake Fisher or Donovan Smith. Tackle pickings are generally thin after a few prospects with several teams have already resigned before the FA period even starts. There could be a few released veterans, but that is usually limited at best. That might put the burden on the NFL Draft 2019 where LT Jonah Williams, Greg Little and Andre Dillard are expected to be off the board probably by middle of first round. Quality offensive linemen get gobbled up quickly with 6 prospects in each of the first two rounds last April, including 10 of the first 39 selections. In the top 100 selections in the NFL Draft 2018, twenty draft choices were used on offensive linemen.

Jet corners Morris Claiborne (29) and Buster Skrine (30) are up as free agents. At $7 million for Claiborne and $6+ for Skrine, both would be costly to resign especially with veteran Tremaine Johnson (29) signed for a $12 million cap charge with an $8 million cash layout. Jets might want to resign one of the veterans with Skrine more versatile. Johnson signed a $72 million dollar contract thru 2023 with $34 million guaranteed. Veteran corners Jimmie Ward, Darqueze Dennard, Ronald Darby and Bradley Roby are second contract defenders will NFL starting skills to couple with Johnson and form a top tandem. Ward is a high-quality starter and though an expensive fit, capable of being a key missing piece almost immediately. Jets might also look to couple their starters with a developed rookie addition with starting talent.

#2 The talk here in NY is that the Jets may pursue Le’Veon Bell in free agency. Is this a good move?

Bell would be a good addition but only on certain terms and conditions. Does he sign for anything near his $14 million former contract that he refused to sign through the fall of 2018. The Steelers will not tag him with Franchise or Transitional labels. He is a complete back who is only 27 years old and coming off sitting out the entire 2018 season. He should be primed for a big 2019 performance and an excellent compliment to young Sam Darnold. His presence takes pressure off Darnold and could convert the Green offense a 60-40 run to pass. Bell makes Darnold and the Jets defense 20% better just by his annual average production. I think he probably costs at least a 3 year deal for in the $50 million area.

#3 Is this year a strong NFL Draft?

This NFL Draft class is very strong on defense especially the line and top edge defenders. GM Maccagnan faces a key question at the 3^rd overall pick. Select premier defenders, LB Josh Allen, DL Quinnen Williams or Rashan Gary or corner Greedy Williams. Moving back in the first round may allow them to address two positions with the addition of a #2 draft choice. Maccagnan wisely retained the #1 pick this year by refusing to part with it in the move up last April in the first round. Jets moved from the 6^th overall pick to the 3^rd overall selection for three #2 selections, a month before the NFL Draft 2018. The trade closed the Bills, Dolphins and Cardinals out of the top three selections. Maccagnan put them in position for the 2^nd QB and they were pleasantly surprised to land Sam Darnold with the selection. Darnold can be the franchise QB missing for the Green for decades.

For the Best Coverage of the New York Jets go to Marty Schupak’s – www.GreenRewind.com

#4 The Jets have tons of holes to fill especially at: offensive line, edge pass rusher, wide receiver and cornerback. How do these positions rank as far as strength in this year’s draft?

There is high quality and depth along defensive line while cornerback and offensive tackles will be positions where top talent will fall quickly. OT begins to slide after the top 4-5 prospects especially on the leftside. FA is also weak at LT. Edge rushers is always a critical but dicey position and a top priority for the Jets. The top edge rushers may be tagged in FA. Prospects, Josh Allen, Montez Sweat, Jachai Polite and Brian Burns will probably fall in that order after Nick Bosa goes before the Jets 1^st round selection. I love both Allen and Sweat and think they are great fits for the Jets and rookie starters.

Wide receiver is a deep group with a few top prospects considered true #1 receivers. I like N’Keal Harry best with AJ Brown and DK Metcalf next, though none belong before the mid first round or later. Cornerback is a quality group with Greedy Williams and Deandre Baker the top two prospects who are expected to come off the board in the top selections. Corner will be a high priority for Jets especially if two FAs leave in the offseason. Greedy Williams would be an excellent fit and probably comes off the board in the top 5 picks. The corner class is deep and should see many future starters come from the middle round.

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#5 Things may change but right now, give Jets fans 3 players in each round that the Jets should consider knowing where they pick?

1st round (#3 overall) – LB Josh Allen, DT Quinnen Williams, DL Rashan Gary, CB Greedy Williams

2nd round (no pick)

3rd round (two picks, own & New Orleans)
OLB DeAndre Walker, CB Rock Ya-Sin, WR Riley Ridley, LB Germaine Pratt, CB Kendall Sheffield, RT Kaleb McGary,  OL Elgton Jenkins and RB Benny Snell.

4th round
LB Ben Banogu, OT Max Scharping, WR Emanuel Hall or DT Dontavius Russell,

5th round
DT Daylon Mack, CB Alijah Holder, DE Jonathan Ledbetter or CB David Long

6th round (no pick)

7th round
CB Sean Bunting, WR Preston Williams, OT Derwin Gray or RB Wes Hills

#6 Everyone is looking for the next Brady situation getting a steal in the late rounds. What players are teams overlooking who are slated as late round picks or un-drafted free agents?

RB Rodney Anderson of Oklahoma and OLB Porter Gustin of Southern California were rated higher but have fallen off injury concerns. If they check out medically, late steals with definite upside potential. Linemen, OT Derwin Gray of Maryland and OG Lanard Bonner of Arkansas St are falling through the cracks and both carry starting NFL grades in time. Gray is very intriguing for the outside. Wideouts DaMarkus Lodge of Mississippi and Emmanuel Butler of Northern Arizona have talent to compete for the possession receiver role. Both have size and starting talent, though need to settle into a system. Definite late steals with real upside.

#7 I am hoping that the Jets trade back with one of the teams looking for a quarterback. What do you see the chances of that happening and how do you rate this year’s QB class?

Trading back in top half of first round keeps Jets in range of top defensive players and probably earns a #2 pick. It would be a wise move. This years’ QB class is not equal to last year. Two high prospects Dwayne Haskins and Kyler Murray are only one year starters. Teams like the Jaguars, Bengals, Giants, Redskins and Dolphins are interested in moving up. Broncos appear out after the trade for Joe Flacco. Redskins hold the 15^th overall pick in first round and want to land a top QB. Jets would certainly have to get a #2 pick plus future high picks to move to middle of the round.

Raiders could be a Wild card here with three #1 picks including #4 overall plus two late #1 picks. Moving back to the Jaguars would be ironic moving from the 3^rd overall to the 6^th overall choice after doing the opposite last year to move up with the Colts to land Darnold. Maybe Jaguars Tom Coughlin is willing to part with three #2 picks like the Jets did last year. Great dream for Jet fans.

#8 Are there any division 2 or 3 players the Jets should look at?

CB Corey Ballantine of Washburn (Ks) and RB Wes Hills of Slippery Rock (Pa) are two D2 prospects I like. Both showed well at the All-star weeks and helped their cause. They both need to follow up with strong NFL Combine workouts.

#9 Do you see any players especially QBs that might have a chance at another position in the NFL?

Murray is definite wild card – QB, running back and wideout like Tyreek Hill. Limited other QBs, but maybe Eric Dungey of Syracuse could apply his athleticism to a deluxe role weapon.

#10 When do you think Kyler Murray will be picked? Round and what # pick?

Murray is a wild card. The game has changed and several teams will value him high, probable top ten pick. His size leaves a lot of questions for taking 60+ snaps a game at QB. I would have real difficulty taking him in the first round without a super plan in an offense. He came in today at over 5’10” and 207 lbs. Game is changing and he probably goes early like top 10 selections maybe higher.

Optional:Add any thoughts on the NY Jet situation and how they should proceed?

With the 3^rd overall pick, a few hot prospects will emerge and give the Jets a few options moving back in the first round. Jacksonville with 6^th overall pick is a natural landing spot, just a question of the price Maccagnan can extract from the Jaguars. That would be the best situation for Jets. At 6^th pick, they still get a blue-chip defender and probably their pick of any offensive linemen or skilled position players. Teams build on top 100 draft choices and adding a few this year could be vital to any turnaround, especially if their FA strategy lands 3 to 4 prime additions.

#11 Additional for you Frank:
What are your thoughts on the coaches that Adam Gase hired?

I really like the signing of HC Adam Gase. It wouldn’t be the first coach who failed in his first assignment. He is an excellent fit for young QB Sam Darnold and I would expect his career to take off with strong coaching from Gase. New offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains reunites with Gase after time in both Chicago and Miami. Loggains is a fine addition to staff. It is important in a few key areas, experience together and success in many respects. It’s important also that Gase does not have to coach the coaches on offense. That helps Darnold immensely.
New defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will bring his aggressive approach to the game and will give this unit a definite boost. He has made impact at several stops and can give the Jets defense new life. He does need some edge rushers and good cover man to implement his system.  He brings a tough mentality that was slipping recently despite some highly regarded prospects.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He has published draftinsiders.com for 28 years including a 250-page NFL Draft Yearbook with over 250 in-depth scouting reports. Long-time scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game and member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 25+ years. 

                                                                                               www.draftinsiders.com

Our guest host tonight is Frank Coyle. Frank is a nationally known pro football scout who publishes Draft Insiders’ Digest. In it’s 21st season, DraftInsiders.com is a website and publication dedicated to the year round coverage of NFL and NCAA Football. Frank covers the NFL Draft and Free agency extensively with a veteran scouting staff that provides insightful information on players and team potential in the coming seasons.

Frank will answer submitted Draft questions not only about how the Packers but for all NFL Teams. Have a question now? Questions were submitted on February 1st in a Chat that night.

We are ready to take your draft questions for Frank Coyle. Note: For those that cannot make the Live Chat as many questions as you want may be submitted now preceding the start of the Live Chat tonight at 9:00pm ET, 8:00pm CT. Our Chat is ‘moderated’ meaning we will be putting your questions up in random so as many fans get a turn.

Welcome everyone.
DraftInsiders.com Happy to be with Packer Chatters again
Frank Coyle
www.draftinsiders.com

Welcome back Frank to PackerChatters Live Draft Chat. Frank let us know when you are ready and we will start the questions from the fans with us tonight. Tonight’s Chat as usual will run approximately 1 hour. We will try and get to all the questions in this short time frame.

[Comment From BubbaOneBubbaOne: ]
Frank, TE’s and RB’s took advantage of Hawk and Bishop in the passing game. Which cover ILB’s could TT draft in round 3 or after? BTW- a coach who was at Ohio St when Hawk was there said at the Senior Bowl that Hawk is too big, agree?

Frank
ILB is an average group. A guy who would get early consideration would be
Dont’a Hightower of Alabama in the late first round. He is NFL ready.
Middle round guys with coverage ability would be Jerry Franklin of Arkansas
He would have limitations in the Packers scheme as a regular

[Comment From Bob C.Bob C.: ]
What players improved their stock at the Senior Bowl and who’s dropped? Thanks Frank.

Frank
TT has done a great job and value buying is always the wisest.
Picking #28 creates a multiple of situations that you must prepare for.
Trading up is always expensive.
BPA always wins in the long term. I think the Packers are looking at DB early and
often. TT usually stays with his value board. That’s why Packers are always in the Super Bowl hunt. I also like DL and an edge rusher opposit Matthews is critical.

[Comment From packerboypackerboy: ]
What three players do you think the Packers have on their radar at 28 ? Also, can Zach Brown play ROLB in Capers D ?

Frank
I say Packers needs are CB, OLB
Zach Brown is not a great fit for the 3-4 front. He is a terrific athlete but not over 235 lbs. Edge rushers are lean this year. Packers may address secondary at #28
CBs like Gilmore, Boykin. Maybe a safety like Martin
Point being Packers secondary was suspect in 2011 Woodson is entering 15th season and Collins must prove healthy. Clubs need 6 starting DB in today’s NFL game.

Comment From Bob C.
What players improved their stock at the Senior Bowl and who’s dropped? Thanks Frank.

Frank
I think players like CB Brandon Boykin, Shaun Prater & Leonard Johnson helped themseleves
I think a player like LB Melvin Ingram would be a great fit in GB
He has played both up and down on the edge and makes plays. He figures in latter first round. He had an impressive Senior Bowl
Another good fit for GB would be DL Jared Crick of Nebraska. He would be a great addition at DE in this front

[Comment From MadtorkMadtork: ]
Where is the most defensive talent late in round 1? OLB, 3/4-DE or DB?

Frank
I say DB. I am not impressed with OLB ers this year for the 3-4 scheme.
It is also one of the riskiest positions in the game. I love the CB class and feel there are 6 safeties that should go in the top 100-125 that carry solid grades.
The CB class is talented and deep. I think it will be the #1 position drafted this year again and probably the most in the first round, Top 50 and top 100 selections.

[Comment From packerboypackerboy: ]
Have you heard any news on the health of Jared Crick ? If healthy I believe he could be a STUD in the Packer D. Could the Packers get him in round 2 ? THANKS

Frank
Crick had only an average final season He was nicked up
In addition, he is a tall angular lineman who is better on the outside in a
five technique spot at end in the 3-4 front. He has the versatility to kick inside for 4 man fronts as a pass rusher. He would be a great fit for the Packers
Currently, he figures to go in the late first / early 2nd round. if healthy
His NFL Combine performance is huge.

[Comment From RedtRedt: ]
Which of these guys will most likely be available with #28; Upshaw, Barron, Ingram & Perry. Also, what rounds for Shea Mclellin, j. Crick, LaMichael James & Chris Rainey, thanks.

Frank
Barron is a top 15-20 selection.
Upshaw is well respected and probably a top 20 guy.
Ingram and Perry probably go beyond top 20. I think the 3-4 clubs like Ingram best while DE Perry is best suited for weakside end in a 4-3 front.
LB Shea McClellin is a possible 3rd round selection. Best at OLB in 3-4 scheme.
Good fit in GB
Crick late first /early 2nd RB James is 2nd-3rd round according to workout and health. Chris Rainey is a 3rd day guy 4th-5th round area.

[Comment From Uncle JoshUncle Josh: ]
Should the Packers overpay for an over-30 Scott Wells or draft Peter Konz at 28(if available)?

Frank
Wells has done well for Packers. He is only 31 years old. I say they resign him.
Konz is the #1 center and figures late first /early 2nd. Teams like Ravens, Patriots and possibly Packers would be nice fits.

[Comment From bobbob: ]
Good evening. my question tonight for frank is this. given the glaring weakness at the safety position with n.collins being lost what are your thoughts on m.martin(ok st), a.allen(s.car), and h.smith(n.d.).i’ve seen allen a bunch and think he’s a nice player. i haven’t seen the other 2. do you think they can fit the packer’s system and what rounds do you see them going in. thanks a lot.

Frank
Safety is a key spot in GB
Martin and Allen are more strong safeties Both hit and tackle.
Coverage is OK
Harrison Smith is a kid I like. He shows better coverage skills than most safeties
He probably goes in the 3rd round area. The safety spot is not as deep as corner and has become critical with all the nickel and dime packages. Safeties who can cover are gold.
Aaron Henry of Wisconsin is a prospect to watch especially his ability to run and his positional workout. I think this kid could surprise.

[Comment From John KayJohn Kay: ]
Frank, most of us fans focus on the physical side yet it’s probably less than half the equation. TT takes into account character, football IQ, drive, etc. Which defensive players projected to go in the first few rounds will TT dismiss out of hand b/c of these issues?

Frank
I think football IQ is so critical. Players that are hungry is vital to a locker room
Things happen over the course of the season and players that can reach down and play thru problems, injuries and never lose sight of the goal are the guys you must find in the scouting process.
DE Coples had a great Senior bowl but suspect senior season
That’s a red flag even though he could go in the top ten selections.
One thing to consider is that the process is ongoing.
NFL Combine will answer many questions via interviews.
DE Branch of Clemson has top talent but inconsistent motor.

[Comment From Jacob LJacob L: ]
If a ILB is BPA do you think Tedy may take one? A player that can cover will free up the Safetys to ball hawk and OLB to blitz. Hawk could be upgraded, do you agree?

Frank
Hawk is an average starter. That’s why I think a player on the GB short list
is LB Dont;a Hightower of Alabama. Great fit here. Physical and an every down defender.
The BC backer Luke Kuechly is a top 15 guy.
James-Michael Johnson of Nevada is a name to remember. Good ILB for 3-4 set.

To Continue Chat Transcript Go to Next Page

[Comment From Badgermaniac58Badgermaniac58: ]
Where do you think Nick Perry will go? He seems to be perfect for Packs needs.

Frank
Perry is a big edge rusher and will be in demand by all 32 clubs.
Any move to playing up for the 3-4 set is risky.
I think the 4-3 clubs will select him in the top 20.
Teams like Tenn, Cinnym Philly and Seahawks would have him high on their first round list. Edge rushers are gold
That’s why the GMen are in the Super Bowl. They make a difference .
But Packers fans know that after the NFC title game.

[Comment From CWood21CWood21: ]
Given that Nick Perry and Courtney Upshaw are on the board, which one do you go with disregarding the rest of the team around you?

Frank
Upshaw has played more in both sets up and down
He is best suited for playing up on the strongside Great fit opposite Matthews.
Perry has huge upside but there is a critical learning curve to playing up
Remember Vernon Gholston from Ohio St and Aaron Maybin from Penn St.
Both were 1st round disasters.
For early contribution it is Upshaw. Hands down. Though Perry has more pass rushing big play potential.

[Comment From DanDan: ]
What would it take to trade up and draft Nick Perry? We need explosive rushers, just look at the Giants.

Frank
Trading up is not cheap. I think moving up like 10-12 spots from the #29 position might cost a #2 pick High price.
Player must be an impact player at that price.
If I am TT I sit at #28 and take LB Upshaw or highest rated DB on my board.

[Comment From SteveSteve: ]
Frank, Where do you see Michael Brockers being drafted? Is he a better fit in a 4-3 or 3-4? Thanks very much.

Frank – DraftInsiders Free Email
DL Brockers is an awesome prospect
He played inside in a 4-3 set. I think he is a great end in the 3-4 set.
This kid has enormous upside and capable of being a dominant NFL lineman.
He is truly scheme diverse and gives a DC lots of options on a number of situations. Brocker would be an awesome pick for GB.

[Comment From BudBud: ]
Do you think the Packers will go after a RB? What round? And who do you think they may target? Thanks Frank.

Frank
RB is a good deep group.
The position has been downgraded due to the NFL passing game and the durability and short NFL life expectancy for the position.
TT got James Starks on the 6th round in 2010. He was my #1 sleeper at running back that year. I think there will be good RB in the middle rounds and possibly the 3rd day of the NFL Draft. It is probably not a Top 4 positional priority in GB

[Comment From BubbaOneBubbaOne: ]
You had Gilmore going to the Packers in your Jan 4th mock draft. Do you still like him at 28th. He’s being compared to Woodson. His physicality, length, and lack of top speed suggests may be he could play safety. Your thoughts?

Frank
Gilmore faces a critical NFL Combine. He is a very good young player with some inconsistencies. I just feel that TT will address the secondary with two additions and both probably early like in the top 100 picks.
The draft will dictate who and when but I would be surprised if they don’t address secondary.
Top GB needs – CB, DL, S, LB, OL, RB

[Comment From packerboypackerboy: ]
Will Fletcher Cox last until pick 28? Does he fit the Packer D at DE ?

Frank
Good question. DL Cox is another scheme diverse kid.
Played mainly inside in 4-3 set. Good fit for end in the 3-4 front.
He has to be a guy on TT short list for the #28 selection.
He figures in the latter first round and is a very good prospect.

[Comment From MadtorkMadtork: ]
How far will Dre Kilpatrick fall? What other “size” dbs do you see in later rounds?

Frank Coyle
Krrkpatrick needs big NFL Combine especially the interviews to dispel off the field concerns.
Josh Norman – 6-1, 190 Carolina Coastal is a fast rising prospect that probably moved into the top 100 and possibly top 75 off a strong EW week.
Trumaine Johnson 6-2, 205 Montana is a small college kid to watch in workouts. He has starting NFL talent. Played CB in college, possibly a starting NFL safety.

Last question for Frank tonight goes to BubbaOne.

[Comment From BubbaOneBubbaOne: ]
My contention is playmakers win you championships. This year’s D was missing 2 (Jenkins and Collins) and 2 others (Raji and Williams) had sub par years. There’s a lot of fine players but who do you see as difference makers at DE? at OLB? at CB? at Safety?

Frank
Players in the top 3 rounds
DE would be Cox, Brockers, Crick
LB Courtney Upshaw 6-2, 265 Alabama
Vontaze Burfict of Arizona St ,
CB Gilmore, Boykin, Chase Minnifield 5-11, 185 Virginia

This concludes tonight’s Draft Chat and we thank Frank for taking the time to be with us again this year. Be sure to stop by DraftInsiders.com and check out the great NFL/Draft information offered.

Thanks to all for coming with your Draft questions and to Frank for his great responses.

DraftInsiders.com Packer Chatters

Great to be with you again.
Frank Coyle
www.draftinsiders.com
1-800-776-1949

Thanks Frank….great information.