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2015 NFL Draft Grades for New York Jets

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2015 NFL Draft Grades for New York Jets

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The 2015 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and the New York Jets have to pleased with their haul. New general manager Mike Maccagnan stuck to his word and targeted who he believed was the best player available, and the team didn't make any rash trades to try to solve their quarterback problem. The Jets ended up coming away with six new players, so let's look at the grades for each selection.

1st Round, No. 6 overall: DE Leonard Williams, USC

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1st Round, No. 6 overall: DE Leonard Williams, USC

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Grade: A-

Williams was considered the best player in the draft by most, and when he slid to No. 6 overall the Jets did the sensible thing and brought him on board. I knock this pick just a bit for not addressing a need, and I would have preferred to see the Jets trade down here. However, you need a willing partner and a good deal for that, and lacking those you certainly can't argue the logic of taking the best player available.

2nd Round, No. 37 overall: WR Devin Smith, Ohio State

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2nd Round, No. 37 overall: WR Devin Smith, Ohio State

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Grade: B+

Receiver was not a huge need for the Jets, but it's hard to argue the choice of Smith. I would have preferred the team take Randy Gregory in this spot, but the Jets don't have anyone to stretch the field and Smith was arguably the best deep threat in the draft. He needs work on his route running and probably won't play a big role as a rookie, but long term Smith should prove to be a very nice addition on the outside for the Jets.

3rd Round, No. 82 overall: OLB Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville

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3rd Round, No. 82 overall: OLB Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville

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Grade: A-

The Jets finally got an edge rusher in the third round, though Mauldin is not the pure speed rusher many thought the team would look for. What Mauldin is, however, is an extremely high character, hard-working individual who should develop into a well-rounded player. He'll back up Calvin Pace for now, but that job will be Mauldin's sooner rather than later.

4th Round, No. 103 overall: QB Bryce Petty, Baylor

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4th Round, No. 103 overall: QB Bryce Petty, Baylor

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Grade: B+

The Jets moved up to grab a quarterback in the fourth, choosing the intriguing Petty. Petty's has great size, mental makeup, and arm talent, but I'm not sure he's ever taken an in-game snap under center in his life. Best case scenario, Petty makes the adjustment to an NFL offense and is the Jets' starting QB next year. Worst case scenario, he should be a solid long-term backup, which is fine for a fourth rounder.

5th Round, No. 152 overall: G Jarvis Harrison, Texas A&M

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5th Round, No. 152 overall: G Jarvis Harrison, Texas A&M

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Grade: B

I actually like this pick quite a bit in terms of talent and value, and Harrison should compete for the starting right guard job as a rookie. However, there are big questions about his motor and work ethic, and he'll need to clean that up to succeed. Additionally, the Jets did nothing to address to their huge need for depth at tackle, and Harrison adds to a glut of young guards on the roster.

7th Round, No. 223 overall: DT Deon Simon, Northwestern State

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7th Round, No. 223 overall: DT Deon Simon, Northwestern State

deon simon jets
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: B-

The Jets went for a space eating nose tackle with their last pick, and Simon will give them a little depth behind Damon Harrison and T.J. Barnes. There are some health concerns with Simon, and he will be a 25 year old rookie. He looks headed to the practice squad for now, but Simon could actually provide some solid depth next year, when there is a good chance Harrison will be gone.

Greg Sulik is a writer for RantSports.
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