Close Article Return to stream X
NFL •

Predicting the Impact of Every New York Jets 2015 Draft Pick

+Read full article

Predicting the Impact of Every New York Jets 2015 Draft Pick

NFL Draft
Getty Images

With the New York Jets having so much room to make up in the AFC East, they're going to need all the help they can get from their young players. The Jets selected just six players in the 2015 NFL Draft, but they're going to need to get considerable production from those selections. Here is a look at the kind of impact the Jets can expect from their six draft picks.

Leonard Williams - First Round

leonard williams
Getty Images

Leonard Williams - First Round

leonard williams
Getty Images

Williams was the best defensive player in the draft, giving New York an easy decision when he was available sixth overall. There should be little doubt that Williams will be ready to contribute as a rookie, but he does play the same position as Muhammad Wilkerson. Being on the depth chart behind Wilkerson could limit the chances Williams gets to make an impact, potentially limiting how much Williams improves the Jets' defense.

Devin Smith - Second Round

Devin Smith Ohio State
Greg Bartram - USATODAY Sports

Devin Smith - Second Round

Devin Smith Ohio State
Greg Bartram - USATODAY Sports

Smith has a good chance to make an instant impact for a Jets' offense that needed help at receiver, even after acquiring Brandon Marshall earlier this offseason. Smith has a great deal of speed that should help the Jets stretch the field vertically. Even if his production isn't great, having the threat of Smith's speed on the field should help to open up space for Marshall and Eric Decker.

Lorenzo Mauldin - Third Round

Lorenzo Mauldin Louisville
Getty Images

Lorenzo Mauldin - Third Round

Lorenzo Mauldin Louisville
Getty Images

The Jets were in need of additional pass rushers, and Mauldin will help to solve that issue. Mauldin's non-stop motor will be a welcome addition to the New York defense, so he will have some kind of impact. The aging Calvin Pace had just five sacks last season, giving Mauldin ample opportunity to take playing time away from the veteran, so his role on the Jets' defense could grow as the season goes on if Mauldin can get after the quarterback.

Bryce Petty - Fourth Round

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic - Michigan State v Baylor
Getty Images

Bryce Petty - Fourth Round

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic - Michigan State v Baylor
Getty Images

At the moment, the quarterback competition in New York appears to be limited to Geno Smith and Ryan Fitzpatrick, but there's a realistic chance that Petty can become a factor at some point in 2015. There's not a lot of fan support for Smith, so his leash may be short, and Fitzpatrck doesn't have a great track record as a starter. Petty has the arm strength, so if he shows he can learn the playbook, he may get his chance at some point.

Jarvis Harrison - Fifth Round

Jarvis Harrison
Getty Images

Jarvis Harrison - Fifth Round

Jarvis Harrison
Getty Images

The Jets shouldn't expect to get much out of Harrison for the foreseeable future. He has good size and surprising mobility, but he's going to need some time to develop before he's ready to see the field in an NFL game. Harrison's impact with the Jets will likely be as a practice player as he tries to work his way onto the depth chart.

Deon Simon - Seventh Round

Deon Simon Northwestern State
Robert Leifheit - USATODAY Sports

Deon Simon - Seventh Round

Deon Simon Northwestern State
Robert Leifheit - USATODAY Sports

Simon has battled injuries in college, but if he can stay healthy he has a chance to turn into a solid rotational player along the New York defensive line. He has the size to handle the nose tackle position in a 3-4, but competition is stiff on the Jets' defensive line, which could make it difficult Simon to carve out a significant role; that is, if he's able to make the 53-man roster.

Bryan Zarpentine is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
Your Favorites