2003 Draft

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

The Jets had a solid (B) draft made better by landing the most dominate defensive player in the draft in Gholston.  The Jets' needs were minimized going into this draft by an active and effective NFL free agent period.

DRAFT PICKS

Gholston was the best player in this draft.  There, I said (wrote) it!  He will be a double-digit sack guy who defenses have to game plan for and account for on every play.  Even if McAlister fell to them, I would have drafted this athletic marvel.

As a tight end, Keller is a bulked-up wide receiver.  What impresses me most about him is not his speed to get deep (which he has), but his quickness and cutting ability.  He will have to be defended using zones or corners; safeties and linebackers won't stand a chance.  As far as blocking goes, he is undersized, but very strong.

While the Jets drafted Lowery as a corner, I believe his best NFL position will be free safety.  His speed and quickness are only average at corner, but are fine at safety.  One reason why I like Lowery at free safety is that he plays the ball very, very well.  He had 13 interceptions in two years at San Jose State.  I happen to like his potential at free safety better than the incumbent starter Elam.

Ainge is an accurate rhythm passer.  His long term potential is as a backup.  I guess he is on hand to pick up the pieces in case the Jets dump the loser of the Pennington/Clemens battle next year. 

Henry was a big play receiver for Kansas averaging almost 19 yards a reception and catching 10 touchdown passes.  However, his speed and quickness to do project to him being a big-play receiver in the NFL.  But the game isn't played using stop watches.  Worst case, he should develop into a reliable possession receiver.

Garner is a big kid with good strength but limited athletic ability.  I'm not sure if he'll show enough to be kept on the practice squad, although he is such a big kid you'd think the Jets would give him some time.

COLLEGE STREET FREE AGENTS

Caulcrick is a fullback who would prefer to be a running back.  To make it in the NFL, he will have to embrace the fullback position and become a better blocker.  If he does, he just may get some goal line carries and touchdowns.

Mattison was a smart signing by both the Jets and the kid himself.  He is ideal for a 3-4 end and could have a nice career as a backup and rotation player at that spot.

Woodhead will be fun to watch.  He is small, but strong and fast.  He should have some big plays in early exhibition games.  with another team he could win a spot as a return man.  However, the Jets already have their undersized runner/return man in Washington.  Still, Woodhead could land on the practice squad and be called up by some team as a return man as injuries hit during the regular season.

Zenon is another interesting player.  He is a smart corner with better speed and athleticism than advertised, but needs to add bulk.  This is another kid that may make plays in early preseason games and earn a spot on the Jets' practice squad where they give him lots of junk food and weight room work.