The New York Jets are riding high after the Aaron Rodgers trade. Many wondered what they would do at pick number 15 in the NFL draft. Would they stick it to the Packers and draft a wide receiver? What would they add around Rodgers? The answer turned out to be what Rodgers was used to in Green Bay. The Jets took Will McDonald IV out of Iowa State which was a shock to some as he was ranked further down many boards. New York Jets coach Robert Saleh explained the reason for the pick.
New York Jets Coach Robert Saleh Explains Pick
The first reason really isn’t surprising. Saleh is a defensive guy and loves defensive players. The second part of the pick Robert Saleh explained in a post-draft interview.
“You know how we play [on defense], we come at you in waves,” Saleh said. “We dress 10 guys on gameday [at linebacker]. With Aaron here, hopefully we’re playing with a few more leads.”
With Rodgers, the Jets are hoping to be playing with more leads. When a team is in the lead, opposing teams get into passing situations. Pass-rushers love this as they can pin their ears back and go after the quarterback without the threat of a run play. The biggest issue with that is having pass-rushers who are fresh and ready to go. McDonald IV gives them depth at the position to always have fresh bodies late in games.
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Was This A Reach?
I don’t think many people hated the player just where he was chosen. 15 is a premium pick for a player that comes into the league with many questions about his game. He needs to develop more moves and polish his skills. However, with the amount of depth the Jets have, he will be able to learn quickly. Ultimately, no pick is a reach if it works out. Also, because the Jets gave up one of their second-round picks, they may have been worried about the availability of McDonald IV later in the draft.
New York Jets coach Robert Saleh is hoping to be playing with a lot of leads this season. The offense will unquestionably be better this season under Rodgers. Will it be enough to push them into contention in the AFC?
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