Dee Milliner (27) returns his first career interception during the second half of a game against the Cleveland Browns. (Dec. 22, 2013) Credit: Lee S. Weissman
John Idzik had a decent draft in 2013, but Jets fans are hoping the second-year GM hits the jackpot in the early rounds this year. The 2013 recap:
FIRST ROUND
Dee Milliner
Cornerback, ninth overall
Grade: C-
Milliner showed flashes down the stretch, finishing the season as the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Month. Offseason surgery and a contract impasse slowed his progress out of the gate, and he often looked lost on the field. Milliner has the potential to be good, but the jury's still out on the former Alabama standout.
Sheldon Richardson
Defensive end, 13th overall
Grade: A+
Luckily for the Missouri product, his play matches his outspokenness. Richardson made an immediate impact and quickly emerged as a star on Rex Ryan's line, earning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
SECOND ROUND
Geno Smith
Quarterback, 39th overall
Grade: B-
Smith's seesaw season was to be expected, considering the team's lack of offensive weapons. But despite a roller-coaster first year, Smith seems to have earned the trust of his teammates and the coaching staff. Even free-agent acquisition Michael Vick seems to know that, as of now, this is Smith's offense.
THIRD ROUND
Brian Winters
Guard, 72nd overall
Grade: C
Winters supplanted Vladimir Ducasse as the starter early in the season, but he struggled at times. Having another training camp under his belt should help, but it's still unclear if Winters is the long-term answer at left guard.
