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New York Jets' 2017 draft class: Kiper's grades, McShay's best pick, more

The 2017 NFL draft is over, and it's time to review how your favorite team fared. Where did it reach? Did it get a potential steal in Round 5? Is there a bust waiting to happen?

ESPN Insider's draft experts break down each draft class, starting with Mel Kiper Jr.'s grade, Todd McShay's favorite pick, and Scouts Inc.'s analysis on how each player fits into his new team.


New York Jets

Mel Kiper's Draft Grade: B+

Kiper: New York didn't address its top two needs -- QB and OT -- with this class, but here's why I'm not faulting the strategy: The Jets clearly went best-player-available throughout the class, and they didn't reach. That's hugely important for a team with one of the worst all-around rosters in the league. So while I don't think their quarterback of the future is on their roster, I can't knock not seeing the value in taking a developmental signal-caller when Christian Hackenberg is already that guy. And in one of the worst offensive line classes in recent history, they didn't try to get a raw prospect in the middle rounds. They stuck to their board, and I can respect that.

Jamal Adams is simply a fantastic player and value at No. 6 overall, and Marcus Maye at the top of the second round is right where I thought he'd go. This puts the roster spots of Calvin Pryor and Marcus Gilchrist in tenuous positions, but New York is at least willing to see its flaws and try to correct them. ArDarius Stewart, Chad Hansen and Jordan Leggett all should help the passing game -- and whoever's throwing them the ball. Leggett, in particular, could be a starter when the season begins.

Credit general manager Mike Maccagnan, too, for trading down and acquiring extra picks four times, and picking up an extra fifth-round pick in 2018. He knows the roster's deficient, and this isn't a one-year fix.


Todd McShay's favorite pick

Jamal Adams, S, LSU (pick No. 6)

The Jets were the biggest beneficiary of a wacky top 10 picks, as Adams (our No. 2 overall player) fell into their laps at the sixth overall pick. Adams is one of the few culture-changing players in this draft, and that's exactly what the Jets need on defense. He has the highest floor of any player in the draft and is ready to be a big-time contributor in New York from Day 1.

Scouts Inc. on 2017 class

1 (6) Jamal Adams, S, LSU | Highlights

What he brings: A naturally instinctive and versatile safety, Adams is physical in run support and has excellent athleticism in coverage. He plays fast and with infectious passion on the field while his maturity and leadership make him one of the more NFL-ready prospects in the class. -- Kevin Weidl

How he fits: In a similar situation to Leonard Williams (No. 6 overall pick in 2015), the Jets take advantage of another top talent falling to them at the same spot. Adams is one of the most NFL-ready prospects in this draft. He is an instinctive, versatile and physical safety who should thrive in Todd Bowles' aggressive defense. -- Kevin Weidl


2 (7) Marcus Maye, S, Florida | Highlights

What he brings: An instinctive and versatile safety, Maye is a reliable run defender with the range, length and athleticism to hold up in coverage. He's not as effective turning and running as he is facing the line of scrimmage. -- Steve Muench

How he fits: The Jets continue to shore up the middle of the back end of their defense by taking another safety in Maye. With a roster that lacked talent, New York adds a pair of young studs in the back who can grow together in Maye and Jamal Adams. -- Kevin Weidl


3 (15) ArDarius Stewart, WR, Alabama | Highlights

What he brings: Stewart is a tough competitor with the burst, determination and top-end speed to produce after the catch and potentially return kickoffs in the NFL. He's a natural pass-catcher who has above-average body control and good length for his frame. -- Steve Muench

How he fits: Stewart helps ease the loss of Brandon Marshall, who is now with the New York Giants. Stewart adds another young target next to Robby Anderson, who flashed as a rookie. Stewart has the ability to line up inside and outside the hashes. -- Kevin Weidl


4 (35) Chad Hansen, WR, California

What he brings: Hansen, an Idaho transfer, is a polished route runner with quality hands and the toughness to potentially develop into an adequate third or fourth receiver on a NFL roster. -- Kevin Weidl


5 (6) Jordan Leggett, TE, Clemson | Highlights

What he brings: Leggett is an underrated receiver with enough speed to produce after the catch and make plays down the seam. He needs to get stronger and play with better technique, but he has the frame and length to develop into an effective inline blocker. -- Steve Muench

How he fits: Jets tight ends had a combined NFL-low 18 catches for 173 yards and no touchdowns last year. Leggett is an excellent value pick at this point in the draft. -- Steve Muench


5 (38) Dylan Donahue, DE, West Georgia

What he brings: Donahue is a relentless pass-rusher with good top-end speed. He dominated Division II competition on tape but his frame, the level of competition he faced and questions concerning his position fit are all concerns. -- Steve Muench


6 (4) Elijah McGuire, RB, Louisiana Lafayette

What he brings: McGuire's quickness and balance give him the upside to develop into a versatile complementary back. But he comes with some durability concerns. His ability to stay healthy will play a big part in determining whether succeeds in the NFL. -- Kevin Weidl


6 (13) Jeremy Clark, CB, Michigan

What he brings: Clark is coming off a torn ACL and needs to be more aggressive in run support, but he has good length and straight-line speed. He also has experience at corner, free safety and nickelback. -- Steve Muench


6 (20) Derrick Jones, CB, Ole Miss

What he brings: Jones is a converted wide receiver who switched over to cornerback this past season. He is still learning the nuances of the position but has developmental upside due to his length, athleticism and ball skills. -- Kevin Weidl