The New York Jets, who haven't done too many things right over the past decade, found themselves in an unusual position near the conclusion of the NFL draft on Saturday.
On the receiving end of praise.
Robert Saleh shrugged it off.
During his time as an assistant coach for the Seattle Seahawks, he said that they got a D in places where they were universally mocked.
It doesn't matter. These young men need to be developed. They have to perform. We will know in about three years.
Four of the top 36 picks were taken by the Jets. They used their original first-round picks on Cincinnati corner Ahmad Sauce and Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and then traded into the bottom of the first round to pick Florida State defensive end Jermaine Johnson II. Iowa State traded up in the second round to get Hall.
The best players at their positions were identified asGardner, Wilson and Hall.
The general manager accumulated extra draft capital by trading safety Jamal Adams and quarterback Sam Darnold. He said the Jets had an opportunity to do something special.
Douglas didn't want to call it that when it was over, but he was happy.
A few things have gone our way in the draft, but we also made the most of our opportunities in adding quality players, said Douglas, who completed his third draft as the GM.
I feel like the last two years have gone our way, and we are making the most of our opportunities, even though the draft never goes perfectly.
The Jets have been out of the playoffs for 11 straight seasons, the longest active streak in the league.
The Jets added a tight end in the third round and a tackle and a defensive end in the fourth round. After trades that allowed them to move up for Johnson and Hall, they ended up with seven selections.
One question that remains is the status of 2020 first-round pick Mekhi Becton, who is coming off knee surgery and is not participating in the offseason program. There has been a lot of speculation about him. He has dealt with weight issues and was lobbying to rejoin the team.
The offensive tackle is working his tail off in Dallas. There are tabs on him. We know where he is and what he is doing.
"We would love to have you back here, buddy," he said as he looked at the TV camera. We will take care of you.
At the end of the season, Saleh said that he would have to compete with George Fant for the left tackle job. He was evasive when asked if they could move him to the right tackle.
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