Jets will use 6th sense to make pick
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The final calculations are in, and for the third time in the last four seasons, the Jets will pick sixth in the draft. With a 26-6 loss to the Patriots Sunday at Gillette Stadium, the Jets finished 5-11 for the second straight season. They edged out the Bucs and Bears, who also went 5-11 but played stronger schedules and therefore lost the tiebreaker to Gang Green.
Ahead of the Jets, the draft order is as follows: 1. Browns (0-16), 2. Giants (3-13), 3. Colts (4-12), 4. Browns (via Texans, 4-12), 5. Broncos (5-11)
The Browns, Giants and Broncos could all take quarterbacks, meaning the Jets will likely have to trade up to select one of the top three prospects — USC’s Sam Darnold, UCLA’s Josh Rosen and Wyoming’s Josh Allen. The Colts, with Andrew Luck as their starter, are a tantalizing trade partner for general manager Mike Maccagnan, if he opts to draft a quarterback with his top pick.
The Jets, of course, could also bring in a quarterback from elsewhere, either through free agency or trade. Kirk Cousins is a free agent, and Alex Smith could be available for the right price.
The Jets picked sixth in 2015 and selected defensive lineman Leonard Williams. They also picked sixth last year and took safety Jamal Adams.
FINALLY, NO MO ENEMY EMBRACE
After the final seconds ticked off the clock Sunday at Gillette Stadium, and the Jets’ 2017 season ended, Adams sprinted across the field and made sure to get a word with Tom Brady.
“I really wanted to trade jerseys with him,” the Jets rookie safety said. “But I didn’t really want to ask.”
Adams wished to pay his respects to “the GOAT,” as he called Brady. The two chatted for a brief moment before embracing and heading to their respective locker rooms.
“I look up to Brady, man, since I’ve played football, just watching him. He’s a true professional,” Adams said.
Adams played one of his better games of the season Sunday — a redemption of sorts from the last time he faced the Patriots and tight end Rob Gronkowski. In the first meeting between the teams in October at MetLife Stadium, Gronkowski beat Adams for two touchdowns. On Sunday, Gronkowski wasn’t even targeted. He finished without a catch for the first time this season.
Defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson was a healthy scratch Sunday for what will be his final game as a member of the Jets.
Wilkerson, whom the Jets will cut in the offseason to save $11 million in cap space, declined an interview request after the loss through a team spokesman.
MAYE HE GET BETTER SOON
Rookie safety Marcus Maye left Sunday’s game with a a high ankle sprain. He had a walking boot on his right foot in the locker room following the loss.
Wide receiver Robby Anderson was diagnosed with a concussion after sustaining a cheap hit from Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore in the third quarter.