Jets owner Woody Johnson told reporters this week that his team would supply quarterback Geno Smith with "some weapons" in the draft. The team began that process with its second-round pick.
Ohio State wide receiver Devin Smith was selected with the 37th overall pick on Friday at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago. Smith is a dangerous vertical threat who deepens a wideout group already improved by the addition of Brandon Marshall.
Smith was a big-play machine for the national champion Buckeyes, averaging an eye-popping 28.2 yards per reception last season. NFL Media's Mike Mayock believes Smith tracks the deep ball better than any player in recent memory, while NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah cited Mike Wallace as a receiver with a similar skill-set.
The Jets had the worst-passing offense in the league last season, averaging just 184.1 yards per game. Smith is the first wide receiver the Jets have taken in the second round since Stephen Hill, a notable bust for the team in the Rex Ryan era. He's also the first OSU player taken by the team since Vernon Gholston, who may hold the title as the franchise's biggest draft bust.
Of course, that means exactly nothing to the current-day Jets. Smith's ability to take the top off defenses should nicely compliment the games of Marshall, Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley. After stud defensive tackle Leonard Williams fell into their lap on Thursday night, the Jets make a pick that addresses a specific need.
General manager Mike Maccagnan is off to a nice start in his maiden draft.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast recaps the first round of the NFL Draft. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.