Rex Ryan created a bit of a stir this week when he gave the Jets rookie class an “A-plus.”
Ryan’s logic is that they have had five rookie starters this season — with cornerback Dee Milliner, defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson, quarterback Geno Smith, guard Brian Winters and fullback Tommy Bohanon starting most of their games.
But is that really the way to evaluate these rookies? Ryan said he doubted any other team in the league had five rookie starters. The Patriots started six rookies twice this season, and the Buccaneers have started five, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
The Post asked a league executive to evaluate the Jets’ rookie class and what he thought of Ryan’s proclamation that this is one of the “best classes I’ve ever seen.”
“Well, in theory, if he’s using the logic in regards to play time, well yes, those rookies are playing,” the league executive said. “How they are playing is another question entirely.”
The executive took the picks one-by-one, starting with Milliner, drafted ninth overall: “Milliner, in the moment, is struggling, has physical talent but is not playing up to his draft status, and if I were in the Jets camp, I would have some pause and concern. I would hope for rookie-season learning experience.”
On Richardson, drafted 13th overall: “Richardson was the best pick of their draft and should be a three-down mainstay for years to come.”
On Smith, the team’s second-round pick: “Geno Smith is struggling. A futures player, likely not ready to be starter today but potential starter in time. However, jury is out, and he’s still a long-term question mark. He is depreciating in his performance in the moment, and certainly impacting their wins and losses.”
On Winters, the team’s third-round pick: “Winters is starting, but having his struggles on the offensive line, and there is exposure there. I think he has a chance to be OK in the long run, but it’s too much, too fast in the moment, and he’s the fifth-best lineman they have in their starting group.”
On Oday Aboushi and Will Campbell, the team’s fifth- and sixth-round picks, who have both been inactive for every game: “Aboushi and Campbell are redshirts, and getting no game day, active roster value or special teams contributions from their fifth and sixth draft selections. Both are developmental.”
On Bohanon, the team’s seventh-round pick: “Bohanon is just an ordinary talent at fullback. He’s a dime a dozen, role-playing contributor, jack of all trades and master of none.”
There were not many highlights for the Jets in last week’s loss to the Dolphins. But CB Darrin Walls made an outstanding tackle on a punt. Walls has put together a nice season on special teams and as a backup corner.
“Darrin has done a lot of good things for us, I really like him in his blocking roles,” special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica said. “He’s helped us on kickoff return, he’s playing the tackle spot for us there. He’s done a nice job on punt return at the corner spot. The play he made on Sunday was tremendous.”