As the Jets enter the final two months of the season, they are counting on a number of players they have drafted in the last few years.
The Post spoke with ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay about evaluating how the Jets have done in recent drafts. It is unfair to look at the 2011 class yet, but McShay talked about how the Jets classes from 2008-10 look right now.
“Let’s be honest,” McShay said, “it’s all going to hinge on where Mark Sanchez goes from here — what they gave away that draft in 2009 and kind of where they can go as a team if he becomes what they hope he can become.”
The Jets traded three players and two draft picks to the Browns to get the No. 5 pick in 2009, which they used to take Sanchez, who has led the Jets to two AFC title game appearances but has been inconsistent.
“At times this year it looks like he’s making some strides,” McShay said. “I don’t think overall the Jets fans are excited about the whole picture. At this point you’d like to see him start creeping up into the first half of the league’s quarterbacks.”
The Jets have only one player left from the 2008 draft — first-round pick Dustin Keller. Vernon Gholston, taken with the sixth overall pick, will go down as one of the worst picks in franchise — and maybe NFL — history.
“In 2008, they failed that draft,” McShay said. “In 2009, they took a big chance and we still don’t know if it’s going to work out. That really is going to define this whole front office. If Mark Sanchez doesn’t get any better than this, it’s hard to see them going to take that next step.”
The 2010 draft class features two players that have drawn a lot of criticism from fans and media. McShay believes first-rounder Kyle Wilson has shown signs this year that he will become a starting cornerback in the league.
Offensive lineman Vlad Ducasse, taken in the second round, has looked lost during his brief playing time this season. McShay preaches patience.
“I thought the expectations were off wanting him to contribute early on,” McShay said.