Updating New York Jets' 1st-Round Big Board Post-Combine

When the New York Jets put together their big board for the 2015 NFL draft, they will compile hundreds of prospects and grade them based on their film evaluation, meetings and any other information they have gathered on these prospects.

If we had that kind of time, we'd probably take up work as an NFL scout.

Each pick is important, but when it comes to rebuilding a franchise with as many weaknesses at the Jets currently have, it's important to get it right with the first-round pick, particularly when it is a top-10 selection. Sure, it's not quite the hamstring it once was, now that the rookie wage scale is in place from the 2011 collective bargaining agreement, but when a team has the pick of the litter, it should be able to find a quality prospect.

So, let's keep the focus on the first round as we take a look at the Jets' big board post-2015 scouting combine.

5. Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

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Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper was not present on the first big board, and while he didn't post otherworldly numbers at the scouting combine, his appearance on the updated big board affords more variety than the previous one from a positional perspective.

The Alabama wideout ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, a 6.71-second three-cone drill and a 3.98-second 20-yard shuttle, all of which ranked among the top 10 wide receivers at the scouting combine. There are some concerns over his inability to shield defenders from the ball, and a 33" vertical jump will not quell those concerns, but he showed off the quickness to run just about any route, and while his 40-yard dash time was not sonic speed, it was fast enough.

Basically, his workout confirmed what scouts already thought.

"Amari is super athletic, very fluid and highly skilled as a route-runner and hands catcher," former NFL general manager Phil Savage said about Cooper to NFL.com's Lance Zierlein. "Because of his reserved demeanor and similar ability, I compared him to Marvin Harrison during the season."

4. Shane Ray, DE, Missouri

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Most NFL draft prospects would rather be remembered for their performances on a football field than their workouts at the scouting combine. Missouri defensive end Shane Ray has nothing to worry about, as he barely worked out at the combine, performing only the 225-pound bench press (21 reps) due to a foot injury.

Ray's stock was already strong, though, and he is considered a lock for a selection in the top half of the first round. The Missouri product notched 22.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks as a junior, proving that he is an "explosive athlete in every sense" as NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote.

The Jets have needed a young pass-rushing prospect to bolster their defense for years and have passed on those opportunities in favor of 5-technique defensive ends who can plug their gaps and create pressure in the middle. This year, the Jets have plenty of opportunities to use a high pick and dramatically improve their pass rush.

Ray is the most attractive of those options.

3. Brandon Scherff, OL, Iowa

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Iowa offensive lineman Brandon Scherff already had great draft stock before the scouting combine, and while you don't necessarily measure a lineman by his 40-yard dash time, he improved his stock with a good finish.

Scherff finished at 5.05 seconds, the fourth-fastest among offensive linemen, and measuring in at 6'5" and 319 pounds with 33.375" arms didn't hurt either. The Jets are more in need of interior linemen than offensive tackles, but Scherff projects in both roles, according to NFL.com's Lance Zierlein:

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Like former Hawkeye Riley Reiff, Scherff has measurables and traits to play tackle in the league but might be better suited to play guard. More powerful than explosive, Reiff is not a scheme-specific talent and can maul or move in run game. Road-grader with pancake-man potential, but has holes in his pass protection that will be exposed on the next level—especially at tackle.

"

Jets fans may not love the idea of taking an offensive lineman with the first-round pick, but it may be one of the safest picks the team can make.

2. Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson

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No one is shocked that multisport athlete and Clemson outside linebacker Vic Beasley posted some impressive numbers at the 2015 scouting combine. The first-round prospect excelled in track, basketball and football in high school. He also played multiple positions in high school, including running back, tight end and defensive end. 

Surely, whichever team drafts Beasley will not be deploying him on offense, but his ability to transition from one position to another proves that he should be more than capable of moving around the defense.

Beasley finished among the top linebackers in every workout, with a 4.53-second finish in the 40-yard dash, 35 reps on the 225-pound bench press, a 41" vertical jump, a 10'10" broad jump, a 6.91-second three-cone drill and a 4.15-second 20-yard shuttle.

With comparisons to Seattle Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin, a player the Jets had previously targeted in the first round of the 2012 draft, the Jets may find Beasley to be a perfect fit for what they need in their defense.

1. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

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This is another one of those years where the Jets should feel fortunate that they don't have the first overall pick and therefore do not have to choose between Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston and Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. 

Of course, the most important position in sports—and the position that is arguably the weakest on the Jets roster—ranks at the top of this draft board. The Jets quarterback play has been as sharp as a bowling ball and as bright as a three-watt bulb.

Keeping with the analogies, when it comes to first-round picks—particularly at quarterback—character is as important as landing gear on an airplane. Prospects may have the tools to soar, but taking off and landing could be disastrous.

The primary concern with Mariota is that he may have been a system quarterback in the Ducks offense. That being said, offensive coordinator Chan Gailey has more than his share of experience in tailoring an NFL offense to fit the tools of its quarterback. 

Thus, Mariota is at the top of the Jets quarterback board and overall draft board. 

Unless otherwise noted, all scouting combine information and draft notes provided by NFL.com and CBSSports.com.