Is Randy Gregory Completely off New York Jets' Draft Board?

How high will Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory be on the New York Jets draft board?

The answer may depend on how high he was before the NFL Scouting Combine.

Gregory told Kimberly Jones of NFL.com that he tested positive for marijuana at the scouting combine. If it were a one-time slip-up, it would be one thing. Gregory admitted, however, that it's been an ongoing problem for him. 

NFL teams will appreciate his candor. They may not appreciate that he will already be in stage one of the NFL's drug program.

Gregory is regarded as one of the top pass-rushing prospects in this year's draft class by nearly every scouting website on the Internet. CBSSports.com, NFL.com, ESPN and WalterFootball.com are just some of the many websites that have him ranked as one of the top five players at his position (though his position varies depending on which website you're checking) and in the top 15 prospects in the draft overall.

Physically, he's in the right place to be an impact player in the NFL. Mentally, there are concerns.

The tools are there. He's 6'5", 235 pounds, sports 34" arms to keep blockers at bay and possesses a blend of speed, agility and power that makes him a tough out for nearly any offensive tackle he'll face. 

You know who else has the tools? Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon.

Is it unfair to lump together all the players who have had problems with marijuana in the past? Yes. Are Gregory's problems on par with Gordon's? It sure sounds like it.

Former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu had more than his share of problems in college, as well, but has kept his nose (and his lungs) clean since entering the NFL, so it's entirely possible that the opportunity to play at the professional level is important enough to kick his habit.

"I was worse at Nebraska than I've ever been at any other time of my life," he told NFL.com. "But I know how I am now. I think if teams really look at how I am now more so than the past, they'll see I'm making strides to get better, as a person and as a player."

Gregory said he hasn't smoked since December 2014. It's actually not out of the question. Studies show that "extreme" users can still test positive for marijuana up to 67 days after last use.

None of this means anything if he quits cold turkey, and at least he knows it's important to put an end to his bad habit before it's too late. He told NFL.com:

"

(Marijuana) could end my career. This incident right now is a step toward ending my career. The last thing I want to do is fail another drug test and be out of the league. I want it on the record. I want people to understand I know I messed up. I'm owning up to it. I realize it. But at the same time, I'm taking the right steps to get better and to fix it.

"

The first step is admitting you have a problem. Every step after that is doing something about it.

Gregory could really help the Jets if he can keep his nose clean, but the question is whether he's worth the risk at such a high pick. 

The Jets are in desperate need of help at the defensive end/outside linebacker spot, but at the No. 6 pick, the risk may be too great for the reward. That being said, the Jets may be in a tough spot if Gregory is the best player available on their board when it's their turn to pick. If that's the case, the Jets may be better off trading down to acquire picks instead of rolling the dice on Gregory.