Jarvis Harrison to New York Jets: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

The New York Jets finally addressed the offensive line in the fifth round, and they did it in a big way with the selection of Texas A&M guard Jarvis Harrison. 

Although it did address some other significant needs on the roster, it was surprising to see New York pass up an offensive lineman in the first few rounds. Nick Mangold and D'Brickashaw Ferguson are on the downside of their careers, Breno Giacomini struggled in his first year with the team and neither Oday Aboushi nor Brian Winters are legitimate starting options at guard. 

Jarvis Harrison is a guy who is capable of stepping in and immediately competing for a starting spot on the offensive line. He boasts great size and strength for an interior lineman, and he has top-end quickness and balance for a man of his stature. Harrison is also as technically far along as any other guard in this year's class, as he gets low and uses his hands well in both run blocking and pass protection. 

The Texas A&M product was a beast throughout his collegiate career, as he started 38 games and helped lead one of the most explosive offenses in the country in recent years. He has competed and succeeded against top-level talent, so his adjustment to NFL peers shouldn't be too drastic. 

To put it simply, Harrison is a second- or third-round talent who happened to fall for a number of reasons not related to his actual ability. The Texas native struggled to maintain his weight throughout his time at College Station, and his commitment and love for the game has been questioned by scouts, according to NFL.com.

Harrison also dealt with a shoulder injury throughout last season, and he was forced to have shoulder surgery this offseason. 

Even with the concerns about his attitude and ability to come back from surgery, Harrison is a smart pick by Mike Maccagnan and Co. He presents tremendous value in the middle of the fifth round, and he also fills a key need in the trenches. Make no mistake—he has the potential to be one of the steals of the draft if he can focus on succeeding at the next level. 

With this selection, the Jets have addressed most of the team's most pressing needs entering the weekend, as they have found two dangerous pass-rushers, an explosive deep threat, a developmental quarterback and a hard-nosed interior lineman. If the team can manage to find a dynamic running back in the seventh round, this draft would be a home run.

For a variety of reasons, Harrison could easily never emerge as the player he has the potential to be. But the risk is worth the potential reward for a long-term starting option on the offensive line. 

Grade: B+