Dee Milliner Selected No. 9 by New York Jets
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It is a pretty easy road to figure out the New York Jets' thinking in taking Alabama CB Dee Milliner at No. 9 overall. The Jets just traded away Darrelle Revis to Tampa Bay, leaving them shy in the secondary; and Milliner is the top cornerback in this draft, thought to be in play for several teams that picked above New York.
But ...
In general, a team puts itself in a tough spot when it trades away a proven player and then attempts to replace him immediately with a high draft pick. Kansas City could wind up in the same boat with Eric Fisher possibly grabbing Branden Albert's spot.
The drop-off in Kansas City, though, might not be all that steep. In going from Revis to Milliner, the Jets are trying to fill the shoes of the game's premier cover corner (when he's healthy). Granted, Antonio Cromartie's presence helps -- he played well as the No. 1 last year, which should allow Milliner to slot in as the No. 2. And Milliner certainly comes at a cheaper cost than Revis.
And that brings us back to the value I mentioned. Financially, it's obvious; in terms of this draft, Milliner fell lower than he was projected before talk of injury woes crept into the conversation. He will not be ready for the start of training camp, but all systems should be go by the season.
Grade: B-minus.