I'm not gonna use scouting jargon here, I'm just gonna get right to the point and give you my feelings on this pick.
As I said on the previous page, I was well aware of Mauldin entering the 2014 season and I viewed him as a potential first round pick. In fact I expected him to declare for the draft last year and was projecting him to the Jets in RD 2 in some of my early mock drafts. I was pretty high on this kid as a 3-4 edge rushing prospect.
That said, as the 2014 season unfolded it became clear that he was not having as strong a season as I and many others expected. He wound up having a pretty good season, but a lot more was expected from this kid coming off 10 Sacks in 2013, but alas he had 6.5 and he sort of fell off my radar. I have since heard that he played hurt all year, which makes sense too me because IMO he's a better player than the 2014 #'s indicate.
Having said all that, this kid has ideal size (6' 4"/260) for a 3-4 RUSH OLB in the NFL, the forty time (4.8) was disappointing, but the intangibles are thru the roof. His passion and work ethic alone could carry him a long way, but he also plays a lot quicker than he times, he has an impressive burst off the edge, and he delivers violent hits.
What I'm saying is, its a boom or bust pick, but I wouldn't bet against him. I think the Jets hit a HR with the first two picks, and this pick, while hit or miss, has real potential to turn a good draft into a great one.
