The Jets take with their last pick of 2012 the Jets take WR Jordan White from Western Michigan.
Basic information from NFLDraftScout.com
Height: 6-0
Weight: 208 lbs.
Arm Length: 31.5
Hand Length: 9.25
Combine Numbers
40-yard dash: 4.69
Bench: 14
Vertical: 35.0
Broad: 9’11”
Shuttle: 4.13
Cone: 6.84
Overview
White was a lightly recruited two-star receiver recruit, choosing Western Michigan over Bowling Green, Miami (OH) and several other MAC programs. After redshirting in 2006 due to an ACL injury, he saw limited action in 2007 as a redshirt freshman, playing in 9 games and recording 19 catches for 217 yards (11.4) and 1 score. White was expected to contribute as a starter in 2008, but missed the season with another ACL injury (to the opposite knee) and later earned an extra year of eligibility because of medical hardship. He became a starter in 2009 as a sophomore (7 starts), finishing with 53 receptions for 681 yards (12.8) and 4 touchdowns. White started every game in 2010 as a junior, recording 94 receptions for 1,378 yards (14.7) and 10 scores, earning First Team All-MAC honors.
He had his best season in 2011 and set several school receiving records (13 starts), finishing with an FBS-best 140 catches for 1,911 yards (13.7) and 17 touchdowns, earning All-America and First Team All-MAC honors. White finished his career as the school’s all-time career leader in catches (306) and receiving yards (4,187). White is an interesting story because of his impressive production the past three seasons after battling back from two separate ACL injuries to both knees — admirable performance returning from injuries with determination and he’s not a guy I would bet against. He is a physical presence with good size and build, working well over the middle and catching the ball in contested situations. White’s speed, burst and overall movement ability leave a lot to be desired and his medical evaluations will be crucial to his NFL future, but his toughness and collegiate production cannot be ignored. He projects as a No. 4 receiver at the next level if he can show he’s not damaged goods and could prove to be a Danario Alexander-type player.
Analysis
Strengths: Possesses a solidly-built frame with excellent toughness and physicality to power through tackles and work well in traffic. A balanced athlete, running through contact and able to pick up yards after contact. A natural plucker with strong hands and concentration. Does a nice job adjusting to errant passes and makes plays at all levels of the field. Works back to the ball and has experience running several NFL-style routes, showing the footwork to catch defenders off-balance. Gets downfield quickly after the catch and is aggressive with the ball in his hands. Worked extremely hard to get back from injury and doesn’t play tentative on the field. Has impressive production on his resume, leading all of college football in catches last season and leaving Western Michigan with a multitude of game, season and career receiving records — huge part of the offense goes through him as he was involved in almost 50% of the team’s offensive plays in 2011.
Weaknesses: Has only average height and overall length. Lacks initial burst off the line of scrimmage and has more build-up speed than track wheels. Won’t run away from anyone at the next level. Has limited explosiveness and flexibility and will struggle to separate against pro defensive backs. Has three years experience as a punt returner in college, but doesn’t project as a return man in the NFL. Has some ball security concerns after putting too many balls on the ground over his career. Has strong durability concerns after missing most of 2006 and 2008 with torn ACL injuries in both his left and right knees.
NFL Comparison: Shorter Danario Alexander, St. Louis Rams — Dane Brugler
