7 Round NY Jets Mock Draft 1.0
The Jets’ season is officialy(-ish) over; while still mathematically eligible, you have a better chance of getting struck by a lightning shark that just won the lotto… Anyway, let’s take a look at what they could potentially do in the draft. Currently, they hold the 9th overall pick, but they could move up or down a few spots with some more hilarious losses or pointless victories.
Since we’re so early in the process, obviously players can still dramatically raise or lower their draft stock. Also, don’t forget that Free Agency could substantially change the Jets’ plans in the draft, as they have many holes to fill in this flawed roster.
Enough talk. Here’s the draft, using the current rankings, and the informed semi-randomness of The Draft Network’s Predictive Board, on their Mock Draft Machine.
Round 1, Pick 9: OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
The Jets need to turn over 4, if not all 5, starting Offensive Linemen in the next two years. It may not be realistic to do that all in one year — at least not effectively — but I’m sure that GM Joe Douglas (a former college OL) will not sit idly by. Expect a run at Brandon Scherff and other quality OL in Free Agency, but also (finally) a premium investment in the starting five. Tristan Wirfs projects to be a day one starter at Tackle, whether it be at his natural RT or swinging him over to protect Sam Darnold’s blindside; he shows more than enough athleticism to be able to effectively handle the switch. Prototypical size (6'5" 320 lbs.) and polished technique make him a safe and strong prospect to help fix the broken pass protection and ineffective run game plaguing the Jets offense.
Round 2, Pick 9 (41 Overall): OT Austin Jackson, USC
Doubling down at OL to right this ship; you can’t waste the entire rookie contract of your franchise QB with him running for his life week to week. While they weren’t necessarily well served with taking an OT from USC last year in Chuma Edoga — who showed flashes early in his starting run but had struggled in recent weeks, before getting hurt — you can’t scout the jersey, you have to look at the player. Jackson has elite height and length for the position. Drafting two bookends early to protect Sam Darnold is a winning proposition.
Round 3, Pick 2 (66 OVR): WR Devonta Smith, Alabama
Sticking with the theme of maximizing Sam Darnold’s development and future success, it’s time to get him some weapons. This season has shown how flawed the Jets’ team building philosophy was the last… decade. Robby Anderson is a talented WR who definitely can’t be your top option, and he’s a free agent who may not be retained. Quincy Enunwa is a tough, hard working player who’s career is in jeopardy after two consecutive lost seasons to a neck injury. Jamison Crowder is a nice option out of the slot. Chris Herndon had a lost season from suspension and injury. Let’s turn the page and refresh this group by adding one of the WR’s from the top group in the nation. While Smith may often be overlooked (Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs are likely 1st rounders this year, and Jaylen Waddle potentially in 2021), he’s very talented. An elite route runner with even better hands, he has more than enough speed and athleticism to win on the outside. While he is too skinny to consistently beat press-man coverage right now — he can add strength coming into the NFL — he runs a full route tree with excellent footwork, in particular double moves down field. Devonta Smith can attack all three levels of the field and develop into a solid #2 WR. He’s also a threat after the catch, with his speed and elusiveness.
Round 3, Pick 9 (73 OVR): WR Sage Surratt, Wake Forest
After doubling down on OT’s in the first two rounds, let’s double down on WR’s in the 3rd round. This pick is a bit more speculative than Devonta Smith; Sage Surratt is a RS Sophomore who had a season ending injury and could go back to school. That being said, the idea here is to take advantage of a legendary WR draft class, and set your receiving corps for the next five years. Surratt is a distinctly different flavor of WR from Devonta Smith, and I like a well rounded receiving room that has different players that can beat you different ways. At 6'3" 215 lbs., Surratt is a bigger guy who can win over the top. Strong in his routes and at the catch point, he’s also tough to bring down in the open field. It’s time to get some guys who can work to break big plays for Darnold.
Round 4, Pick 10 (105 OVR): RB Najee Harris, Alabama
I know a running back might seem like a luxury the Jets can’t afford, especially after signing Le’Veon Bell this off-season, but he’s not a sure thing to be a Jet long term. Rumors swirled after Mike Maccagnan was fired that HC Adam Gase didn’t want Bell, and again in the summer there was talk the Jets could trade him before the season started. Then, Bell was supposedly dangled at the trade deadline. Now, there’s persistent talk he could be moved in the off-season. All I can say is, where there’s this much smoke, there’s often fire. Even if Bell stays, I never viewed him as a long term signing, because RB’s go downhill quickly. This is a very good RB class, especially at the top, and if Harris were really to fall this far it’s a no-brainer. A complete back who can win in the running game and passing game, he’s a tank that seeks out contact to deliver pain to defenders. RB’s his size rarely have the chance— or skills for that matter — to be a threat in the passing game, but since he took the reigns as the lead back in the Alabama backfield, he’s been a special dual threat.
Running backs his size shouldn’t be able to do that. He’s making it a weekly occurrence.
Round 5, Pick 9 (136 OVR): IOL Zach Shackelford, Texas
Late in the draft, you’re just throwing darts to see what can hit. Shackelford is a four year starter at Texas, so he can obviously play. He may not be an immediate starter; he may not ever be a full time starter. At this point, the entire interior of the offensive line has been so bad for the Jets since Nick Mangold retired, that you can’t take for granted having even just a legitimate backup on the inside. Keep building the foundation in front of Sam Darnold.
Round 6, Pick 9 (168 OVR): EDGE Zack Baun, Wisconsin
EDGE is a critical need for the Jets, but the board didn’t fall right to get an impact player earlier in the draft. Jordan Jenkins is a free agent — one the Jets should prioritize retaining — so the Jets need to take a swing or two at bolstering the position. There are actually some strong potential options in Free Agency (Jadeveon Clowney, Matt Judon, Shaq Barrett), so you don’t absolutely need to come away with a starter, but getting a high-motor, rotational player at this point in the draft is a plus. Baun plays hard and can affect the run and pass defense as a backup.
Round 7, Pick 10 (200 OVR): CB Jaron Bryant, Fresno State
It’s round 7, so just keep swinging. Similar to the Bless Austin selection in the 6th last year — Austin is showing out in recent weeks after missing the first half of the season with injury — just take a guy with traits who can play, especially from a lesser seen school; household names from big schools rarely pan out this late in the draft. Bryant has size, ball skills, and is a willing tackler. You can work with that as a developmental player who can contribute on special teams early in his career.
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