We are still a long way from the 2021 NFL draft, which starts on April 29th.
But it’s never too early to think about what the Jets can do.
So let’s pick our latest seven-round projection of Jets for all nine of General Manager Joe Douglas. He has two in Rounds 1, 3 and 5 (due to trade with the Seahawks and Giants) and one in Rounds 2, 4 and 6.
We used the fanspeak.com spot simulator to do the non-Jets performances here to make this exercise more realistic.
And remember, compensatory choices have not yet been handed out – the Jets are not expected to get them – so this will affect the draft order after Round 3. The first comp choice follows the final regular choice in that round.
Here we go …
Round 1 (second overall): QB Zach Wilson, BYU
We do not think Sam Darnold is a franchise quarterback material. Trade it now, while its value is higher than it will be after inevitably struggling again in 2021. And unless Douglas is able to trade for Deshaun Watson of the Texans, the smart way is to be the best quarterback (Wilson) with the second overall pick.
Sure, Douglas could keep Darnold back, swapping and picking up if insurance against Darnold stinks in 2021 – if Douglas might have to use the performances to trade a quarterback in 2022. But there is too much what-if-in-the-situation. Take Wilson – unless, of course, a Watson deal materializes.
Round 1 (23rd overall, from Seahawks): CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama
The first major concept piece from the Jamal Adams trade. Douglas should do well with the first two rounds he got from Seattle. It will be a surprise to see Surtain fall so far. But if he is available, the Joker who needs him must take him away. South Carolina, cornerback Jaycee Horn, is also an option at no. 23 – and he’s more likely than Surtain to be available at this location.
Round 2 (34th overall): RB Travis Etienne, Clemson
The Jets do not get the Trevor Lawrence fullback from Clemson, but they can release one of his best weapons. Is it too high for a running rugby? Can be. But the Jets need to put some playmakers around their quarterback in 2021, regardless of who the quarterback is.
Round 3 (66th overall): C Landon Dickerson, Alabama
Douglas signed center / guard Connor McGovern last season, and he could not impress. Due to McGovern’s contract structure, Douglas could not cut him off-season, although McGovern could move under supervision. Either way, Douglas needs to find a long-term solution in the middle. And Dickerson could be it.
Round 3 (87th overall, from Seahawks): ILB Jabril Cox, LSU
CJ Mosley returns to the 2020 season in 2021 due to the coronavirus problems. He will therefore be the Jets’ midfield link in the new coach, Robert Saleh’s 4-3 defense. But Douglas may have to fill the vacancy left by Neville Hewitt’s possible departure into free agency. Cox thrived at LSU last season after transferring from the North Dakota state.
Round 4 (98th overall): CB Rodarius Williams, Oklahoma State
The Jets have a lot of questions on cornerback – in terms of forwards and depth players. Williams is the older brother (about 15 months) of Browns cornerback Greedy Williams, a second-round pick in 2019.
Round 5 (130th overall): Edge rusher Rashad Weaver, Pittsburgh
The free agency will, of course, dictate many of the Jets’ draft plans. They could be in the mix for Buccaneers edge rusher Shaquil Barrett, which will mean they don’t have to pull an edge rusher high. Yet they need depth on the position. Weaver had 7.5 bags last year.
Round 5 (overall 138th, from Giants): WR Austin Watkins, Alabama-Birmingham
The last piece of the Leonard Williams trade. The first was safety Ashtyn Davis in Round 3 last year. As with edge rusher, the Jets can gain a large receiver in free agencies. If they do not, they will naturally think of choosing a receiver higher than this. (It’s a fringe, of course.) But between Jamison Crowder, Denzel Mims and a newly signed free agent, the Jets would have a solid trio. Watkins would provide depth.
Round 6 (162nd overall): WR Marquez Stevenson, Houston
At this point in the draft you are looking for depth and special teams help. But the Jets need no reminders that a sixth-round receiver can become a productive player. They fielded Quincy Enunwa in the second round in 2014. By his third season, he had become a productive, promising player – 857 yards and four times in 2016. Unfortunately, a neck injury derailed his career.
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