The focus in the run-up to the NFL draft for the Jets has obviously focused on what they will do with the No. 2 overall pick.
Now that it’s clear, in the wake of the Sam Darnold trade, that they’ll take BYU fullback Zach Wilson with their first pick, it’s time to take a closer look at the Jets’ next two choices in the concept, which begins April 29.
These two choices come at a fascinating point in the concept and give Joe Douglas, general manager, several options. The Jets have the No. 23 pick, their second first time, receiving them in the Seattle Jamal Adams trade. They still have 11 spots later at number 34, the second pick in the second round.
Just as important as Wilson’s development for the future of the Jets is the fact that these two selections will be almost as important. The Jets expect to draft two immediate and long-standing beginners.
Douglas did a good job of choosing concepts. Now he has to hit them.
“We do have a lot of assets, as we are sitting here right now, but we need to make the most of this opportunity,” Douglas said this week.
The Jets series is one of the worst in the NFL, and that was seen in their 2-14 record in 2020. The silver lining for Douglas to have such a bad team is that the GM has many options with this choice.
This is what I think the Jets’ biggest needs outside of quarterback will be to introduce this concept, listed in order: corner guard, guard, lineout, running back, edge grid, tighthead and wide receiver. With a list that is so long, there are many different directions in which Douglas can go.
Cornerback is at the top of the list, as currently Bless Austin, Bryce Hall and Javelin Guidry start in the final position. The Jets need to add this position with more talent. The top corners are likely to be at 23 off the boards. But with all the backs and skills players expected to start early, players like Jaycee Horn of South Carolina and Greg Newsome of Northwest are possibly there. Virginia Tech’s Caleb Farley has health issues that could suppress him, and Asante Samuel Jr., Florida, may be there in the second round.
The Jets also need to improve the inside of their offensive line, and USC’s Alijah Vera-Tucker is the best position in the draft. The Jets can hope he falls at 23 or will use some of the draft capital (21 picks in the next two years) to move up a few spots if they really like him. Two Alabama players moving to the guard – Landon Dickerson and Alex Leatherwood – are candidates at number 34.
Other players to look at at these venues are: the edge drivers Azeez Ojulari (Georgia), Kwity Paye (Michigan) and Jaelan Phillips (Miami); the backs Najee Harris (Alabama), Travis Etienne (Clemson) and Javonte Williams (North Carolina); linebackers Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Notre Dame), Zaven Collins (Tulsa) and Jamin Davis (Kentucky); and wide receivers Kadarius Toney (Florida), Rashod Bateman (Minnesota) and Elijah Moore (Mississippi).
Douglas also has the flexibility to trade back in both of these places. Last year, there were three deals between picks 23-26 on draft night. The Patriots actually handed out 23 to the Chargers last year for a second and a third. Douglas can pick up more, and with as many needs as the Jets have, he can still feel good about filling a hole lower in the draw.
The top of the second round is also an area that usually offers some movement. Teams spend all day Friday thinking about which players slipped out of the first round, and a team may be motivated to move up. The Jets may be able to make more choices again.
While Jets fans will eventually remember this concept for how Wilson turns out, Douglas could move his team forward if he chooses no. 23 and 34 can maximize in starting players, either by setting them up there or by using the choices to upload even more. concept capital.