The Jets have made their plans clear for their first choice in this year’s draft, but after that there are still many puzzles.
This is our first crack at a seven-round sketch of this year. With the help of Pro Football Focus’ spot simulator, we went through the exercise on what GM Joe Douglas can do in three weeks. Here is our concept:
* Choices obtained in predicted trading
Round 1 (overall No. 2) – QB Zach Wilson, BYU
When the Jets traded Sam Darnold on Monday, their plans became even clearer here. The truth is that they have been tending to Wilson for months. There are questions about his level of competition at university and why he had such a better 2020 than 2019. The Jets need to feel they have the answers and believe Wilson could be the franchise quarterback they need.
Round 1 (No. 23) – Predicted trade with Jaguars
To send the No. 23 overall pick to Jacksonville in exchange for a first-round pick (No. 25 overall) and two seconds (Nos. 33, 45). The Jets are in a beautiful spot at number 23 overall, the choice obtained from Seattle in the Jamal Adams trade. They have so many needs that they can fill one here or look to move back and get more choices, and that’s what I chose.
Round 1 (No. 25) * – DL / OLB Jayson Oweh, Penn State
This is one of the most interesting prospects in this year’s concept. Oweh is a physical freak. The 6-foot-257-pound ran a 4.39 second 40-yard line on Penn State’s pro day. The problem is its production. He had no pockets for the Nittany Lions last season. If you are setting up a pass rusher, you need to examine it carefully.
Round 2 (No. 33) * – WR Elijah Moore, Mississippi
The Jets signed Corey Davis into a free agency, but they could still use wide receiver assistance, especially with Jamison Crowder entering the final year of his contract. Moore set school records with 86 catches for 1,193 yards and eight touchdowns in 2020. He led FBS with 10.8 receptions and 149.1 yards per game.
Round 2 (No. 34) – CB Asante Samuel Jr., Florida
Thanks to my trade, the Jets have the first two picks of the second round. After taking a pass with the first choice, they grab someone to stop the receivers of the opposing team. Cornerback is perhaps the Jets’ greatest need to take on the concept. Samuel gives the Jets a possible solution to the position.
Round 2 (No. 45) * – RB Travis Etienne, Clemson
Right now, Florida’s second-year player La’Mical Perine is the Jets’ best fullback. He’s going to need help. Etienne is a possible choice in the first round. I think the Jets would rather wait until day 2 of the draft to take their back, and if Etienne is sitting here, they will have to grab him.
Round 3 (No. 66) – OL Quinn Meinerz, Wisconsin-Whitewater
One of the stars of Senior Bowl Week for his play and his bare belly, Meinerz is a Division III star who could fill a huge need for the Jets. Douglas did little to address the offensive line in free agencies. Meinerz is a possible answer where the Jets are weak.
Round 3 (No. 86) – LB Jamin Davis, Kentucky
Davis’ draft inventory is rising, and I doubt he’s actually making it this far. If he did, he could fit Robert Saleh’s perfect defense. The Jets need linebackers as they move from a 3-4 to a 4-3 base defense.
Round 4 (No. 107) – S Jamar Johnson, Indiana
Marcus Maye’s future is uncertain with the Jets, and they need some depth.
Round 5 (No. 146) – DL Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech
We are the best player available in the program, and you can never have enough defensive lines.
Round 5 (No. 154) – CB Benjamin St-Juste, Minnesota
The Jets added a potential starting corner in the second round. Now, just looking for depth and special teams help.
Round 6 (No. 186) – RB Chris Evans, Michigan
There were a few academic issues in Michigan that needed to be looked at before setting him up.
Round 6 (No. 226) – DL / OLB Chauncey Golston, Iowa
Saleh had a strong defensive line in San Francisco. He needs to add a little depth here.