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Long-suffering NY Jets fans know how their team has made a mockery of the draft process over the year. So now is the time for talent evaluator general manager Joe Douglas to break the curse. He demanded full control of the decision-making process and now he’s got it — no excuses.
This Jets’ mock draft considers their jigsaw puzzle of roster deficiencies, recent free agent signings, pre-draft virtual team visits, and ascending prospects who could realistically fall into their lap.
The game’s storied franchises find quality starters throughout the draft process, and there’s a general consensus among draft experts that each of these players projects as a future NFL contributor. And most should be there for the taking.
Sam Darnold’s realistic trade value is said to be a high second-rounder plus a fifth-rounder. But as the weeks go by, that rumored value could be decreasing.
If the GM can increase their nine-pick draft class to an 11-player haul, the Jets can immediately and effectively address deficiencies at cornerback, linebacker, offensive line, and running back.
The huge question is, even if the Jets do acquire the tools to supplement Darnold in a tough AFC East race, do they want to spend the time and effort on breaking him of his poor on-field decision-making for a projected $18 million in 2022?
The answer is likely a resounding no.
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Round 1, 2nd Overall, NY Jets: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Draft guru Matt Miller is one of a few to rate Ohio State’s Justin Fields above Zach Wilson, like a bigger version of Dak Prescott.
Meanwhile, NFL insider Chris Simms projects Wilson to be a better pro than Fields or Trevor Lawrence. Alabama’s Mac Jones could be the most game-ready QB of them all.
Just give him the ball and let him usher in a new era.
Round 1, 23rd Overall, NY Jets: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
The Jets have very little linebacker depth, and arguably the most exciting defender this year is Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins, who could attack across the front-seven for Robert Saleh.
But Douglas believes most in building inside-out, and he just bolstered the defensive line in free agency.
The offensive line really needs work, and Teven Jenkins would be the best Mekhi Becton bookend not named Penei Sewell or Rashawn Slater. He could even slide inside to guard early on.