The Jets’ first choice is clear. Now the focus is on what they will do with No. 23 and No. 34 in general. Jets general manager Joe Douglas has a number of different directions he can go with the picks.
In our second seven-round NFL mock release of the year, we’re filling two gigantic needs with those choices. We used The Draft Network’s mock draft machine this week to determine who would be available at the Jets’ seats. Dane Brugler’s Draft Guide on The Athletic was used for a number of statistics and scouting points. Here’s our concept:
Round 1 (No. 2) – QB Zach Wilson, BYU
This choice does not need much explanation. Let’s get to the interesting ones.
Round 1 (No. 23) – CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech
There is an injury risk here that could deter Douglas. He just had back surgery in March, but recently said doctors told him he would be ready for training camp. Had he not been for surgery, he could have been the first or second cornerback this year. A former high school quarterback, Farley is a crazy athlete who could solve the cornerback gap for the Jets. He quit the 2020 season and didn’t play the position until two years after moving there as a sophomore. Still, his athletic ability may be too good to pass up.
Round 2 (No. 34) – C / G Landon Dickerson, Alabama
The doctors could make this impossible. Dickerson has had major injury problems in college and four of his five seasons ended in injury. He began his career at Florida State and became the first proper freshman lineman to start there since 1982. He tore the ACL in both knees, including the left one in November. Ankle injuries ended two other seasons. If the doctors agreed, Dickerson could be a bargain. The Jets could use it both with guard and in the center.
Round 3 (No. 66) – LB Jabril Cox, LSU
Cox spent his first four seasons in North Dakota State before switching to LSU last year. He is very good at cover (nine interceptions in his career), which is something the Jets need in Robert Saleh’s defense. He was a team captain (something Douglas is looking for) in his one year with the Tigers.
Round 3 (No. 86) – RB Michael Carter, North Carolina
The Jets are to be added to the running room, and Carter is an intriguing prospect. He’s small (5 feet-7) so he won’t do a lot of work in between tackles, but is capable of making big plays (23 plays by 20 yards plus in 2020).
Round 4 (No. 107) – EDGE Victor Dimukeje, Duke
A choice after taking a Tar Heel, we hit the road for a Blue Devil. Dimukeje started 49 consecutive games with Duke and had 21 ½ career bags. Saleh needs some depth on the defense line and Dimukeje could take care of that.
Round 5 (No. 146) – WR Seth Williams, Auburn
I would have liked to take a wide receiver earlier, but this team has so many gaps to fill that I’ve been waiting. Williams is a value in the fifth round as some let him go higher. He is 6-foot-3 and can win disputed catches.
Round 5 (No. 154) – CB Ambry Thomas, Michigan
Another choice looking for value. Thomas was only a one-year starter at Michigan and then retired last year, but he is an athletic corner kick who has some advantages and could play against special teams early in his career.
Round 6 (No. 186) – EDGE Jonathon Cooper, Ohio State
As a two-time team captain for the Buckeyes, Cooper missed the 2019 season with an ankle injury, but returned last year to record 24 tackles and 3½ sacks in eight games.
Round 6 (No. 226) – WR Demetric Felton, UCLA
Felton played both running back and wide receiver at UCLA and could be a versatile offensive weapon like the 49ers had with Deebo Samuel in this attack.