The Jets have made their plans clear for their first pick in this year’s version, but there’s still a lot of mystery beyond that.
This is our first crack in a seven-round trial this year. With the help of the Pro Football Focus pilot simulator, we explored what GM Joe Douglas could do in three weeks. Here’s our concept:
* Picks acquired in predicted trades
Round 1 (No. 2 overall) – QB Zach Wilson, BYU
When the Jets traded in Sam Darnold on Monday, their plans here became even clearer. The truth is, they’ve been leaning towards Wilson for months. There are questions about his level of competition in college and why he had such a better 2020 than 2019. The Jets need to feel they have the answers and believe that Wilson can be the franchise quarterback they need.
Round 1 (No. 23) – Predicted trade with Jaguars
Send the # 23 pick overall to Jacksonville in exchange for a pick of the first round (# 25 overall) and two seconds (# 33, 45). acquired from Seattle in the Jamal Adams trade. They have so many needs that they can fulfill or seek one here to go back and have more choices, which is 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 design. Oweh is a physical freak. The 6-foot-5, 257-pounder ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash on Penn State’s pro day. The problem is its production. He had zero sacks for the Nittany Lions last season. When you’re drafting a pass rusher, that’s something that needs to be carefully researched.
Round 2 (No. 33) * – WR Elijah Moore, Mississippi
The Jets signed Corey Davis to a free agency, but they could still use wide receiver help, especially as Jamison Crowder enters 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 receiving yards per game.
Round 2 (No. 34) – CB Asante Samuel Jr., Florida State
Thanks to my trade, the Jets have the first two picks of the second round. After taking a pass catcher on the first pick, they grab someone to then stop the other team’s receivers. Cornerback is arguably the Jets’ greatest need to get in the draft. Samuel gives the Jets a possible solution on the position.
Round 2 (No. 45) * – RB Travis Etienne, Clemson
Currently, the best rider of the Jets is La’Mical Perine, the sophomore from Florida. He needs help. Etienne is a potential first round pick. I think the Jets would rather wait until day 2 of the tour to take their backs, and if Etienne is here, they should grab him.
Round 3 (No. 66) – OL Quinn Meinerz, Wisconsin-Whitewater
One of the stars of Senior Bowl Week, both for his game and his exposed belly, Meinerz is a Division III star who could fill a huge need for the Jets. Douglas did little to tackle the offensive line in free agency. Meinerz is a possible response to guard where the Jets are weak.
Round 3 (No. 86) – LB Jamin Davis, Kentucky
Davis’ design stock is on the rise, and I doubt he will make it that far. If he does, he would be a perfect fit for Robert Saleh’s defense. The Jets need linebackers as they go from a 3-4 to a 4-3 basic defense.
Round 4 (No. 107) – S Jamar Johnson, Indiana
Marcus Maye’s future is uncertain with the Jets, and they need some depth in the position.
Round 5 (No. 146) – DL Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech
We are in the best player part of the program and you can never have enough defensive linemen.
Round 5 (No. 154) – CB Benjamin St-Juste, Minnesota
The Jets added a potential starting angle in the second lap. Now just looking for depth and help from special teams.
Round 6 (No. 186) – RB Chris Evans, Michigan
There were some academic issues in Michigan that needed to be explored before drafting.
Round 6 (No. 226) – DL / OLB Chauncey Golston, Iowa
Saleh had a strong line of defense in San Francisco. He needs to add some depth here.