The Jets are yet again looking forward to the offseason. So I thought it would be a good idea to look at some of the draft prospects that the Jets could get with their multitude of picks in a Jets 7-Round mock draft. I will be using The Draft Network’s simulator.
Round 1 Pick 4:
Evan Neal OT, Alabama
Joe Douglas has taken an offensive lineman in the first round of each of his first two drafts. There is no reason to think that will stop this year as it is still not where it needs to be. Morgan Moses is a free agent after this year and George Fant will probably be back at right tackle next year with a healthy Mekhi Becton. If Becton’s injury problems continue Neal can fill in at left tackle or if Fant regresses he could fill in at right tackle. If all are healthy he could even move to right guard. Neal has the run-blocking ability to play any of these positions although he is probably best suited at right tackle.
Long term this pick would give the Jets two very big and very good offensive tackles in Becton and Neal. Having a healthy Becton, Neal, and Alijah Vera-Tucker would set up the Jets offensive line to be good for a long time.
Round 1 Pick 8:
George Karlaftis EDGE, Purdue
How Joe Douglas is with offensive lineman seems to be how Robert Saleh is with the defensive line. The Jets invested a lot in the interior defensive line and edge groups this past offseason. The biggest being Carl Lawson who was hurt in training camp. Karlaftis would line up perfectly on the other side of Lawson and would give the Jets two really good pass rushers off the edge.
Karlaftis is a great power rusher as well as a high effort type player. That is something that both Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh will love.
Round 2 Pick 36:
Nakobe Dean LB, Georgia
CJ Mosley has struggled some this year but overall is playing well. Their first signing of free agency Jarrad Davis was hurt and has been underwhelming since he has come back. Quicny WIlliams, a waiver claim before the season, has played pretty well. Even with that the Jets still need another guy and Nakobe Dean in the second round would be great.
Dean is a good downhill linebacker that could shoot up gaps pretty quickly in blitzes, which we have seen in spurts from Quincy Williams this year. Dean is also effective in the pass game and can pick up running back’s which the Jets have very much struggled with this season. He would be a great playmaker to add to a defense that needs one.
Round 2 Pick 40:
Jordan Battle S, Alabama
Last year the Jets spent their first four picks on offense and so far it looks like it will pay off with each of them showing promise in their rookie years. Taking Battle here would mean three of the first four picks would be on defense as they look for the same result. The safety position for the Jets has quickly gone from the strength of the team to maybe the weakest position on the team. WIth the Jamal Adams trade and now Marcus Maye most likely leaving in free agency, the Jets need some help at safety. Ashtyn Davis has gotten a couple of interceptions this year but anyone watching Jets games could tell you about his tackling issues.
Jordan Battle has experience at both safety positions and is a good run defender. Battle has good ball skills in coverage and can make some plays in the back end which is another thing the Jets defense needs.
Round 3 Pick 68:
Jalen Wydermyer TE, Texas A&M
The tight end position is a position the Jets have struggled with for years. Ever since Chris Herndon did not live up to expectations the Jets have had a hole at tight end. They will take another swing here with Jalen Wydermyer. Wydermyer is a good receiving tight end with good athleticism and is also a willing blocker. The biggest thing that Wydermyer would bring to the Jets is his contested catch ability. The Jets need to find a physical wide receiver opposite Elijah Moore but a tight end with a large catch radius will surely help out Zach Wilson.
Round 4 Pick 110:
Kyle Phillips WR, UCLA
I know I just said the Jets need a physical type wide receiver but they also need someone who could create separation and Kyle Phillips is certainly that. He is predominately a slot receiver but the Jets will need that with both Jamison Crowder and Braxton Berrios heading to free agency. He will also be useful in some of Mike LaFleur’s creative plays we have seen in recent weeks.
Round 4 Pick 111:
Jermaine Waller CB, Virginia Tech
Taking corners on day three of the draft worked out for the Jets last year so why not try it again this year? Micahel Carter II looks to be the slot corner of the future and Brandin Echols has shown some flashes as well. Waller has played both inside and outside and is someone the Jets can develop. He is yet another defensive playmaker as he has great ball skills with four interceptions this year.
Round 5 Pick 145:
Zamir White RB, Georgia
After drafting Michael Carter last year the Jets should look to get someone to pair with him this year. Tevin Coleman has played well but he is a free agent after this year. Ty Johnson has disappointed and was even a healthy scratch from last week’s game against the Dolphins. Getting someone as physical and productive as White would be a good compliment to Michael Carter.
Round 5 Pick 157:
Emil Ekiyor IOL, Alabama
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif has played well since the trade deadline but he is a free agent after this year. Even if they do not take Neal the Jets would still have to figure out what they are doing at right guard this offseason. Ekiyor could be a good developmental piece either at right guard or even center. He is an athletic offensive lineman and would be a good fit in the Jets system.
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