The Jets have made clear their plans for their first pick in this year’s draft, but then there’s a lot of mystery.
This is our first crack in a seven-round drill this year. With the help of the Football Football project simulation simulator, we did the exercise of what GM Joe Douglas could do in three weeks. Here is our draft:
* Selections acquired in the planned trade
First Round (No. 2 overall) – QB Zach Wilson, BYU
When the Jets changed Sam Darnold on Monday, his plans here became even clearer. The truth is, they’ve been leaning toward 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 must feel they have the answers and believe Wilson may be the franchise quarterback they need.
Round 1 (No. 23) – Trade planned with Jaguars
Sending No. 23 pick to Jacksonville in exchange for a first-round pick (No. 25 overall) and two second (No. 33, 45). The Jets are in a nice spot at No. 23 overall, acquired in Seattle at the Jamal Adams trade. They have so many needs that they can fill one here or try to go back and get more options, which is what I chose.
First Round (No. 25) * – DL / OLB Jayson Oweh, Penn State
This is one of the most interesting prospects for this year’s draft. Oweh is a physical monster. The 6-foot 5, 257-pound run 4.39 seconds from 40 yards on Penn State Professional Day. The problem is their production. Last season he had zero sacks for the Nittany Lions. If you are drafting a step broker, you need to investigate it closely.
Round 2 (No. 33) * – WR Elijah Moore, Mississippi
The Jets signed Corey Davis on free agency, but they could still use help for a wide receiver, especially with Jamison Crowder entering the final year of his contract. Moore set school records with 86 catches of 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 top two picks in the second round. After catching a pass catcher with the first pick, they grab someone to stop the opposing team’s receivers next. The corner may be the Jets ’biggest need to get into the draft. Samuel gives the Jets a possible solution in this position.
Round 2 (No. 45) * – RB Travis Etienne, Clemson
For now, the Jets ’top runner is La’Mical Perine, the Florida sophomore. He will need help. Etienne is a potential first-round pick. I think the Jets would rather wait until the second day of the draft to recover, and if Etienne is sitting here, they should catch him.
Round 3 (No. 66) – OL Quinn Meinerz, Wisconsin-Whitewater
One of the stars of the week in the Senior Bowl, both for his game and for his exposed belly, Meinerz is a Division III star who could cover a huge need for the Jets. Douglas did little to address the offensive line in free agency. Meinerz is a possible protective response when the Jets are weak.
Round 3 (No. 86) – LB Jamin Davis, Kentucky
Davis ’draft actions are on the rise and I doubt he’ll get this far. If he does, it would be a perfect fit for Robert Saleh’s defense. The Jets need linebackers as they go from a 3-4 base defense to a 4-3 base.
Round 4 (No. 107) – S Jamar Johnson, Indiana
Marcus Maye’s future is uncertain with the Jets, and they need some depth in position.
Round 5 (No. 146) – DL Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech
We are in the best part of the program available to players and you will never be able to have enough defensive liners.
Round 5 (No. 154) – CB Benjamin St-Juste, Minnesota
The Jets added a potential starting corner in the second round. Now, just look for special, deep equipment.
Round 6 (No. 186) – RB Chris Evans, Michigan
There were some academic issues in Michigan that needed to be studied before writing it.
Round 6 (No. 226) – DL / OLB Chauncey Golston, Iowa
Saleh had a strong defensive line in San Francisco. You have to add some depth here.