2016 NFL Mock Draft: New York Jets land Shaq Lawson

2016 nfl mock draft /

Oct 10, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) reacts between plays during the first half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

In this 2016 NFL Mock Draft, the New York Jets address their overall pass rush, offensive line and surprisingly, not waste a pick on a quarterback.

With very few holes to fill in this year’s draft, the Jets are in a good spot. Outside of their on-going contract dispute with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, all general manager Mike Maccagnan needs to do is grab more young talent like he did in the 2015 NFL Draft.

The Jets lucked out with defensive end Leonard Williams who was arguably the best player in the class and followed that pickup by taking deep threat wide receiver Devin Smith in round two and edge rushing linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin in the third. On top of that, they traded up in the fourth round to select Bryce Petty who may one day develop into a franchise quarterback.

Smith is coming off of a torn ACL and Mauldin had a streaky rookie season to say the least, although both will be huge pieces in years ahead. Williams is of course the future of the defense, so New York would love to find themselves a player of that caliber for the second consecutive draft.

Maccagnan is the type of guy who loves to go best player available and with the way the roster is set up, it can happen yet again. The Jets may not need an inside linebacker or a wide receiver, but if guys like Darron Lee, Reggie Ragland or Laquon Treadwell happen to slip, they are just as much of an option as any offensive lineman or pass rusher.

At twentieth overall, Gang Green could go in several different directions because a handful players who are high on their big board can fall to them. With rumors that Muhammad Wilkerson has been taken off the trading block, a trade up scenario has ultimately become unlikely.

Here is a full team mock draft for New York heading into draft week.

Next: Round 1: Outside Linebacker

Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) reacts after sacking Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (not pictured) during the first quarter of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

. The Jets get lucky for the second year in a row in round one. Shaq Lawson is absolutely everything you can ask for out of a pass rusher and it is pretty strange why he is slipping in many mock drafts. Coming out of a school and conference that should have him well prepared for the NFL, this guy belongs in the top 15. If he falls far, expect him to play with a huge chip on his shoulder throughout his rookie campaign. Strengths: Lawson is as powerful as they come in both run and pass defense. He is extremely agile for a prospect his size and his football IQ is through the roof largely due in part to the coaching staff at Clemson. His motor is the best part about him in the sense that he never takes a play off. Weaknesses: He does not have a long list of weaknesses by any means, but Lawson will have to work on defending the run up the middle at the next level. At times, he gets pushed out of the play which puts a lot of pressure on the defensive line and inside linebackers to make the stop. Overall: The fit is perfect for New York and they get one of the best players available on their draft board. Lawson is a player who can a team many solid seasons and start right away. Insert him opposite Mauldin and the Jets have one of the league’s most underrated edge rushing duos.. Defensive End. Shaq Lawson. 1. 30

Next: Round 2: Offensive Tackle

Nov 29, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears defensive end Shawn Oakman (2) rushes past Texas Tech Red Raiders offensive lineman Le’Raven Clark (62) during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

30. . Le’Raven Clark is one of the tackles who has stayed in the second round of most mocks and it seems it will remain that way. Jason Spriggs and Germain Ifedi are two guys who are beginning to rise up draft boards into the late second/early first, so he seems to be locked in as a mid to late second-rounder. The crazy thing is that the Red Raider in the end could be one of the best linemen in the entire class. Strengths: Clark’s biggest strength is by far his pass blocking ability which will come in handy at the next level. He played in the Big 12 which is a passing conference and he will be entering the NFL which has become a passing league. His 6’5, 316 pound frame helps him quite a bit as well. Weaknesses: Run blocking and effort will be his biggest concerns once he hits the field in the 2016. If he were to use his power to push forward instead of standing straight up and absorbing contact, these weaknesses can be erased in no time. Overall: Given the Jets’ right tackle situation, he can come in right off the bat and compete. <a href=. Offensive Lineman. Le'Raven Clark. 2

Next: Round 3: Outside Linebacker

Sep 5, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jordan Jenkins (59) rushes the passer against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

3. 30. . I had him going to the Jets in <a href=. Linebacker. Jordan Jenkins

Next: Round 4: Tight End

Nov 1, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Nick Vannett (81) makes a catch while being defend by Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Zane Petty (21) during the first quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

. Nick Vannett is another prospect coming out of Ohio State with a fair share of potential. He hauled in 55 passes for 585 yards and six touchdowns in his four years as a Buckeye despite being rarely used in the passing game. At 6’6, 260, he is obviously one of the biggest tight ends in the class, so his build makes him intriguing.<div class=. Tight End. Nick Vannett. 4. 30

Strengths: Vannett is exactly what you want out of a blocker. He is strong and efficient in getting down field to create a ton of room to run. Versatility is an additional factor that will help him in the NFL. He can line up in the backfield, on the line or in the slot and be effective in all three.

Weaknesses: Since he was buried behind so much talent on offense with Ohio State, it is tough to judge how much of an impact he can make in the passing game as a receiver. He did excel when they threw him the ball, although that did not happen often.

Overall: Vannett is someone who compete in the Jets’ tight end competition which is not exactly much of a competition. Zach Sudfeld and Jace Amaro are one year removed from season-ending injuries, Kellen Davis struggled greatly in 2015 and Adrien Robinson is a mystery. If Vannett is there for the taking in round four, New York would be hard pressed not to gamble on him.

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Nick Vannett

Tight End, Ohio State

Nick Vannett is another prospect coming out of Ohio State with a fair share of potential. He hauled in 55 passes for 585 yards and six touchdowns in his four years as a Buckeye despite being rarely used in the passing game. At 6’6, 260, he is obviously one of the biggest tight ends in the class, so his build makes him intriguing.

Next: Round 7: Cornerback

Oct 24, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Southern Miss Golden Eagles defensive back Kalan Reed (11) leaps in the air for an interception intended for Charlotte 49ers wide receiver Austin Duke (10 during the second quarter at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

30. . Not many teams would be willing to take a flyer on Kalan Reed simply because they are unsure of what they would get. Coming out of a Conference USA school, teams may have an issue with the level of competition he played against. Nonetheless, eight interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) in his time at Southern Mississippi is an impressive stat line. Strengths: Reed is a physical defender who is superb in run defense and has the capability of making plays in coverage from time to time. He is also able to time routes well and knock the ball away by being in the right place. Weaknesses: Two main issues that come with him are his size and his speed. His 4.49 40-yard dash ranks towards the bottom of the list of cornerback prospects and utilizing him on the outside when he is 5’11 might be risky. When he first enters the league, he will probably be used in nickel and dime situations only. Overall: Reed is a guy who the Jets can benefit from a lot if they end up drafting him. With shallow depth at corner, a late-round pick might be just what the team needs at the position. <a href=. Cornerback. Kalan Reed. 7

Next: Round 7: Offensive Guard

Sep 19, 2015; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Jordan Walsh (65) and offensive lineman Austin Blythe (63) block Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Darryl Render (91) and linebacker Matt Galambos (47) during their game at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Just like the Jordan Jenkins selection in the third round, I will stick with Jordan Walsh in the seventh. You cannot go wrong with Big 10 linemen who have experience in NFL-ready offenses. Walsh was part of a special season at Iowa which did end in a blowout loss to Stanford in the Rose Bowl, but the offensive line was a key ingredient to the team’s 12-2 year. Strengths: He is always under control and prepared for contact on the interior. Walsh rarely loses one-on-one battles, making him a guard you could plug in for just a play or two if the starter needs a break. Weaknesses: While he gives you effort every play, he is not particularly strong. As a guard in the NFL, defensive tackles can run you over with ease if you are not physical enough. He will without a doubt have to bulk up over the course of the offseason. Overall: Walsh is a guy the Jets can stash behind <a href=. Offensive Lineman. Jordan Walsh. 7. 30.

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