2015 NFL Draft: New York Jets Fill Three Needs in Three Rounds

Jul 24, 2014; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan (center) talks with his team following training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets have many holes to fill, as we have said before. The upcoming draft is going to be a crucial one, no matter who is handling the responsibility of running it. It looks more and more like it will be Mike Maccagnan, previous of the Houston Texans. He has an extensive background in college scouting, so he should fill into the role of leading the draft quite nicely.

But how will the Jets use their draft picks? Walter Football has published the latest edition of their mock draft, consisting of three rounds.

Let’s see who they have the Jets choosing with their first three draft picks. First, we look at round one.

Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide receiver

Amari Cooper

(9) scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter against Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback

Eli Apple

(13) in the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

The poor Jets missed out on Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, though in the scenario in which I have Tennessee passing on Winston, I have New York taking him. If the Jets don’t trade up for either, perhaps they’ll target Brett Hundley in the second round. In the meantime, they can take one of the top prospects on the board, and that would be Amari Cooper.

Cooper, who is on the same level as A.J. Green and Julio Jones, will provide a big upgrade in the receiving corps; the unreliable Percy Harvin may not be on the team next year with John Idzik gone. Speaking of Idzik, I have all the coach and GM firing grades here.

I do agree with this pick, if Cooper is available. Comparing him to Green or Jones before he plays a down in the NFL is a little bit much. We all know there have been many great college players that haven’t performed well in the NFL. All of the signs say this guy can play, and will upgrade the Jets instantly if he is available to draft at number six.

Jan 2, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17) scores on a 28-yard touchdown run in the first quarter against the Kansas State Wildcats in the 2015 Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA

As I wrote in Round 1, the Jets may have to take a chance on Brett Hundley at this spot if they don’t land one of the top two quarterbacks. They don’t really have a choice.

This would be a good spot to address the quarterback position. For anyone unfamiliar, here are Hundley’s stats from UCLA:

He’s an accurate passer, and if he is not ready, they can bring in a veteran, Michael Vick or someone else, to help groom him. They can take their time, and make sure they got the right guy.

Nov 15, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback

Jalen Collins

(32) reacts on the sidelines during the second half of the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the LSU Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The Arkansas Razorbacks defeat the LSU Tigers 17-0. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Collins, CB, LSU

How pissed will Rex Ryan be if the Jets finally add some talented corners after completely ignoring the position this past offseason, and he’s not there anymore?

Rex Ryan quip aside, the Jets will always need depth at the cornerback position, especially with the injury troubles that their front line players have had. There is no reason to be disappointed if the Jets are able to address the position in the third round of the draft.