2015 NFL Draft: Three Rounds of New York Jets Picks by Mel Kiper Jr.

Could you imagine if that guy on the left was our general manager? That would be interesting, wouldn’t it? Well, that is what we have today, in this latest installment from Mel Kiper, Jr.

As you know, Mel Kiper has released four different versions of his mock draft so far, leading up to the draft in a couple of weeks. Last time, Kiper chose Brandon Scherff for the Jets, marking his first offensive lineman draft choice for the Jets this off-season.

This time, however, Kiper is treating his draft post a little bit different. Instead of projecting draft picks, Kiper is taking on the role of general manager for each team (Insider subscription required). In the role of general manager, Kiper makes three draft picks for each team, and provides a bit of rationale.

That, of course, includes our beloved New York Jets. Who do the Jets choose with their first three draft picks? Kiper, in the role of Mike Maccagnan, takes on the challenge. Turn the page and see what Kiper thinks the Jets will do.

Next: The Picks

Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver

Kevin White

catches a pass during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Here are Mel’s picks:

Round 1 (6) WR Kevin White, West Virginia Round 2 (37) OLB Eli Harold, Virginia Round 3 (70) QB Garrett Grayson, Colorado St.

Here is what Kiper had to say:

Yes, it would be nice to have Marcus Mariota fall to us at No. 6. But we’re not going to pay a huge bounty like Washington did to move up for Robert Griffin III when I’m not convinced Mariota is a starter for us in 2015. I just think it’s too much of a long-term setback, and I feel like even adequate play from either Ryan Fitzpatrick or Geno Smith makes us pretty competitive in 2015 because I think the defense can be special. So in adding White, I’m getting a weapon I can pair with Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker and Jace Amaro in the passing game. On paper, I now have a balanced and dangerous receiving corps. In Round 2, I’m getting Harold as a shot-out-of-a-cannon pass-rusher to complement the power components across my defensive line. Calvin Pace is 34, and Harold can make some plays in a limited role this coming season. In Round 3, I’m taking a shot on a good developmental QB. Grayson won’t play early, but we don’t have to rush him.

This would be a draft I would be very happy with. Kevin White would add another explosive element to a revamped Jets passing attack. In the next round, they get the edge pass rusher they sorely need, and then finally, a quarterback in a spot of good value. The Jets don’t necessarily need one of the top two quarterbacks in this draft. As Kiper puts it, even adequate quarterback play in 2015 will make the Jets competitive. Filling other needs with the sixth pick in the draft makes sense.

For anyone who reads this site frequently, you know what I am going to say about how I would do it differently. Vic Beasley is available at number six, and you guys know I love this guy. If the Jets drafted him in the first round, and went wide receiver in the second round, it would also make a lot of sense.

But, these draft picks would be terrific selections for the Jets as well.

Next: The Top Five Jets Outside Linebackers of All-Time

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