2016 NFL Draft: Here are what experts are saying for NY Jets

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Football fans enjoy the festivities outside of Radio City Music Hall before the 2014 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

The NY Jets have the 20th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and though we are a few months away, experts are already sharing their opinions on their strategy.

Some say the draft is a science and some argue that it is a crap shoot, regardless of your opinion of the event, what can’t be argued is the fact that it is vastly important. For the Jets it is the patented way to build a winner.

General manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles have a lot of work to do until the draft hits from free agency to the NFL scouting combine but that hasn’t stopped analysts and draft experts to weigh in on who they think the Jets should take in the first round.

With that being said let’s take a look around the league to see what the experts are saying the Jets could do once they’re on the clock.

Next: Daniel Jeremiah

Jan 26, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; A general view of the NFL Network Theatre at NFL Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Daniel Jeremiah

For analysts across the United States, they come out with versions of their mock draft. Typically they do about one a month until we reach the pivotal weeks leading up to the draft.

Daniel Jeremiah is a well respected former NFL scout that has an eye for talent, with that being said he believes that the Jets will look to bolster their offensive line with their first round pick.

Taylor Decker OT Ohio State

“Decker would bring size and a nasty demeanor to the Jets’ offensive line.”

There is no doubt the Jets could use an upgrade at offensive tackle, mainly on the right side with Breno Giacomini and eventually on the left side with D’brickashaw Ferguson.

Offensive line isn’t the most popular pick, but this could do wonders for the Jets in the present and the future. There should be a king’s ransom of offensive tackles available when the Jets are on the clock.

Next: Bucky Brooks

Nov 19, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; General view of the NFL and CBS logos on the NFL Network set during an NFL football game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Bucky Brooks

Bucky Brooks is one of my favorite draft and NFL media analysts for that matter. Brooks has a unique perspective of the league from his time as a scout, a writer and a former player.

So I usually take his analysis with more than simply a grain of salt. It appears that Brooks attempted to copy Jeremiah’s answer on the test and the only thing he saw was the college.

Darron Lee OLB Ohio State

“Todd Bowles’ creativity as a schemer could make Lee a nice fit on a defense that places a premium on featuring “run-and-chase” playmakers.”

All jokes aside, there is no doubt that a priority on the Jets’ off-season plans will be getting younger at outside linebacker, but how high of a priority?

The Jets’ brass has shown a willingness to take the best player available regardless of position like they did with Leonard Williams, their sixth overall first-round draft pick in last year’s draft. So this analysis seems to mirror that.

Next: Mel Kiper Jr.

Dec 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; The ESPN Monday Night Football broadcast crew on the field before the game between the New Orleans Saints and the Detroit Lions at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Mel Kiper Jr.

If the NFL draft had an iconic figure, it would be a picture of Mel Kiper Jr. This guy has been covering the draft since its infancy. Kiper has gotten more mock drafts right than most people have completed.

Kiper always prefaces his mock drafts saying how early in the process it is, but particularly so in mid-January. Kiper had a bit of a different spin on where he had the Jets going and takes that best player available scenario to the next level.

Jaylon Smith OLB Notre Dame

“By now, everyone knows that Smith suffered a knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl, and there’s at least the possibility he won’t play football in 2016. That said, I’m not exaggerating on the kid’s behalf when I say he was arguably the best player in this entire draft. This front office will assess the risk, but it also has showed it likes to take the best player available, and Smith is an absolute monster if he’s back — a Pro Bowl-caliber talent even if he loses half a step. It’s a fluid situation, but it’s Mock 1.0, and I want to reflect his talent level.”

This is the same guy that was being talked about with the number one overall pick. If he slipped to the Jets at No. 20, they’d be crazy not to at least think about it. I think in today’s day and age, knee injuries aren’t what they used to be.

Players come back from these injuries like it’s nothing: Todd Gurley and Adrian Peterson are obvious examples. The Jets could be adding the final piece to complete their ferocious front seven depending on what decisions they make with Muhammad Wilkerson and Damon Harrison.

Next: Todd McShay

Sep 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; ABC television broadcaster Todd McShay interviews Stanford Cardinal coach David Shaw after the game against the Southern California Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Stanford defeated USC 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Todd McShay

If Kiper is an iconic figure, Todd McShay should have his own statue in front of the venue the draft is being held at. It’s always an interesting parallel to see two guys who dedicate their lives to college football and the NFL draft process and see how they differ in evaluations.

In theory, they stayed the course with their initial mock drafts, but decided to go with different players. With McShay leaning more towards health and potential.

Leonard Floyd OLB Georgia

“Floyd has outstanding potential as an edge rusher. With a lean frame (6-4, 231 pounds), there’s no doubt he needs to improve his ability to take on blocks. But Floyd’s speed will always be coveted by defenses from the outside linebacker position, particularly for a team like the Jets who are missing that element in their front seven.”

I could definitely see the Jets selecting Leonard to address their lack of consistent pass rushing. Even with the Jets needing upgrades in the trenches on offense, you can’t hate the addition of an edge rusher that fills an immediate need.

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Floyd’s weight could be an issue in his transition to the pro level, but the potential of a double-digit sack guy on defense could wow NFL talent evaluators across the board. The Jets would be fortunate to get a player of Floyd’s level at this point in the draft.