Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In this 2016 NFL Mock Draft, the NY Jets select a premier offensive lineman and find a much-needed edge rusher in the second round.
After bringing in general manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles in 2015, the Jets wasted no time getting to work. They were able to build trust and a better culture in the locker room by acquiring some key free agents who made an immediate impact both in the locker room and on the field. Improvements did not stop in free agency, as the 2015 NFL Draft was also a success for the Jets scoring an “A” across many sports media platforms.
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Maccagnan, Bowles and company look to continue the progress through this year’s free agency period, which kicked off already as well as in this year’s draft where they will look to fill voids and infuse positions with younger talent.
So far this offseason we have watched the Jets play the market slow for the most part, but they were able to make a splash in landing former Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte. In addition, they also brought back Bilial Powell and signed former New Orleans Saints running back Khiry Robinson.
The recent free agent signings of Forte, Powell and Robinson help immensely in my opinion. Their contracts cover the next three to four years, which allows the Jets more flexibility for drafting other positions. New York should not reach for a running back and end up using their first round pick on Ezekiel Elliott. As much as a difference maker he could be, there are positions that require much more attention at this time than running back for the Jets.
Based on free agency thus far and looking over the roster, here is a full six-pick mock draft with the direction the Jets should head in.
Next: Jets go offensive line in Round 1
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Next: Jets land edge rusher in Round 2
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Next: Jets grab much-needed tight end in Round 3
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Next: Jets add quarterback in Round 4
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Next: Jets bolster offensive line in Round 5
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Next: New punter for Jets in final round
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