2016 NFL Mock Draft: New York Jets land Jack Conklin

Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

In this 2016 NFL Mock Draft, the New York Jets land a top offensive lineman, draft another developmental quarterback for the future and address their overall pass rush.

This upcoming draft and the season following it will be a defining one for the Jets. This team could have probably gone 4-12 last year and nothing would have changed. Of course, their draft strategy for 2016 may have been significantly altered based on their position, but with a much tougher upcoming schedule and a roster full of talent warranting an NFL Playoffs spot, Gang Green must make sure that they fill the holes in this roster so that pieces can seamlessly fit into the system.

With solid players across each level of the team offensively and defensively, the next step is to get pro-ready players to go along with the established veterans and use the later round picks to improve depth and enhance the competition.

With just six picks in this year’s draft, general manager Mike Maccagnan and the rest of the crew in the Jets’ draft war room must be ready to pounce on the player that fits the puzzle and not make the puzzle fit the player.

For the top three picks at 20, 51 and 83, the Jets must make sure that they are addressing a pressing need. Those needs are on the offensive line and at the linebacker position. The Jets also need prospects known more for their raw athleticism that can be found later on in the draft whose skills can be maximized if the team develops them properly.

With that in mind, here is a full Jets-only mock draft in which it would leave the team looking good heading into next season.

Next: Round 1: Jets draft top offensive lineman

Feb 26, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive lineman Jack Conklin (11) participates in a drill during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Next: Round 2: Jets draft versatile linebacker

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Josh Adams (33) is tackled by Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Joshua Perry (37) and Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Joey Bosa (97) an Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Gareon Conley (8) during the first half of the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Next: Round 3: Jets add quality depth to offensive line

Oct 11, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; LSU Tigers offensive tackle Jerald Hawkins (65) reacts after they beat the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Florida Gators 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Next: Building for the Future?

Jan 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal quarterback Kevin Hogan (8) drops back to pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second quarter in the 2016 Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Next: Round 7: Jets get help on special teams

Sep 5, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies punter Drew Kaser (38) punts the ball during the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Next: Round 7: Jets draft speedy cornerback

Oct 24, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Prince Charles Iworah (30) breaks up a pass to LSU Tigers wide receiver Travin Dural (83) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

In this 2016 NFL Mock Draft, the New York Jets land a top offensive lineman, draft another developmental quarterback for the future and address their overall pass rush.

Schedule