New York Jets: Top 5 predictions for first round of NFL draft

Dec 30, 2015; Birmingham, AL, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) drops back to pass against Auburn Tigers in the 2015 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

When the New York Jets are on the clock with their No. 20 overall pick, they will have a golden opportunity to address one of the biggest needs on the team. Could they really go quarterback?

Make no mistake about it, the Jets have various areas of need across the team they hope to address in the 2016 NFL Draft. Looking across the team, the Jets need to add talent to their offensive line, linebacker corps, defensive secondary and of course, quarterback.

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It’s hard to tell if the Jets plan to trade up or down in the first round but truth of the matter is they should be able to get an impact player sticking with their No. 20 overall pick. Some of the top offensive linemen, pass rushers and even a top-five quarterback should all be available for the taking.

No matter what decision the Jets ultimately make, it will be hard to satisfy everyone, especially in the city that never sleeps. Regardless, fans must continue to trust the decisions and strategic moves general manager Mike Maccagnan plans to do. He impressed many last offseason and will continue to do the same in the second year on the job.

Without further ado, here are the top five predictions for the Jets heading into the first round of this year’s draft.

Next: 5. Jets go quarterback

Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch throws a pass during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

5. Jets go quarterback

The Jets need to continue drafting quarterbacks until they find that diamond in the rough that will eventually turn into their next franchise quarterback. They Jets haven’t had such a caliber of player since Joe Namath and with this new leadership regime in place, they might want to draft the best available player at quarterback in the first round.

Several mock drafts across the internet have the Jets drafting quarterback Paxton Lynch at No. 20 as he might slip down to when they’re on the clock. The reasoning here is if quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is 100% confirmed to not return to the Jets next season, they need to add another option into the mix.

Lynch would be a nice pick for the Jets as in this scenario, the team would have no other choice but to have an open competition this summer to deem their next starting quarterback. It would be between Geno Smith, Bryce Petty and Lynch.

Smith should beat out both Petty and Lynch but one never knows what could happen if such a competition was launched to deem the starting quarterback to lead the Jets this upcoming season.

Next: 4. Jets go cornerback

Oct 4, 2014; College Park, MD, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple (13) intercepts Maryland Terrapins quarterback Caleb Rowe (not pictured) pass in the end zone during third quarter at Byrd Stadium. Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Maryland Terrapins 52-24. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jets go cornerback

Darrelle Revis is getting up there in age and the Jets released Antonio Cromartie during the offseason. While many believe Marcus Williams could step up and be the starting cornerback alongside Revis, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will yield great results when defending against the pass.

The Jets might want to infuse some top talent into their defensive secondary by drafting the best available cornerback in the first round when they’re on the clock. Many mock drafts across the internet even have the Jets grabbing the best available cornerback to bolster their defensive secondary.

A player like cornerback Eli Apple should be available at No. 20 and give the Jets a nice up-and-coming defender they can use in situational plays and be developed into a star. Apple brings such a great defensive skill-set and a knack for tipping passes right out of the hands of the receivers he’s covering.

It wouldn’t be a terrible thing for the Jets to draft a cornerback considering it’s time they drafted a cornerstone to have in their defensive secondary for years to come.

Next: 3. Jets trade Muhammad Wilkerson on draft day

Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is sacked by New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jets trade Muhammad Wilkerson on draft day

At this point in time, defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson has yet to sign his franchise tender and looks to be at a standstill with the Jets. It’s no secret that he’s disgruntled when it comes to the ongoing contract negotiations with the franchise that originally drafted him.

Wilkerson, coming off his best season yet, is looking to get paid like one of the premier defensive ends of the NFL. While there is no questioning his work ethics and stats, truth of the matter is he’s good but not great. Yes, he’s one of the best defenders on the Jets but the team should not invest so much money at one position.

Due to everything, it looks more and more apparent that the Jets will lose Wilkerson one way or the other. They’re better off trading him on draft day to a team that can pay him what he wants and also move up in the first round of this year’s draft to get a better player.

Wilkerson is heading into the prime years of his career and will more than likely be used as trade bait for the Jets in order to clear his salary cap off the books and get something for him now rather than nothing for him later. He could very well be traded on draft day if he can sign his franchise tender and then be sent to a team willing to shell out the big bucks for him while also giving the Jets a lot back in return.

Next: 2. Jets go pass rusher

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker (14) is sacked by Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) during the second quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jets go pass rusher

The Jets know that their defensive line will be looking much different next season but also in the future. Damon Harrison bolted via free agency, there is no guarantee Wilkerson will be in the long-term plans of the franchise and eventually in a few years the Jets will have to invest money in a new contract for Sheldon Richardson.

The best teams in the NFL know to bolster their overall rosters, it has to come via the draft as the Jets might consider using their No. 20 overall pick on a premier pass rusher like they did last year. One that would fill the void left by Harrison and also add to their overall pass rush.

Recently on The Jet Press, staff writer Ryan Patti wrote about how defensive end Shaq Lawson could very well still be available at No. 20. He’s considered to be the best all-around defensive end that even though he won’t post huge numbers, he’ll bring steady and consistent results every time he’s on the football field. The Jets might also consider a linebacker like Reggie Ragland that can step right in and take care of business.

While many may feel drafting another defensive end would be overkill, depth is incredibly important in the NFL, especially with how different their defensive line will look over the next few years. If Lawson isn’t available, the Jets should simply draft the available pass rusher to bring more speed and aggression to their overall pass rush.

Next: 1. Jets go 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

1. Jets go offensive lineman

The most logical and realistic prediction for the Jets to do in the first round of this year’s draft is to simply select the best available offensive lineman. In my most recent mock draft, I had the Jets selecting offensive tackle Jack Conklin since he may very well still be available when the Jets are on the clock.

To win plenty of football games is to win the battle of the trenches. It’s not a popular pick in the grand scheme of things but the Jets need to infuse youth and stability to their offensive line, especially with the recent retirement of offensive lineman D’Brickashaw Ferguson.

No matter who the Jets have under center next season, it’s imperative they bolster their offensive line. That’s why the Jets will more than likely stay “quiet” on draft day, stick to their No. 20 overall pick and draft the best available offensive lineman. If it’s Conklin, he would be an anchor for years to come thanks to everything he brings to the table.

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The Jets would be wise to head in this route as their offensive line is the top priority at this point in time which must be addressed. After the first round, the quality of offensive linemen has a steep drop but by the looks of it, hopefully Conklin will still be there when they’re on the clock. It would be a very easy decision for the Jets to make if this is the case.