2016 NFL Mock Draft: New York Jets land Shaq Lawson

Oct 10, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) reacts between plays during the first half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

In this 2016 NFL Mock Draft, the New York Jets address their overall pass rush, offensive line and surprisingly, not waste a pick on a quarterback.

With very few holes to fill in this year’s draft, the Jets are in a good spot. Outside of their on-going contract dispute with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, all general manager Mike Maccagnan needs to do is grab more young talent like he did in the 2015 NFL Draft.

The Jets lucked out with defensive end Leonard Williams who was arguably the best player in the class and followed that pickup by taking deep threat wide receiver Devin Smith in round two and edge rushing linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin in the third. On top of that, they traded up in the fourth round to select Bryce Petty who may one day develop into a franchise quarterback.

Smith is coming off of a torn ACL and Mauldin had a streaky rookie season to say the least, although both will be huge pieces in years ahead. Williams is of course the future of the defense, so New York would love to find themselves a player of that caliber for the second consecutive draft.

Maccagnan is the type of guy who loves to go best player available and with the way the roster is set up, it can happen yet again. The Jets may not need an inside linebacker or a wide receiver, but if guys like Darron Lee, Reggie Ragland or Laquon Treadwell happen to slip, they are just as much of an option as any offensive lineman or pass rusher.

At twentieth overall, Gang Green could go in several different directions because a handful players who are high on their big board can fall to them. With rumors that Muhammad Wilkerson has been taken off the trading block, a trade up scenario has ultimately become unlikely.

Here is a full team mock draft for New York heading into draft week.

Next: Round 1: Outside Linebacker

Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) reacts after sacking Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (not pictured) during the first quarter of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Next: Round 2: Offensive Tackle

Nov 29, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears defensive end Shawn Oakman (2) rushes past Texas Tech Red Raiders offensive lineman Le’Raven Clark (62) during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Next: Round 3: Outside Linebacker

Sep 5, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jordan Jenkins (59) rushes the passer against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Next: Round 4: Tight End

Nov 1, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Nick Vannett (81) makes a catch while being defend by Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Zane Petty (21) during the first quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Strengths: Vannett is exactly what you want out of a blocker. He is strong and efficient in getting down field to create a ton of room to run. Versatility is an additional factor that will help him in the NFL. He can line up in the backfield, on the line or in the slot and be effective in all three.

Weaknesses: Since he was buried behind so much talent on offense with Ohio State, it is tough to judge how much of an impact he can make in the passing game as a receiver. He did excel when they threw him the ball, although that did not happen often.

Overall: Vannett is someone who compete in the Jets’ tight end competition which is not exactly much of a competition. Zach Sudfeld and Jace Amaro are one year removed from season-ending injuries, Kellen Davis struggled greatly in 2015 and Adrien Robinson is a mystery. If Vannett is there for the taking in round four, New York would be hard pressed not to gamble on him.

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Nick Vannett

Tight End, Ohio State

Nick Vannett is another prospect coming out of Ohio State with a fair share of potential. He hauled in 55 passes for 585 yards and six touchdowns in his four years as a Buckeye despite being rarely used in the passing game. At 6’6, 260, he is obviously one of the biggest tight ends in the class, so his build makes him intriguing.

Next: Round 7: Cornerback

Oct 24, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Southern Miss Golden Eagles defensive back Kalan Reed (11) leaps in the air for an interception intended for Charlotte 49ers wide receiver Austin Duke (10 during the second quarter at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Next: Round 7: Offensive Guard

Sep 19, 2015; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Jordan Walsh (65) and offensive lineman Austin Blythe (63) block Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Darryl Render (91) and linebacker Matt Galambos (47) during their game at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

In this 2016 NFL Mock Draft, the New York Jets address their overall pass rush, offensive line and surprisingly, not waste a pick on a quarterback.

Nick Vannett

Tight End, Ohio State

Schedule