Prioritizing draft board of the Jets heading into Rounds 4-7

The New York Jets made all of the right moves in Rounds 1-3 of the 2017 NFL Draft but their draft board must be prioritized to really push the envelope for the future.

Day 2 has come to a conclusion, and now after two trades, two safeties and a physical wide-out, the New York Jets made all of the right moves thus far in the 2017 NFL Draft. The Jets are going to enter Rounds 4-7 in search of some diamonds in the rough while possessing a plethora of capital.

After acquiring another pick from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Jets will have six selections today, including the 125, 150, 160, 191, 204 and 224 picks. Also, besides defensive end Sheldon Richardson, the Jets’ first two picks make Calvin Pryor expendable, making him a nice piece of potential trade capital as well.

Jake Butt could be a great value in Round 4

The fact that Michigan tight end Jake Butt is still on the board should be considered nothing short of a miracle to the Jets. We’ve been hearing all offseason that the Jets will utilize the tight end this upcoming season, unlike last year. Unfortunately, we’ve yet to see them make a move to acquire a good tight end. Many have been calling Butt a first round talent, but a torn ACL hurt his draft stock tremendously.

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Butt considers himself to be “ahead of schedule” in his rehab and could be the tight end the Jets have needed for years. Sitting at No. 125, the Jets may need to trade up to acquire Butt, as they’re lucky he’s fallen this far, to begin with. If the Jets were to trade up in the fourth round to acquire the newly signed Charmin sponsor, he could fill a massive hole in their roster at a relatively low cost.

Samaje Perine’s downhill speed could add to change in culture

Also still available is Oklahoma running back Samaje Perine. Perine is a hard, physical runner, and would continue to follow the Jets’ trend of selecting physical players. Perine is a downhill runner with great power and could come in as a nice compliment to an emerging Bilal Powell and a declining Matt Forte.

Another quarterback makes sense in later rounds

Moving on in the draft, into the fifth and sixth rounds, the Jets could potentially add yet another quarterback to their roster for depth. Two names to watch here are Nate Peterman from Pitt and Brad Kaaya from Miami. Peterman, who played in a pro-style offense at Pitt, could quietly be one of the most pro-ready quarterbacks in this draft class. Kaaya, on the other hand, has the potential to be a good “project quarterback” who could eventually develop into a starter.

While Jets fans may not jump for joy at the idea of yet another “project” at quarterback, it is best for the Jets to keep trying until they find their guy. Plus if a fifth or sixth round pick is all it takes to take a shot on another quarterback, it would be a low price to pay. While finding a starting quarterback in the late rounds of the draft is unlikely for the Jets, adding some extra competition and depth at the position could benefit and push guys like Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg.

Best player available strategy pays off

Aside from the players listed, all of whom who could greatly benefit the Jets, with the remaining picks, the Jets should continue to go with the “best player available” strategy. Let’s face it, it is unlikely that the Jets, or any team for that matter, find their next superstar on day 3.

Next: A look at every 2017 NFL Draft pick so far for the Jets

While unlikely, it is most certainly possible, and drafting the best player available, regardless of their position, will always be the best way to find a diamond in the rough on Day 3. General manager Mike Maccagnan has been notorious for selecting the best player available on his board regardless of need. Expect to see more of this from the Jets and their general manager later on today.

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