Jets 2018 NFL Mock Draft: All sights on Josh Rosen

This 2018 NFL Mock Draft comes fairly recently after the New York Jets shook the league landscape and traded from pick No. 6 to pick No. 3. All sights are set on selecting Josh Rosen to be their next franchise quarterback.

The New York Jets were slated for the No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft until they called up the Indianapolis Colts. The Jets sent their 2018 first, two 2018 seconds and a 2019 third-rounder to the Colts in exchange for Indianapolis’ 2018 first.

So, the trade shook up many mocks, specifically those for the Jets. The team will now be without a pick in the second round, which may seem like an issue to some due to the amount of talent that could have been had with two picks in that round.

But, it wasn’t only the trade that has changed the outlook for the Jets draft, free agency also played a massive role. The Jets inked deals with many solid free agents who play positions that the team desperately needed. Players like Trumaine Johnson, Spencer Long, Teddy Bridgewater, Isaiah Crowell, Avery Williamson, and more.

The Jets did a great job trying to fill what they could with free agents, but now all attention is on this year’s draft. In addition to all the draft coverage you will find here at The Jet Press, please also visit Walter Football, DC Pro Sports Report, and EDS Football. Let’s take a look at this latest mock draft and what the Jets do now that they sit atop the draft with the No. 3 overall pick.

This mock has the Jets taking Josh Rosen at pick number three. There is no doubt that when the team made the trade to move up they did so with Rosen or Sam Darnold in mind.

While it still remains unknown what the New York Giants will do at number two, Rosen going to the Jets seems to be a strong likelihood.

Rosen is the best option for the Jets because of his intangibles and incredible technique. He has great footwork, sees the field well and has a mechanics that don’t need much or any re-tooling at the next level.

The former UCLA Bruin brings a big body with great arm talent. Drafting Rosen and having him sit behind guys like Josh McCown and Bridgewater for a season would be ideal for the team.

Next: Round 3 - Addressing the defensive line

The Jets only have Leonard Williams as their cornerstone player on their defensive line so selecting a defensive end like Josh Sweat is absolutely needed. The team let go of Muhammad Wilkerson, which has left a lot of reps open on the defensive line.

So, what’s Sweat’s deal? He is a monster of a defensive lineman who may have the ability to be an under-the-radar sleeper pick. He has middle round projections, but earlier round upside.

Sweat played his college football in the ACC with FSU, which is a solid football conference. He tallied 14.5 sacks in three years with the Seminoles, including a career-high of seven in 2016.

However, Sweat’s strongest asset isn’t his playing style, but his size at 6-5, 250 pounds. Getting their hands on a big, physical player with the upside of Sweat could lead to something big for the Jets.

Next: Round 4 - Jets add a new cornerback from Alabama

Yes, the last time the Jets selected a cornerback from Alabama it didn’t go well at all. That was when the team selected Dee Milliner with the ninth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Well, five years later, the Jets will do it again with Tony Brown in the third round. Brown would fit right in with the team and their plans because his success comes from playing the nickel.

This would fit the team’s plans because they may want to move on from Buster Skrine soon and drafting Brown wouldn’t interfere with Johnson and Morris Claiborne playing on the outside. He brings speed and size, which allows him to play the physical style that head coach Todd Bowles seems to love.

Brown is 6 feet tall and 199 pounds. His speed and physicality allow him to have potential in coverage, as well as the ability to play a role in stopping the run.

Next: Round 5 - Drafting their center of the future

Scott Quessenberry would be able to sit behind newly-signed center Long for the duration of Long’s contract. This would allow the former UCLA Bruin to learn the offense and the NFL style before he takes a large chunk of reps.

This would be ideal for the Jets because Quessenberry’s development could save the team from having to go out and spend a lot of money on a center after Long’s days are done in New York. This is no knock on Long, just planning ahead.

Quessenberry is 6’4″ and 315 pounds and uses his body and strength well against pass rushers. But, he does have issues positioning his body and had surgery that forced him to miss time in college.

He looks to be drafted a round before his brother David was. David was taken in the sixth round of the 2013 draft and has played on the Houston Texans since.

Next: Round 6 - Taking a gamble on an offensive lineman

The Jets need some versatility and youth on the offensive line, and drafting Ike Boettger provides both. He also brings much-needed size at 6’6″ and 310 pounds.

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Why is drafting Boettger a gamble? He missed a lot of time in college with injuries, which will likely lead to his draft stock falling. But, that doesn’t mean he isn’t worthy of a sixth-round selection.

Boettger would also be a work in progress and he could learn from the already existing offensive linemen on the Jets roster. While he does bring size and strength, he needs to work on his athleticism in order to step up against the NFL’s best.

Boettger’s development will have the final say as to if he plays guard or tackle in the NFL, but drafting an offensive lineman who has played in the BIG 10 seems to be worth it. Taking a gamble here in the sixth-round may pay dividends down the line.

Next: Round 7 - Adding more backfield depth

The Jets don’t necessarily need a running back with a backfield headlined by Bilal Powell and Crowell. However, why not take a flyer on a late round running back and see what happens?

Darrel Williams in the seventh round could potentially be a steal. He played four years at LSU, and he played really well in his last season in the powerhouse SEC conference.

Williams rushed for 820 yards and nine touchdowns while collecting 23 catches for 331 yards. He is a multi-dimensional running back just like the Jets enjoy unleashing against.

The four-year player also has ideal size for the workhorse running back that the Jets are known for having. He stands 6’1″ and weighs 229 pounds and is worth taking a risk on.