Predicting Day 2 pick of the Jets

As the New York Jets prepare for Rounds 2 & 3 tonight in the 2018 NFL Draft, they have one major area of need to address and it’s their lack of a consistent pass rush.

So far, the New York Jets are off to having another very good draft class. In case you missed it, with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Jets selected quarterback Sam Darnold out of USC. Yes, the Jets finally have a future franchise quarterback they’ll be developing for the future, but what else needs to be addressed heading into the middle rounds of this year’s draft tonight?

It all comes down to bolstering their lack of a pass rush but unfortunately for the Jets, they don’t have a single pick in Round 2 and don’t select again until pick No.72 in Round 3. Ideally, general manager Mike Maccagnan is known to wheel and deal draft picks so hopefully, he can work some of his magic to get back into Round 2 or add an earlier pick in Round 3 to address this major need on the team.

Besides pass rush, the Jets also have other pressing needs to address when it comes to their offensive line and it also wouldn’t hurt to add some more offensive playmakers. If I had to make a prediction heading into tonight, defensive end Jalyn Holmes, for example, would make for a solid pick by the Jets as I had him mocked to the team not too long ago. He’s still available and would undoubtedly make an impact on the Jets defense as early as this upcoming season.

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Besides Holmes, the Jets should consider using their third-round pick on either the best available pass rusher if he’s not available, offensive guard, or even on a running back. Considering their offense is still a work in progress, drafting offensive talent that can keep those chains moving or consistently score touchdowns can only help that side of the ball.

Remembering last season, the Jets had a lot of problems converting easy 3rd down situations and well, had to settle for a lot of punts or field goals since they didn’t have the offensive weapons to punch it in. Their offensive line was also abysmal and even though the Jets added some good free agents to it, they could use young, quality depth via this year’s draft.

Overall, the Jets will likely use their third-round pick on the best available pass rusher since out of all their areas of need, that is of the highest importance. The Jets weren’t able to consistently get to opposing quarterbacks and ended last season with just 28 sacks. Expect to see them address that tonight before any other positional group.