2019 NFL draft: 3 mistakes the Jets can’t afford to make

The NFL Draft is right around the corner, and the Jets find themselves in a premier spot once again. Mike Maccagnan is in a position to possibly put the team in a position where they can compete for the playoffs if he drafts well.

That being said, the New York Jets can’t afford to bomb this draft. The franchise is entering one of the most important stretches of its history, and they need to build a winning roster before having to pay Sam Darnold the big bucks. It all starts in the draft.

Which mistakes can the Jets not afford to make? There are several situations where the Jets cannot screw up. Decisions will be made that can make or break the entire draft. Here are three mistakes the Jets cannot afford to make in the coming draft.

1) Trade Down for Too Little

Maccagnan wants to trade down. He’s made it clear on several occasions that he wants to acquire more picks via trade. Although I completely agree with the idea, he can’t become desperate to move down.

No team has shown a strong desire to trade up. The Redskins have shown interest and have spoken with the Jets, but little progress has been made. No team is too concerned about having to jump teams and draft in the top five. The Jets won’t be getting a king’s ransom for this pick.

Maccagnan should definitely aggressively pursue a trade that acquires more picks, but there’s no need to become too aggressive and get fleeced. Any offer that doesn’t consist of multiple first rounders and second/third rounders is a bad deal to take. If the offers aren’t there, using the third pick is not an issue in any way.

2) Walk Away Without a Center

The Jets decided to avoid free agent centers last month, not aggressively pursuing Matt Paradis or Mitch Morse. They let one year starter Spencer Long walk, who was a significant disappointment after being signed to a three year deal in 2018. This left a gaping hole at center for the Jets.

Center is not the position you want to have uncertainty with on the offense. Especially with a second year quarterback in the backfield. Sam Darnold needs stability at the center position, something he didn’t see in his rookie year. He nearly suffered an injury because of a bad snap from Long at one point in the season.

The only viable center on the roster is Jonotthan Harrison, who has the ability to be a starter, but isn’t the best option. Even if it’s only for competition purposes, the Jets need to walk away with a center in this draft. It’s a must-fill position, and needs to be addressed at some point in the draft,

3) Miss on an Edge Rusher

Drafting an edge rusher in the middle rounds has almost become a tradition for the Jets. They’ve drafted one in three of their last four drafts, and Jordan Jenkins is the only one who remains on the roster. If the Jets don’t want to commit to using a first round pick on an edge rusher, they need to hit on one of these mid round picks.

The Jets’ defense has lacked a quality edge rusher for years. They haven’t seen elite production from the position since John Abraham, who hasn’t worn a Jets uniform in over a decade. It’s time to end this era of being satisfied with below average pass rushers. A good edge rusher wearing the green and white is long overdue.

The Jets should invest their first round pick in a pass rusher. Whether it’s at three or later in the draft, there are several prospects worthy of a first round pick. Nick Bosa, Josh Allen, Montez Sweat, Clelin Ferrell and Rashan Gary are a few of the best options out there, and lets hope one of them is a Jet by Friday.