NY Jets: 5 players to target with Seattle’s first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft

The NY Jets could target these five players with their second first-round pick.

With the NY Jets coming out of their bye week at 0-9, there is little left to salvage for the rest of the season. At this point, wins would likely hurt the team in the long term.

Fans would likely cheer for young talents to flash their abilities, but ultimately allow the team to lose in the end. That being said, New York fans aren’t just rooting for the first overall pick. Following the Seattle Seahawks loss to the Rams, the Seahawks are now third in the NFC West.

Considering Jamal Adams’ lack of availability and production this season, it seems that for the time being, New York won the trade. Should the Jets finish the season with the first overall pick, there is little doubt that the team would take the generational talent of Trevor Lawrence.

Questions start to arise with their second pick in the first round, currently slated to land around the 20th position.

Assuming Joe Douglas doesn’t use the pick to trade up or down come draft day, there are a handful of prospects that they should keep a close eye on until they’re on the clock.

NY Jets: Creed Humphrey, iOL, Oklahoma 

A highly-rated prospect that could fall to the Jets thanks to teams drafting positions of need, Creed Humphrey would be replacing a disappointing Connor McGovern.

The Jets have needed a solid center since Nick Mangold was released from the team after the 2016 season. His size and strength would be a welcomed addition to the team.

New York has spent the last few years cycling through different centers like Ryan Kalil and Jonotthan Harrison.

Pairing Humphrey with this year’s first round pick on Mehki Becton would provide the team with a line that they haven’t seen since the duo of D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold.

McGovern has another year with guaranteed money on his contract, but has experiebced at guard and could realistcially move there.

NY Jets: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida 

Following the heavy regression of Chris Herndon this season, the Jets could stand to replace him with one of college football’s best receiving tight ends. At 6-foot-5, Kyle Pitts would add a massive target for whoever is taking snaps under center next season.

He has improved upon his blocking, helping him to become more of a dual-threat weapon. Still, he clearly shines in the receiving game, and should New York draft him, should treat him as such.

NY Jets: Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State 

Another big weapon coming out of college, Pat Freiermuth has been one of the lone bright spots for the Nittany Lions this year. A complete tight end, Freiermuth can catch and block whenever needed.

Standing at 6-foot-5, 258 pounds, he’s a bulkier version of Kyle Pitts. If either of these tight ends are on the board when the Jets select with their second pick, there likely wouldn’t be a bad pick between the two.

NY Jets: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama 

Denzel Mims, though in a limited sample size, has shown to have a bright future ahead of him for the NY Jets. There have been some other flashes in the pan at the wide receiver position, such as Jeff Smith.

Jamison Crowder and Breshad Perriman are solid targets, but staying healthy has proved to be an issue for both of them. Pairing Trevor Lawrence up with a speedy and reliable wide receiver could be the best situation for him.

The biggest knock against DeVonta Smith is his lack of muscle. Just under 180 pounds, he doesn’t appear to be ready to yank the ball from defensive backs’ hands just yet.

NY Jets: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

Another target for the future starting quarterback, be it Sam Darnold, Trevor Lawrence, or Justin Fields.

There is a chance that Rashod Bateman will not be available at the time of Seattle’s pick, but should he fall into the Jets’ lap, there’s no question that he would likely be the best available wide receiver prospect.

The Jets have had an abysmal season on offense, having only possessed leads in a handful of games. Bateman would provide New York with a solid pairing with Denzel Mims, as well as assurance for whoever is taking snaps next season.

Bateman was an important piece of Minnesota’s best team in over a century during the 2019 season, earning him Big Ten Receiver of the Year honors.

As such, he’d be an excellent pickup toward the back-half of the first round.