NY Jets select Devonta Smith second overall in Mel Kiper’s first mock draft

The NY Jets will have plenty of options on the table as they roll into the 2021 NFL Draft in a few months. But one option that hasn’t been discussed very much is the possibility that the Jets select Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith with the No. 2 overall pick.

Likely because such a proposal is a bit ridiculous. Or is it?

ESPN’s Mel Kiper released his first mock draft of the offseason on Tuesday and he had the Jets selecting Smith second overall drawing the attention, and ire, of fans and analysts alike.

Smith, by all accounts, is an exceptional wide receiver prospect. While he may not be the unanimous WR1 in this class due to the presence of guys like Ja’Marr Chase and even his teammate Jaylen Waddle, Smith showed in 2020 just how good he could be.

The 22-year-old finished his senior season with a whopping 117 receptions, 1,856 yards, and 23 touchdowns in just 13 games. His record-shattering year earned him a Heisman trophy becoming the first wide receiver since Desmond Howard in 1991 to win the award.

Devonta Smith is a phenomenal prospect, but it seems rather unlikely that he’ll be in play for the No. 2 overall pick.

It would be a surprise to see the NY Jets draft Devonta Smith second overall

Of course, the Jets’ top selection in the draft will heavily revolve around what they decide to do at the quarterback position. Whether the Jets keep Sam Darnold or not is the hottest topic of the offseason for Gang Green.

There is an argument to be made for both sides, but while the speculation at the moment seems to be that the Jets will keep Darnold, nothing is set in stone.

And if they do retain Darnold — a decision that would surprise many — drafting Smith with the second overall pick doesn’t seem like the most likely option.

The Jets could consider selecting Oregon tackle Penei Sewell or, more likely, trading down to accumulate additional draft capital. Both scenarios seem more likely than using the No. 2 overall pick on a receiver who might not even be the first one drafted when all is said and done.

Kiper also has the Jets selecting South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn with the No. 23 overall pick they aquired from Seattle. This move seems to make a lot more sense given the Jets’ need at cornerback and Horn’s projected value.

Either way, the Jets will have a ton of options to consider this draft season. But selecting Devonta Smith second overall would certainly be an unexepcted and controversial decision.