NY Jets add a new franchise QB in 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft

Round 2, 34th Overall, NY Jets: Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia

The Jets need cornerback help this offseason, and given the overall weak crop of free agents, it would make sense to target the position early in the draft. We did so here selecting Georgia’s Eric Stokes with the second pick in the second round.

Stokes is a tall, physical cornerback who stands at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds. While he lacks elite deep speed, Stokes has fantastic vision and instincts at the position that he finally parlayed into ball skills in 2020.

In nine games, Stokes recorded four interceptions — the first four interceptions of his college career. He has a tendency to get a little grabby which must be cleaned up, but Stokes projects as a starting cornerback in a primarily zone coverage defense.

The 21-year-old would be a perfect fit opposite Bryce Hall in Robert Saleh’s defense giving the Jets two young, high-instinct zone corners to develop.

Round 3, 66th Overall, NY Jets: Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina

This one was a shocker. The plan was never to address running back this early, but when a player like Javonte Williams falls into your laps at the beginning of Round 3, you have to pounce on the opportunity.

Williams is one of the best running back prospects in this class and could realistically stand a chance at being drafted on Day 1. He’s the complete package as a physical between-the-tackles runner, electric/elusive tackle-breaker, and reliable pass-catcher all in one.

In a league drifting away from three-down ball-carriers, Williams is one of the few true bell-cow running backs who could transform an offense with the right supporting cast. His talent was too much to pass up at this spot.

The Jets could roll into 2021 with Williams as the lead back with a combination of Ty Johnson, La’Mical Perine, Josh Adams, and potentially a veteran competing for playing time.

The Jets land a top-flight running back prospect without having to use a premium draft pick.

Next: 3. Two Day 1 defensive starters