NY Jets make surprising 1st-round pick in 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft

Round 2, 34th Overall, NY Jets: Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State

After taking a pass-rusher in Round 1, we had to go offensive line with this pick. Fortunately, we were still able to add a player who should immediately step in and be a day-one starter at guard.

A two-year starter at right guard, Davis was named first-team All-American in each of his two seasons as a full-time starter. He was also named Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year following a dominant 2020 season.

As such, he’s widely considered to be one of the best interior offensive line prospects in this class. His powerful anchor, mean streak, and technical refinement give him All-Pro upside at the next level.

There are mild injury concerns given that he suffered a left knee injury in December and re-injured it again the following month. He could also stand to become a little more patient as a blocker rather than relying on his raw power — an issue that Mekhi Becton had coming out of college as well.

But Davis is an all-around rock-solid guard prospect who can immediately take over for Greg Van Roten at right guard. The Jets add a day-one starter at guard without needing to spend a first-round pick.

Round 3, 66th Overall, NY Jets: Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse

Aside from the interior offensive line, no position is as weak heading into the draft as cornerback. That’s why we managed to land one of the most physically gifted cornerbacks in the entire class in the form of Syracuse’s Ifeatu Melifonwu.

The brother of fellow athletic freak Obi Melifonwu, it’s clear that physical gifts run in the gene pool. Melifonwu is more consistent and technically sound than his older brother.

At 6-foot-2, 204 pounds, the 21-year-old has rare physical traits that should make him a lock for Day 2 of the draft. His long legs allow for excellent recovery speed, and it’s not as if he needs it either after running a 4.48 40-yard dash at his pro day.

Melifonwu has the size, length, and athleticism you look for in a future superstar cornerback. That said, he tends to get a little overaggressive at the top of routes which gets him in trouble with the officials.

On top of that, he’s only been playing the position for a few years, as evidenced by his lack of overall instincts. He needs some technical work, but the foundation is there for a future star at cornerback.

Melifonwu would compete for a starting job in year one and could develop into a Pro Bowler by year three.

Next: 3. An exciting RB and early Day 3 upside