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

By Justin Fried

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NY Jets (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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NY Jets Mandatory Credit: Caitie McMekin-USA TODAY NETWORK

Round 5, 154th Overall, NY Jets: Dazz Newsome, WR, North Carolina

The Jets don’t need to address the wide receiver position early after adding Corey Davis and Keelan Cole in free agency. But this is a deep class, and they would be wise to target a player on Day 3.

Someone who makes a ton of sense is North Carolina’s Dazz Newsome. Newsome is a rock-solid slot prospect who could also double as a returner early in his career as he looks to earn playing time.

Not only is he an explosive YAC threat, but he also shows impressive toughness at the catch point. He isn’t afraid to go over the middle of the field and make a contested grab, just as he’s able to make plays happen after the catch.

Newsome could take over for Braxton Berrios as the primary backup slot receiver and fill Jamison Crowder’s role once the veteran receiver likely moves on after the upcoming season.

This is both a pick for immediate depth and long-term starting potential.

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Round 6, 186th Overall, NY Jets: Shakur Brown, CB, Michigan State

Michigan State’s Shakur Brown is one of the more underrated cornerbacks in the upcoming class. Perhaps overlooked due to his lack of size (standing at barely 5-foot-10, 185 pounds), Brown could become a very productive pro.

The 22-year-old has experience playing both outside and in the slot having started the last two years for the Spartans. He’s feisty, confident, and decisive in coverage playing with excellent ball skills (five interceptions in just seven games in 2020).

Brown lacks top-end speed and athleticism and remains a little too inconsistent with his technique, but he’s exactly the type of player who could emerge as a late-round steal in Robert Saleh’s defense.

Brown could make an impact as both a nickel and outside cornerback and compete for snaps in his rookie season.

Round 6, 226th Overall, NY Jets: Josh Palmer, WR, Tennessee

Josh Palmer doesn’t have the collegiate production that will get him noticed by most scouts. He never topped 500 yards in a season at Tennesse (although he was their leading receiver in 2020) and only managed one career 100-yard receiving game.

Palmer was ultimately the victim of inconsistent quarterback play and a poor passing attack. But he has the traits and ball skills to become a much more productive NFL player.

The Ontario native has some of the best hands in the class and while he isn’t the most explosive athlete, he makes up for it with his competitive toughness and nifty footwork.

He’s a physical receiver standing at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, and he’s displayed the vertical skills necessary to win over the top.

Palmer will likely never be a star, but he can develop into a very productive player and provide excellent depth from day one.

NY Jets fill major needs in post-free agency 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft. Next

Certainly a worthy target at this point in the draft.

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