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NY Jets land Zach Wilson, star pass-rusher in 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft

By Justin Fried

NY Jets Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
NY Jets Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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NY Jets Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

Round 5, 154th Overall, NY Jets: Marco Wilson, CB, Florida

It was a little surprising to see Florida’s Marco Wilson still on the board at this spot, but we weren’t going to complain. After grabbing Ifeatu Melifonwu in Round 3, the Jets add a second cornerback to help fill out an inexperienced depth chart.

Wilson, the brother of former Jets cornerback Quincy Wilson, was a highly-touted recruit who became just the fourth cornerback in program history to start the season-opener as a true freshman (joining Joe Haden, Janoris Jenkins, and Marcus Roberson).

At 5-foot-11, 191 pounds, Wilson has good size for the position and is tough as nails. He blends his physicality with above-average athleticism to give him a solid foundational set of physical traits.

However, his performance at Florida was inconsistent at best and there have been talks of immaturity concerns as well. He has the talent to be a very good cornerback, but his lack of awareness and technique could hold him back.

Under the right coaching staff, perhaps he could reach his potential. He’s certainly worthy of a flier here in Round 5.

Round 6, 186th Overall, NY Jets: Justin Hilliard, LB, Ohio State

Another former top recruit, Justin Hilliard was a five-star linebacker and the No. 1 prospect in the state of Ohio back in 2015. Unfortunately, due to injuries and inconsistent play, he never found himself as a full-time starter in Columbus.

Hilliard started just seven games throughout his six years at Ohio State and at 24-years-old, he’s already very old for an NFL prospect. But he has the raw athleticism and twitch that the Jets are looking for at the linebacker position.

Hilliard has excellent range and is a consistent tackler meaning he does have three-down linebacker potential at the next level. The medicals will be a concern, however, as he’s dealt with biceps and meniscus tears as well as an Achilles tear in 2019.

But it’s his determination and highly-touted leadership qualities that could intrigue someone like Joe Douglas. There are certainly worse ways to spend a sixth-round pick.

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Round 6, 226th Overall, NY Jets: Dax Milne, WR, BYU

The Jets’ top priority in the draft should be to help their new quarterback out. And what better way to do that than by drafting his favorite target from college?

Milne broke out as a junior in 2020 and was the primary beneficiary of Zach Wilson’s standout season. The 21-year-old led BYU with 70 catches for 1,188 yards and eight touchdowns in 12 games.

Milne isn’t overly dynamic as a receiver and he isn’t going to win many foot races, but his dependable hands and natural tracking skills give him a solid floor in the NFL.

Although he isn’t a burner, Milne is deceptively quick (stereotypes aside) and rarely makes a technical mistake. On top of that, he’s an excellent blocker and plays with a chip on his shoulder as a former college walk-on.

Milne is never going to be a superstar wideout, but he’s a natural receiver who should be able to contribute both on offense and special teams.

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

Plus, it never hurts to have chemistry already established with your quarterback.

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