NY Jets: 5 players to target on Day 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft

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1. The NY Jets could target LB Jabril Cox

One of the more underrated needs for the Jets remains at the linebacker position. And it just so happens that one of the best coverage linebackers is still on the board as we head into Round 4.

LSU’s Jabril Cox is essentially the prototype of a Robert Saleh linebacker. He’s athletic, rangy, and fantastic in coverage making him a perfect fit in a Saleh-run defense.

Cox spent the first three years of his college career as a star in the middle of the North Dakota State defense where he was twice named first-team All-American and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors for his conference in 2018.

His lone season at LSU garnered him more national attention. Cox was named a team captain despite him just joining the program (he’s been widely praised for his leadership and maturity) and was one of the standouts on LSU’s defense.

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It’s a bit of a surprise that he hasn’t been selected through the first three rounds, but the Jets could look to take advantage as early as the second pick of Day 3.

Cox is still developing as a run stopper and is an inconsistent tackler and gap-filler, but his coverage ability gives him the potential to be a day-one starter in the nickel.

The Jets could line Cox up at the WILL and pair him with a returning C.J. Mosley and the recently-signed Jarrad Davis to give Saleh three supremely athletic linebackers to play with.

And given that neither Mosley nor Davis is guaranteed to be on the roster in 2022, it makes sense to address the linebacker position.

Next. NY Jets Draft: Final top-100 big board for the 2021 NFL Draft

Cox should be a top target of the Jets early on Day 3.

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