NY Jets complete total offensive makeover in 7-round mock draft
The NY Jets are heading into the NFL draft in a much different position than initially thought. Thanks to a busy free agency, they managed to fill most of their needs.
They can now go in several directions with their first-round pick and are not forced into any particular position. Let’s look at this projection using the Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator.
Round 1, 10th Overall, NY Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The big debate from now until draft night will be whether the Jets should draft an offensive tackle with their first-round pick or Georgia tight end Brock Bowers.
Although they could use another offensive tackle, as Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses have injury concerns and will be free agents after this season, they go with Bowers in this scenario.
Mike Williams is coming off a torn ACL; he also has injury concerns, so they could use another receiving option. Bowers would have a role even when everyone is healthy and could take a bigger role if needed.
Bowers would help in the short-term, win-now window with Aaron Rodgers, and long-term would be a great second option alongside Garrett Wilson.
Round 3, 72nd Overall, NY Jets: Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
The Jets get some offensive tackle help in the third round with Blake Fisher. Fisher has been Notre Dame’s starting right tackle for the past two seasons, though he could play either tackle spot. He has good size at 6-foot-6, 312 pounds, and is a very young prospect; he just turned 21.
Although raw, he is a powerful, athletic tackle who could develop into a starter. Learning from Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses should be helpful. Fisher would give the Jets offensive tackle depth this season with an upside to be a starter in the future.
Round 4, 111th Overall, NY Jets: Audric Estimé, RB, Notre Dame
Another Notre Dame player, this time running back Audric Estimé. The Jets have not added a running back this offseason. They currently have Breece Hall, Israel Abanikanda, Jacques Patrick, and Xazavian Valladay under contract.
Estimé is a powerful back at 5-foot-11, 227 pounds, and is only 20 years old. He is tough to bring down once he gets going and is good in pass protection. Estimé would complement Hall and Abanikanda well, as they all offer different elements.
Round 4, 134th Overall, NY Jets: Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, WR, Georgia
The Jets should add a receiver at some point in the draft, and they do so here with Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint.
Rosemy-Jacksaint has excellent hands, with no drops over the past two seasons. Although he lacks top-end athleticism, he is an intelligent player, a good route runner, and a willing blocker.
Rosemy-Jacksaint would give the Jets another intriguing young receiver, along with Jason Brownlee and Xavier Gipson, as depth pieces behind Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams.
Round 6, 185th Overall, NY Jets: Hunter Nourzad, C, Penn State
All offense so far in the draft as the Jets add to the offensive line with Hunter Nourzad. Nourzad has played all five positions throughout his college career and was Penn State’s center this past season.
Like offensive tackle, the interior offensive line could use depth with question marks surrounding Alijah Vera-Tucker. Nourzad is a strong, athletic, and versatile offensive lineman, which would be helpful for any team, especially the Jets, with their history of offensive line injuries.
Round 7, 256th Overall, NY Jets: Kitan Oladapo, S, Oregon State
The Jets have not re-signed Ashtyn Davis yet, so there is still a need for another safety who will also have a role on special teams.
Kitan Oladapo is a strong safety type with good size and athleticism. He could help out on special teams with the new kickoff rules as the Jets lost Justin Hardee and could potentially lose Davis, two of their main special teams contributors last season.
Round 7, 257th Overall, NY Jets: Devin Leary, QB, Kentucky
Taking a page out of the 49ers playbook, the Jets take a quarterback with the last pick in the draft. Devin Leary is an intriguing quarterback prospect that the Jets have shown some interest in already.
Leary has a great arm; he had to deal with many drops at Kentucky but showed flashes. The Jets will likely take a quarterback at some point in this draft, and taking a chance on Leary to sit behind Aaron Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor would be a worthwhile shot.