Two-Round NY Jets Mock Draft: Ideal picks on offense and defense

(Offense) Round 2, 35th Overall, NY Jets: Tyler Smith, OL, Tulsa

The team will likely address the defensive line with one of their first-round selections. Here, they could look to target a developmental lineman with intriguing traits.

Smith, while raw, is precisely the type of player that the Jets might look to take a flyer on. With further refinement of his technique and more experience, Smith can be a quality backup swing tackle or possibly a starter if the team feels comfortable enough to move on from Becton or Fant.

In a recent interview for the Official Jets Podcast at the 2022 League Meetings, Douglas spoke highly of their offensive line depth due to their experience. But while it’s true that backup tackles Connor McDermott and Chuma Edoga have experience, there is just as much truth in that they didn’t play all that well in relief.

A true boom-or-bust talent, Smith has a long way to go before being relied upon to play consistent snaps at the next level. His ceiling, however, may be worth taking a chance on in this range.

Scouting report: With impressive athleticism for his size (6-foot-5 324 pounds) and an aggressive demeanor, Smith has the tools to be a starter in the NFL. However, Smith must rebuild his pass-blocking technique from the ground up, and he must learn how to utilize his athletic gifts best. Only 20 years of age (he will turn 21 this month), Smith’s youth and raw ability may entice a team to take him early on Day Two or late in the first round.

(Defense) Round 2, 35th Overall, NY Jets: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State

Despite signing Jordan Whitehead and re-signing Lamarcus Joyner earlier in the offseason, I would imagine that Saleh would love to add another talented young player to an improved secondary. 

At 6-foot-1 200 pounds, Jaquan Brisker has the size and athleticism (4.49-second forty-yard dash) to be a versatile chess piece for defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s defense. In addition, brisker is an instinctive player who improved each year at school.

With Whitehead already in the fold, adding Brisker to the safety room would be among the more versatile and physical in the league. Having multiple versatile safeties has become necessary in a league that has seen a recent uptick in two-deep shells to limit explosive offenses. 

Scouting report: A twitchy athlete with exceptional size (6-foot-1 220 pounds), Brisker has the traits to be an impact player at the next level. The Penn State product has also shown the versatility that NFL teams covet, flashing the ability to be effective in single-high and two-high alignments. His well-rounded skill set and proven track record should lead to Brisker hearing his name called at the top of Round 2, if not late in Round 1.