10 players Jets should watch during Day 2 of 2020 NFL Draft

Michael Pittman and Denzel Mims are among the possibilities

4/24/2020, 4:44 PM
undefinedRon Chenoy
undefinedRon Chenoy

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The Jets seemed to put the finishing touches on their offensive line rebuilding project when they drafted tackle Mekhi Becton in the first round on Thursday night. That should allow them to focus on other positions on Day 2.

One of those positions will absolutely be receiver. In fact, it feels like a lock they will take one in the second round.

There are still a few good ones available in a class that scouts have been lauding for weeks as one of the deepest they've ever seen. The Jets could end up with a first-round-quality receiver on Friday, even though they have to sweat out 15 picks before they make the 48th overall selection.

They also have two third-round picks - 68th, courtesy of the Giants and Leonard Williams -- and 79th. And it wouldn't be a shock if they took another receiver, too. But GM Joe Douglas has plenty of other needs - like cornerback and edge rusher -- and plenty of options, including trades to get more picks.

So who is Douglas going to select? Here are a 10 players to keep an eye on for the Jets on Day 2:

 

USC WR Michael Pittman

The Jets need receivers, especially a big one, and this 6-4, 223-pounder certainly fits that description. He also has 4.52 speed, which is good enough for a player his size. A former teammate of QB Sam Darnold on the Trojans, he had a huge season last year (101-1,275-11). He figures to be a possession receiver and an impressive red-zone target, which the Jets desperately need.

Clemson WR Tee Higgins

Another big receiver (6-4, 216), but a more dangerous, downfield playmaker with the muscle to fight for contested passes. He seems to be underrated by scouts, and some think he could slide all the way to the third round. But his talent and college production should put him higher on the list than that.

Baylor WR Denzel Mims

Some around the NFL are stunned that Mims slipped out of the first round, though that's likely the byproduct of a deep class with teams figuring they can wait on receivers. He's a good one -- 6-3, 207 with blazing speed (4.38). He's great in the red zone and seems to catch anything thrown anywhere near him. It's hard to see him lasting all the way to 48, though.

Colorado WR Laviska Shenault Jr.

He may not be as tall as some of the others (6-1, 227), but he is a powerfully-built receiver who is rarely out-muscled for a ball. He boosts his decent speed (4.58) with quickness and moves that help him get open with ease. Adam Gase loves receivers like that, who can get open in tight spaces and then just take off.

Notre Dame WR Chase Claypool

There could really be 20 receivers on this list, and the Jets have so many options. But again, size matters, and this 6-4, 238-pounder has it, plus 4.42 speed. He's a physical receiver and can out-jump most cornerbacks. He's an excellent blocker, too, which could put him over the top for Douglas.

Auburn CB Javaris Davis

The Jets don't seem to be desperate for help at this position, even though it looks like a big need -- especially in the future. Davis might not be worthy of a pick on Day 2. His size (5-8, 183) is definitely a concern. But he's got great speed (4.39), he's shifty and tough. He could be the Jets' future slot cornerback and they could afford to give him a year to develop.

Virginia CB Bryce Hall

A cornerback with a little more size (6-1, 202), if not the same upside. There are some who think his natural position might be safety, since he tends to fare better in zone than man-to-man coverages. But he has the skills and the Jets have the time to develop him. He won't need to step in and start right away, but he could.

Alabama CB Trevon Diggs

If the Jets are looking for an instant starter at cornerback, this 6-1, 205-pounder would do the trick. The brother of Bills receiver Stefon Diggs, he's a former receiver himself, so the awareness and hands are obvious. He doesn't have blazing speed, which is why he wasn't a first-rounder. That could be a concern since he'd need safety help against some of the faster receivers in the league. But he'd get the job done.

Tennessee DE Darrell Taylor

The Jets are much more likely to take a receiver in Round 2, but if they're tempted by the available edge players, this 6-4, 267-pounder could be a good fit. He can rush the passer and is strong against the run, and scouts think he'd be equally good as a 4-3 end or 3-4 linebacker. Gregg Williams would love that kind of versatility. He had 8 ½ sacks last year, but scouts still think he's raw.

Utah LB Bradlee Anae

He's a more prototypical edge rusher, and the Jets have been eyeing him closely. He's 6-3, 257 and had 13 sacks last year and 28 over the past three seasons. He's a ball of energy with a great first step. He's probably more of a situational player at first, but there's room to develop into more. He could be the replacement for Jordan Jenkins when his contract is up after this year.

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