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In many ways, the Jets have one of the most interesting choices to make in the entire first round when they're on the clock at No. 11. They need and want a tackle, and will probably be able to take the last available of the best four.
Or they could take what likely will be the top receiver on their board.
It's a big dilemma, considering both positions are big needs and both could really help Adam Gase's offense and young quarterback Sam Darnold.
So here's a deeper look at the debate that will likely dominate the Jets' virtual war room on April 23 when they're on the clock:
The case for an offensive tackle
It's pretty obvious that new GM Joe Douglas' rebuilding philosophy starts with the offensive line. Most of his attention in free agency was directed there, and he's far from done yet. He's got a gaping hole still at right tackle -- or left, if the Jets move free agent George Fant to right. And Fant's contract was really a one-year gamble anyway. The Jets still need that anchor tackle for the next 5-10 years.
And they could get it. Much has been made about the Big Four tackles, all of whom are widely projected as Day 1 starters and possible future Pro Bowlers. At least one of them should still be there for the Jets - most likely either Georgia's Andrew Thomas or Louisville's massive Mekhi Becton. All of them have the size, strength and agility scouts love with generally refined technique. All of them are Top 10-worthy picks.
Yes, weapons are nice and necessary, but if they can't protect Darnold, all the weapons in the world won't matter. And Douglas' laser-focus on the line has been pretty clear.
The case for a receiver
There are three really good ones - Alabama's Jerry Jeudy, Alabama's Henry Ruggs III, and Oklahoma's CeeDee Lamb. All are fast, explosive and polished. All are versatile enough to play in the slot or on the outside. And they all could still be on the board at 11, which will be very tempting, especially if it's true of the 6-1, 193-pound Jeudy who some scouts think is the best receiver to come along in years.
The Jets haven't had a true No. 1 since Brandon Marshall in 2015, and every young quarterback needs a go-to receiver. Ideally, they'd all have one they can spend years with, developing a unique chemistry along the way. And even though the Jets managed to generate some offense late last season, they didn't have that one player to consume the attention of defensive coordinators. A game-breaker like one of these three could change everything for the players the Jets already have.
Which fills a bigger need?
It's hard to argue that it's not a receiver. Douglas spent a lot of time fixing up the line during free agency, adding Fant, center Connor McGovern, guard Greg Van Roten and re-signing guard Alex Lewis. Sure, he's not done, but he's off to a really good start.
The same can't be said of receiver, where all Douglas did was replace the departed Robby Anderson with the similar Breshad Perriman. That does nothing to change the depth chart, which for the Jets really stops at two - Perriman and Jamison Crowder. They always needed a reliable third receiver, especially with the health of Quincy Enunwa in question. And none of their current players really measures up as a true No. 1.
So the truth is, they probably can get by with the blocking they have. But even a well-protected Darnold still doesn't have enough weapons to win many games.
Second-round implications
This is where the equation shifts, because there's a chance that seven tackles will go in the first round, and there will be at least that many gone and probably more by the time the Jets pick 48th. They could still get a decent tackle prospect, but certainly not a top one.
It's different with receivers, though. Many scouts believe there could be 25 or more who end up going in the first two days, and by 48 there will be plenty left with high grades. In fact, with so many good receives in the draft pool, their place in the draft could be pushed down. Many believe teams will decide it makes more sense to wait until Day 2 to fill their receiver need, so the big run probably won't begin until the second round is underway.
So the Jets could end up with a pool of players like Clemson's Tee Higgins (6-4, 216), Notre Dame's Chase Claybpool (6-4, 238), Baylor's Denzel Mims (6-2, 206), or USC's Michael Pittman (6-3, 219) on Day 2 - any of whom would give them the size they need at that position. There are so many others, too, like TCU's speedy Jalen Reagor. It's hard to predict names, but there will definitely be value there.
Which way will the Jets go?
At this point, there is no consensus because some sources believe the temptation of the top receiver at 11 will be too hard for the Jets to pass up. But everyone does seem to agree that Douglas' focus is the offensive line and, as he's said, he's intent on building that up before working on anything else.
There are some around the NFL who think he'd even take a tackle if all of the Big Four are gone - perhaps USC's Austin Jackson or Houston's Josh Jones. Others think he might trade down first before grabbing one of those two.
But no doubt he is at least strongly considering the tackles. And if the 6-5, 315-pound Thomas or the 6-7, 364-pound Becton is available, one of them could be penciled in as the Jets' left tackle for the next decade. That sure seems like the ideal Douglas pick.