Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive
There is less than a month to go until the Jets can use their six picks in the upcoming NFL draft. Here's a look at how those picks might go:
First round (3rd overall) - DE/LB Josh Allen, Kentucky
I go back and forth here between Allen and Alabama DT Quinnen Williams, both of whom could be available and are clearly two of the top three or four players in the draft. Even if Williams - who some scouts think is the better and more valuable player - is available, it's hard to deny the Jets' need at edge rusher. And the 6-5, 260-pound Allen, who had 17 sacks last season and 31 over the last three seasons, is simply the most productive pass rusher in the draft.
Third round (68th overall) - RB Damien Harris, Alabama
Yeah, the Jets signed Le'Veon Bell, but new coach Adam Gase also made it clear that they don't want over-use him. They understand he's 27, has had a lot of touches in his five years and will have some rust after a year off. It doesn't sound like they completely trust Elijah McGuire as the backup, so they've been looking at a lot of draft-eligible running backs. The 5-10, 216-pound Harris is one of the best in the draft, but it's a class that is widely believed to be without a first-rounder. Could he slip to the third? Maybe. Teams usually either view running backs as top-of-the-draft guys or mid-rounders. Harris might slip in between.
Third round (93rd overall) - C/G Connor McGovern, Penn State
He's large (6-5, 308) and versatile, but considered a bit of a project, which is good since the Jets seem to have starters entrenched at every position. Their weakest link is at center, where McGovern could eventually compete for a job with Jonotthan Harrison. He certainly has the strength. He just needs to refine his technique.
Fourth round (105th overall) - CB Isaiah Johnson, Houston
The Jets have no corner depth and are iffy on their long-term plans for Trumaine Johnson after his tumultuous debut year, so there's no doubt they need reinforcements. This 6-2, 208-pound converted receiver with 4.4 speed could be ideal, especially since he's still new to the position and needs coaching and time. The size and speed, though, makes him a tantalizing project.
Sixth round (196th overall) - DT Daniel Wise, Kansas
A 6-3, 281-pounder with interior pass-rushing moves and an ability to disrupt the pocket. He probably needs to add some strength to be a run-stopper in the NFL, but he'll have a year to sit and learn behind Steve McLendon as he does. His impressive week at the East-West Shrine game may land him a round higher than this, though.
Seventh round (217th overall) - TE Foster Moreau, LSU
He's not much of a receiver, but the 6-4, 253-pounder is a powerful blocker, which is what the Jets are looking for to pair with Chris Herndon. Moreau does have 4.6 speed, though, so he could be used as a target if necessary. That just wouldn't be his primary role with the Jets, and that's just fine.
