Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive
The Jets have eight draft picks, including four in the first two days of the draft. That, of course, includes the third-rounder they got from the Giants in the Leonard Williams trade.
Considering how many holes they have to fill after their slow trip through the free agent market, they certainly can put those picks to good use. Exactly how they'll do that is hard to know with one month still to go until the draft starts.
But here's an early projection, based on the team's needs, what sources have said about players they might like, and what scouts have said about the value of certain players in the draft...
First round (11th overall) - Georgia OT Andrew Thomas
For a moment, Robby Anderson's decision to sign with Carolina seemed like it might change the calculus of this pick since the Jets suddenly had a huge need at receiver. Then, they replaced Anderson with Breshad Perriman and the Jets were back to where they started.
Yes, they still could be tempted to pick a receiver since they might have their choice of receivers here. But offensive tackle seems to make the most sense, especially considering GM Joe Douglas' obvious offseason plan (or obsession) to rebuild the line. So far, he's only added one tackle -- basically a one-year gamble on former Seattle tackle George Fant. He seems to be lining things up perfectly to add another with this pick.
Which tackle depends on which one is available. There is a Big Four, according to most scouts, that includes Iowa's Tristan Wirfs, Louisville's Mekhi Becton, Alabama's Jedrick Wills, and the 6-foot-5, 315-pound Thomas. At the moment, Wills and Thomas seem to be the most likely ones to last this far in the draft.
And if it's Thomas, that's still a good pick even if he's the fourth tackle to come off the board in the first 11 picks. A three-year starter at Georgia, he's considered a pro-ready player. Thomas may not be quite as athletic as the others, but it's worth noting that during the college season, he was largely considered the best tackle available. Some think he's unfairly slipped in some evaluators' eyes.
Second round (48th overall) - LSU WR Justin Jefferson
Assuming the Jets don't take a receiver in the first round, they absolutely have to take one in the second. They have virtually ignored adding weapons for quarterback Sam Darnold this offseason, other than to replace Anderson with Perriman. But a receiving corps of Jamison Crowder, Perriman and a bunch of no-names and question marks simply will not do.
So the Jets will dip into what scouts largely consider a historically talented receiving class here, with the 6-foot-1, 202-pound Jefferson. He was an extremely reliable target for the national champs, catching 111 passes for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns -- eye-popping numbers that are only enhanced by his 4.4 speed. He can play inside or outside, making him a good fit with Crowder and Perriman.
That threesome could make for a very versatile passing attack.
Video: Jets sign WR Breshad Perriman to a 1-year contract
Third round (68th overall) - Auburn CB Noah Igbinoghene
The Jets' need at receiver is so great that another one here -- with the Williams trade pick -- isn't the craziest idea. However, the Jets need help at cornerback, too. They dumped both of their starting corners from last year (Trumaine Johnson, Darryl Roberts) and their only moves were short-term deals with Pierre Desir and slot corner Brian Poole.
So unless you believe Arthur Maulet, Nate Hairston, or Bless Austin is the long-term answer here, the Jets could use another young corner to come in and compete.
The 5-foot-10, 198-pound Igbinoghene certainly has the speed (4.48), strength, and aggressiveness that Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will surely love. That's also his greatest flaw, though -- an over-aggressiveness that can lead to big mistakes and/or penalties.
So he'll need some time to develop and work through what surely will be some rookie bumps.
Third round (79th overall) - Louisiana-Lafayette OL Robert Hunt
Another offensive lineman? Yes, because a big part of Douglas' plan to restock the line is to make sure he's got some talented, young players in the pipeline. And with Fant's deal set up to give the Jets an easy out after one year if they want, it makes sense to add some more depth to the tackle positions, just in case.
Enter Hunt, who does come with a medical red flag -- a groin injury that limited him to seven games last year and kept him out of the combine. That could be a problem for any team thinking about him, since medical re-checks and team-run physicals aren't happening due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But assuming he's OK, or that the Jets believe he's OK, the 6-foot-5, 323-pounder is worth a shot in the third round because of his size, strength, and versatility. He could play guard or tackle. He may need some development coming from a smaller school, but he'd be a solid, young backup in the meantime as the Jets decide where they'll need him for the future, or which position will eventually be his best.