Pro Football Focus, known for their deep-dive into football analytics numbers, produces traditional mock drafts like the rest.
But with their analytics background in mind, PFF released their first strictly analytics-based mock draft of the offseason. While the outlet does say this isn't their exact guesses as to what each team will do realistically at the 2020 NFL Draft, it's solely featured off of what the analytics say in regard to the player that could improve a team the most.
In terms of the Jets, Oklahoma wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is the fit. Here's how PFF explains why the numbers think so:
"With Robby Anderson likely leaving and the time ticking on Sam Darnold's rookie deal, the Jets stock up at receiver with the former Oklahoma Sooner star. Lamb was the fifth most valuable wide receiver in college football last year, but he was the second most valuable one who played fewer than 700 snaps."
The Jets, who hold the No. 11 overall pick in the first round of the upcoming draft, might not have a chance to realistically take Lamb. The 2020 receiver class is touted as one of the deepest ever, but Lamb tops the charts of the group, along with Jerry Jeudy. Typically in mock drafts, one or both of them is selected in the top-10 picks. A team to watch there is the Arizona Cardinals at eight, who have Lamb's college teammate, quarterback Kyler Murray.
If the Jets do lose Anderson via free agency, or even if the club keeps him, Gang Green could stand to use a true No. 1 receiver prospect for Darnold. But the Jets also need to consider adding along the offensive line at the draft and during free agency in a few weeks, too. Analytics also showed the Jets had the fifth-worst offensive line in the NFL last season, per PFF's metrics. Could be tough to get Lamb the ball if Darnold doesn't have a chance to throw.
At Oklahoma, Lamb flashed his talents as a "go up and get it" type of target. In 13 games last season, Lamb pulled in 62 catches for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns.