As we hit the two-week mark since free agency opened, ESPN analyst Todd McShay released his latest two-round mock draft.
Despite two of the four top offensive tackles being available in Louisville’s Mekhi Becton and Georgia’s Andrew Thomas, McShay has the Jets selecting a wide receiver with the 11th pick in the draft. That would be none other than Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy.
Here is McShay’s explanation for the pick:
[Offensive tackle Mekhi] Becton also would make sense here, as that offensive line still needs work, but Jeudy is the class’ best route runner and top wideout available. How can the Jets, who would be entering the season with Jamison Crowder and Breshad Perriman as their top two wide receivers, pass on this type of playmaker? The Jets were one of four NFL teams to average fewer than 200 passing yards and score fewer than 20 passing touchdowns last season, and that was with Robby Anderson still in green.
While McShay’s rationale does make sense, it’s hard to believe Joe Douglas would go wide receiver given that two of the top four offensive tackles are available in this mock. Douglas has made the offensive line his priority so far in free agency and the feeling is that he’s going to continue to address it in the draft.
If none of the top tackles are there at No. 11, then picking Jeudy would be wise. The Jets are hungry for dynamic playmakers and Jeudy has all the tools to be a star wide receiver in the NFL one day.
As for the second round, McShay has the Jets taking Auburn defensive end Marlon Davidson at No. 48.
Here’s McShay’s reasoning on this pick:
It’s not easy to skip out on the offensive tackle position — or cornerback — but there just isn’t a player worth reaching down the board for at No. 48. So instead, the Jets tack on an edge rusher in Davidson, who has power, explosiveness and versatility.
The Jets desperately need some help on the edge, but picking a defensive lineman makes little sense for them right now. They have a crowded defensive line headed by Quinnen Williams, Steve McLendon and Henry Anderson.
Even without an edge presence, the Jets were still tied for 16th in the league in sacks last season with 39. It’s not like the Jets aren’t getting to the quarterback at all. They just need guys like Williams and Anderson to step up and be more productive.
An offensive tackle has to be a priority in this year’s draft, whether it’s in the first round or second round. The Jets cannot afford to have Sam Darnold get pummeled into the ground because George Fant and Chuma Edoga can’t hold up in pass protection.