USA Today’s Nate Davis goes down the road less traveled in his latest mock draft.
He has the Jets running it back with Sam Darnold and trading down from the No. 2 pick, adding multiple playmakers in the process. In this projected trade, the Panthers come up to No. 2, with the Jets sliding down to No. 8 while also acquiring Carolina’s third-round pick and a 2022 first-rounder.
Davis has the Jets using their first pick on Alabama wideout Jaylen Waddle. Here’s his explanation for the selection:
New York has finished last in total offense each of the past two seasons and hasn’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Brandon Marshall in 2015. So how about giving Darnold help, pairing Waddle with 2020 second-round WR Denzel Mims and reasonably giving the young QB a shot to succeed with bona fide weapons in new OC Mike LaFleur’s offense
Waddle is a versatile chess piece who can play any three wide receiver positions. Waddle kicked off his junior campaign with 28 receptions, 591 yards and four touchdowns. However, his season was cut short after he suffered a broken ankle midway through the season against Tennesee.
While Waddle missed six games, he returned for the National Championship game. He was in clear pain, limping throughout the contest, but he added three receptions for 34 yards.
For the Jets’ second first-round pick, Davis has them doubling down on Alabama skill players by selecting RB Najee Harris.
Here’s Davis’ reasoning behind the pick:
Did we mention getting help for Darnold, who had New York’s longest run by far (46 yards) of the 2020 season? Harris is a bruising runner, reliable pass catcher and capable in protection – all attributes that would enable the new regime to determine whether or not Darnold is the franchise savior the previous regime thought him to be.
Obviously, this pick depends on how Joe Douglas values the running back position going forward, but the Jets general manager may have a hard time balking at Harris’s blend of power and speed.
Harris averaged 5.9 yards per carry, rushing for 1,224 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also added 27 receptions for 304 yards and seven receiving touchdowns.