With April underway and the draft just a little over three weeks away, we at Jets Wire have joined the mock draft craze.
The Jets find themselves in an interesting position with the 11th pick. At this point they seemed destined to take a tackle or a receiver. Regardless of which position general manager Joe Douglas chooses to go with, New York will have plenty of options to choose from.
This decision all depends on what happens between now and the draft, whether that means an acquisition of a wide receiver or someone like Redskins All-Pro offensive tackle Trent Williams. Without that, the Jets would be left with starting George Fant at left tackle. The draft will now be taking place virtually, rather than in Las Vegas, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Let’s take a look at who we think the Jets and the other 31 teams could take in the first round in Jets Wire’s second mock draft.
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
This one is a no-brainer. The Bengals get their quarterback of the future with the No. 1 pick, officially bringing an end to the Andy Dalton era in Cincinnati.
2. Washington Redskins
Chase Young | DE | Ohio State
The Redskins benefit from Cincinnati’s need for a quarterback and land the best player in the draft at No. 2. With his freakish athleticism and propensity for sacking opposing quarterbacks, Young is the perfect player for first-year head coach Ron Rivera to build his defense around.
3. Detroit Lions
Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
The temptation to take Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons at No. 3 is certainly there, but the Lions desperately need a cornerback after trading Darius Slay. Okudah is far and away the best corner in the draft, making this an easy pick for Detroit.
4. New York Giants
Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson
The Giants need a tackle to protect Daniel Jones, but it’s hard to see Dave Gettleman passing up on a rare talent like Simmons. New York signed a handful of linebackers this offseason, but Simmons’ ability to line up anywhere on the field makes him a valuable piece.
5. Miami Dolphins
Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon
All signs point toward Miami trending away from Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, making Herbert the logical selection for the quarterback-needy Dolphins.
6. Los Angeles Chargers
Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
The Chargers miss out on Herbert, but land Tagovailoa, who has a much higher ceiling. As long as he can stay healthy, Tagovailoa has the potential to become a very good starting quarterback — even if he needs a year to sit and learn.
7. Carolina Panthers
Derrick Brown | DT | Auburn
The Panthers have a need on the interior and Brown is the best defensive tackle in this year’s draft. After selecting Brian Burns in the first round last year, Brown gives Carolina a solid foundation up front to build on moving forward.
8. Arizona Cardinals
Tristan Wirfs | OL | Iowa
The Cardinals got Kyler Murray a weapon by trading for DeAndre Hopkins. Now, it’s time to get him some protection by selecting the best offensive lineman in this year’s draft. Whether it be at tackle or guard, Wirfs is primed for an elite career at the next level.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina
Jacksonville gets itself a versatile interior defensive lineman to replace Calais Campbell.
10. Cleveland Browns
Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville
Jedrick Wills Jr. would be the smart pick here, but the Browns have a history of swinging for the fences in the draft. Becton has the highest ceiling of any offensive tackle in this year’s draft with his massive 6-foot-7, 364-pound frame and freakish athleticism.
11. New York Jets
Jedrick Wills Jr. | OT | Alabama
The Jets get lucky at No. 11, as Wills Jr. is arguably the most refined offensive tackle prospect in this year’s draft.
12. Las Vegas Raiders
Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama
You could make a case for either of the top three wide receivers in this year’s draft class to go at No. 12, but Ruggs’ 4.27 40-yard dash speed and polished route running gives Las Vegas its own version of Tyreek Hill.
13. San Francisco 49ers (via IND)
Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama
Odell Beckham Jr. is believed to be an ideal fit for Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme. With that in mind, it makes sense for San Francisco to go after the receiver that mirrors Beckham Jr.’s skillset the most.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
Tampa Bay needs an offensive tackle to protect Tom Brady. This is an easy selection for the Buccaneers to keep their offseason trending in the right direction.
15. Denver Broncos
CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma
John Elway has provided Drew Lock with three dynamic weapons to work with in Cortland Sutton, Noah Fant and free agent signing Melvin Gordon. The addition of Lamb would give Denver’s second-year quarterback the electric deep threat he needs.