With the combine at the end of the month and the NFL in a holding pattern of draft buzz, Draft Wire released its latest mock, a four-rounder.
In this hypothetical, the Jets are able to reload on both sides of the football by targeting needs and finding value on Day 2 and the early portion of Day 3. Not only do the Jets find a key cog on the offensive line, but they also find multiple starters that they can plug-and-play on the offensive side of the football. At the same time, they’re able to find players who can be contributors from Day 1 of OTAs on defense.
Here’s a look at the players selected by Luke Easterling in each round for the Jets.
First Round: Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville
With the Jets’ first pick, they address the offensive line and are fortunate enough that one of the draft’s top-four offensive linemen falls to them with the 11th pick.
Here’s Easterling’s explanation for the pick:
If Sam Darnold is going to live up to his full potential, the Jets need to find him a true franchise left tackle to keep him upright. Becton is a massive force with rare athleticism for his size, and while he may not be as polished as some of the other top tackles in this class, his upside gives him the nod for the Jets here.
Becton has a huge frame, standing at 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds, but he’s complemented with nimble feet and functional athleticism for his size, allowing him to be plugged in at either tackle position. The Louisville product is an athletic blocker with the size, length and skill to become a top offensive lineman.