The 2020 NFL Draft is less than a week old, but it’s never too early to start looking ahead to the next draft.
Draft Wire did just that on Friday, releasing its first 2021 mock draft. Using the latest Super Bowl odds, the Jets are slated to pick third in the mock, which positions Joe Douglas to land another elite offensive tackle in Oregon’s Penei Sewell.
The Sewell pick is an intriguing one since New York just selected Mekhi Becton in the first round. However, even with Becton in the fold, the right tackle spot is up for grabs. George Fant and Chuma Edoga will battle for the starting job in training camp this year, but it remains to be seen if either player can be the answer at the position past this season.
Listed at 6-foot-6 and 331 pounds, Sewell is already generating hype as an elite draft prospect. He won the Outland Trophy for the nation’s best lineman on either side of the ball in 2019, becoming the first sophomore to ever win the award. A complete prospect, Sewell’s technique and strength place him far above any other offensive tackle in his class.
If the Jets landed Sewell, they would have two mammoth offensive tackles to protect Sam Darnold. Considering Douglas’ affinity for offensive linemen and pledge to keep Darnold safe at all costs, it would not come as much of a surprise to see him select a lineman in the first round for a second consecutive year.