Pro Football Focus released a new mock draft this week, but this one has a different allure to it.
An industry leader in football data, PFF created an algorithm for its latest mock draft that is solely focused on analytics while accounting for a prospective team’s needs. For the Jets, it leads to an intriguing scenario with the 11th pick. With tackles Tristan Wirfs, Andrew Thomas and Josh Jones already off the board, the Jets opt for Oklahoma WR CeeDee Lamb.
Here’s PFF’s explanation for the selection:
With Robby Anderson likely leaving and the time ticking on Sam Darnold’s rookie deal, the Jets stock up at receiver with the former Oklahoma Sooner star. Lamb was the fifth most valuable wide receiver in college football last year, but he was the second most valuable one who played fewer than 700 snaps.
Interestingly enough, the analytics are not high on Louisville’s Mekhi Becton or Alabama’s Jedrick Wills Jr., who the Jets would presumably pick between in this scenario. Instead, PFF has them falling out of the first round altogether. For New York to pass on both Becton and Wills, it has to be comfortable with its free agency results, but it might not be financially feasible to trade for someone like Trent Williams and add a Bryan Bulaga or Jack Conklin at right tackle.
Just two weeks ago at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Lamb stole the show and cemented his status as one of the top wide receivers in this draft class. While 20 out of 55 receivers may have run a faster 40-yard dash than Lamb, it doesn’t account for his play speed and how he was able to set the college football world ablaze playing in Lincoln Riley’s fast-paced offense.
The Jets desperately need a No. 1 wide receiver and Lamb can instantly provide an immediate impact with his tremendous ball skills and explosiveness with the ball in his hands.
In 2019, Lamb was named a first-team Associated Press All-American and a Biletnikoff Award finalist and earned first-team All-Big 12 honors. In 13 starts, he led the Sooners with 62 receptions for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns.