The Jets enter the Day 2 of the NFL draft with two third round picks, but no second-rounder.
New York traded its 2019 second-round pick in the Sam Darnold trade and acquired a late third-round pick in the Teddy Bridgewater trade.
After failing to trade back in Round 1, the Jets stayed put at No. 3 and selected Alabama DT Quinnen Williams. New York was unable to re-coup its second-rounder and while Mike Maccagnan said the team will explore a trade up, it is rather unlikely at this point.
Let’s take a look at four best day 2 options for the New York Jets.
EDGE Jachai Polite, Florida
The Jets passed on taking a pass-rusher in the first round, making it a position of need Maccagnan will need to address in the middle rounds. Florida EDGE Jachai Polite is clearly the best available option left on the board, but questions surround his effort and testing.
There is no question that the talent is there and it clearly shows on tape against NFL caliber offensive lineman in the SEC. However, Polite’s red flags could trump his talent.
The Jets would be getting a steal here and have the luxury to take the risk. With Polite’s first-round talent and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ developmental skills, New York does not have much to lose by selecting Polite.
EDGE Chase Winovich, Michigan
Chase Winovich lines himself up as another great option for the Jets on Day 2. A physical edge defender, Winovich is relentless, determined and never takes plays off. He is the perfect hard-nosed football player for Gregg Williams’ defense.
During the 2018 season, Winovich recorded 62 tackles to rank third among Wolverines and first among defensive linemen. He also led the team in TFLs with 14.5.
OL Connor McGovern, Penn State
The Jets badly need a center and they can stick Connor McGovern there, as he played the center position for the Penn State Nittany Lions as a sophomore and junior.
McGovern is a reliable run blocker with NFL-ready strength and versatility. He can play all positions on the interior offensive line, but would project as a potential plug-and-play center for the Jets.
TE Dawson Knox, Ole Miss
If the Jets are lucky enough, Dawson Knox could fall right into their laps in the third round.
The Jets need a No. 2 tight end and will need someone to account for Chris Herndon’s absence early in the season, as New York’s second-year tight end will likely face a suspension to begin the year.
Knox’s route running surely needs cleaning up, but his athleticism and run-blocking ability make him hard to turn down as a potential complement to Herndon.
