ESPN NFL draft experts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay released their latest mock draft, predicting the top three rounds of next week’s draft.
Kiper and McShay have the Jets finally finding their long-awaited pass-rusher and then using their Day 2 picks on adding reinforcements on offense.
Let’s take a look at who the ESPN draft analysts have the Jets taking as they alternate picks.
First Round, Pick 3: DE Josh Allen, Kentucky
After Kyler Murray and Nick Bosa go off the board, the Jets are left with the option of trading back and either taking Kentucky outside linebacker Josh Allen or Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Here, McShay has the Jets taking the former.
Here’s his explanation:
The Jets badly need some pass-rushing off the edge, so while I think Quinnen Williams is the better player, I’d take Allen and his 17 sacks for Kentucky last season.”
Rather than take what he presumes to be the better player, McShay has the Jets taking Allen because of the team’s need at pass-rusher.
Allen would play the role that Jets once envisioned Anthony Barr to play in Gregg Williams’ defense. The motor, speed, explosiveness and power are all there off the edge. The Jets finally get a homegrown edge rusher in McShay’s eyes.
Third Round, Pick 68: OT Max Scharping, Northern Illinois
With New York’s first pick of the third round, Kiper has the Jets addressing the offensive line and finding Kelvin Beachum’s potential replacement in Northern Illinois tackle Max Scharping.
Here’s Kiper’s explanation:
This team still has several needs on both sides of the ball. I went with the best offensive lineman available.”
Scharping projects to be an eventual starter with some seasoning and developing. With Beachum entrenched as New York’s left tackle in 2019, Scharping could use his rookie season to learn from the veteran.
Scharping might get a shot at left tackle down the road, but might be best-suited on the right side, where he has the potential to become an above-average starter.
Third Round, Pick 93 (via NO): TE Jace Sternberger, Texas A&M
The last time the Jets took a tight end named Jace from a Texas school, he was off the team after only two seasons. However, Texas A&M product Jace Sternberger has a better chance of sticking.
McShay has the Jets adding a compliment to Chris Herndon. Here’s his explanation:
Sternberger is a reliable pass-catcher who can come down with the ball in traffic. Sam Darnold could use a guy like that as he enters his sophomore year at the helm.
While tight end isn’t a dire need for the Jets, more NFL teams are turning to two tight end offensive sets. Should he be the pick, Sternberger and Herndon could become a dangerous duo.
