In CBS Sports’ latest mock draft, the Jets stay put at No. 3 after Kyler Murray and Nick Bosa both fall off the board.
Instead of opting for the best available pass-rusher in Kentucky’s Josh Allen, Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports has the Jets selecting Alabama interior defensive lineman, Quinnen Williams.
Here is Benjamin’s explanation:
Josh Allen would be awfully tempting here, especially considering how badly they need an edge presence. But Williams is the better overall prospect. Plugging him in opposite Leonard Williams would instantly make their interior better.
While Williams is considered to be the better overall prospect by many, it would be surprising to see the Jets pass on a pass-rusher like Allen.
After missing out on the pass-rushers on the free agent market, it seems New York is deemed to take Allen if he is on the board and they keep the pick.
The Jets have brought back the same pass-rushers from last season, retaining Henry Anderson and Brandon Copeland in free agency while re-signing Steve McLendon to man the middle.
While Williams would be an excellent addition to New York’s interior right next to Leonard Williams, it seems like a pick that the Jets just don’t have the luxury to make.
New York will be running a 3-4 defensive scheme under Gregg Williams, so right now the Jets only have room for one starting defensive tackle, who projects to be McLendon.
Williams’ game projects to be eerily similar to that of Aaron Donald. He is not a 330-pound run-stuffing nose tackle, but a lean interior defender who can get after the quarterback and stop the run.
At Alabama, Williams excelled in his sophomore season, helping lead the Crimson Tide to the national championship game. Williams had 71 tackles, 19.5 tackles for a loss and eight sacks.
While Williams could be the better player on the board, New York is more in need of a true pass-rusher.
