The Jets are going to have a slew of talented prospects to choose from once they’re on the clock with the 11th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Whether it be an offensive tackle or a wide receiver, the two positions New York is most likely to target in the first round, general manager Joe Douglas will draft a standout talent with the potential to make an impact from day one.
Each one of the players the Jets are targeting has a case to ultimately become the pick at No. 11. Some prospects will not be on the board by the time New York’s selection rolls around, but assuming they are, let’s take a look at exactly what their case for donning the Green and White in 2020 is.
Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
If Tristan Wirfs is somehow on the board and available for the taking at No. 11, it’s safe to assume Joe Douglas and his front office staff will be partying in isolation.
Wirfs has All-Pro potential at either tackle or guard. He does not have the best absolute pure offensive tackle skillset in this year’s draft, but given his versatility, freakish athleticism and refined technique, there is no way the Jets could pass on a player of his caliber.
Offensive linemen like Wirfs don’t come around every year. If the Jets are lucky enough to have the chance to select the Iowa product, there should be no hesitation.
Jedrick Wills Jr., Alabama
Another player who might be off the board by the time it is New York’s turn to pick, Jedrick Wills Jr. is easily the most refined offensive tackle in this year’s draft class.
From run blocking to pass protection, Wills Jr. can do it all on the offensive line. His time at Alabama prepared him well for the professional ranks, as Nick Saban’s offense helped him develop into arguably the most NFL-ready offensive tackle in his class.
Wills Jr. is a plug and play starter at either tackle spot. Considering the Jets’ need for a new starter at that position, Wills Jr. is an ideal selection.
Mekhi Becton, Louisville
At 6-foot-7 and 354 pounds, Becton has the frame and athleticism to develop into an elite NFL offensive tackle.
His technique could use a bit of work, but Becton is a rare talent. Offensive tackles of his size with his strength and athleticism don’t exactly grow on trees. If Wirfs and Wills Jr. are off the board when it’s time for the Jets to pick, Becton should be priority number one if he is available and New York is still eyeing a tackle.
Andrew Thomas, Georgia
Andrew Thomas has flown under the radar for most of the offseason but is finally garnering some attention and buzz as a potential Top 10 pick with the draft nearing.
Thomas is a big-time player with a refined skillset. He is efficient in both run and pass blocking and also proved his value as a leader on and off the field throughout his time at Georgia.
Considering that Joe Douglas is trying to establish a blue-collar, nose to the grindstone kind of culture at One Jets Drive, Thomas could fit the exact mold of what New York’s first-year general manager is looking for.
Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
This is where things start to get interesting. If the Jets elect to pass on an offensive tackle in the first round, wide receiver Henry Ruggs III could be their pick at No. 11.
According to SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano, the Jets are eying Ruggs “closely.” That makes sense considering what New York lost in Robby Anderson this offseason. Ruggs has game-breaking speed and the ability to take the top off of the defense with ease.
The Jets already signed speed demon Breshad Perriman this offseason. If Joe Douglas is looking for another electric weapon for Sam Darnold to work with, Ruggs could be their guy.
CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
Another wideout that has been connected to New York, CeeDee Lamb would look awfully good in a Jets uniform.
Lamb is similar to Ruggs with his ability to take the top off the defense, but is a more refined route runner than the Alabama product. Considering Adam Gase worked hard with Robby Anderson to develop his route tree last season, it is entirely possible that the Jets could prefer Lamb over Ruggs given his versatility as a pass catcher and route runner if they elect to go the wide receiver route.
Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
Jeudy is the most refined and arguably best receiver in this year’s draft class.
Jeudy can do it all split out wide. His route running skills are elite, his speed is top-notch and his hands rarely fail him. If New York wants the complete package in a wide receiver at No. 11, Jeudy is a safe bet to succeed at the next level.
