Joe Douglas’ approach to the 2020 NFL Draft not only landed the Jets players with the potential to become great down the road, but also players that can come in and make an impact right away.
Of Douglas’ nine picks in his first draft as a general manager, five of them have a legitimate chance to crack the starting lineup at some point in 2020, assuming the develop as expected throughout the offseason and stay healthy. It might take longer than usual for New York’s rookie class to reach its potential given the limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the chance for numerous neophytes to play major roles on both sides of the ball this upcoming season is certainly there.
So, which Jets rookies have the best chance to start in 2020? Let’s take a look.
Mekhi Becton
This one is a no brainer, as Becton is a lock to begin 2020 as New York’s starting left tackle.
It remains to be seen how effective Becton will be in his rookie season. He is already a mauler when run blocking, but needs a little bit of work with his technique in pass protection. Either way, he will have the chance to develop as a member of the starting lineup all season.
Denzel Mims
Mims is everything the Jets look for in their wide receivers. He is athletic, quick off the line of scrimmage and is adept at making acrobatic catches in traffic.
There are some concerns about Mims’ drop numbers at Baylor, but that does not seem like an issue that will plague him moving forward. Assuming he impresses in training camp and develops chemistry with Sam Darnold, expect Mims to open 2020 starting opposite Breshad Perriman.
Jabari Zuniga
There is an opening opposite Jordan Jenkins at outside linebacker. As long as Zuniga stays healthy in training camp, it is his for the taking.
Tarrell Basham will make a serious run at the job, but Zuniga has the raw skill set that makes him an ideal pass rusher in defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ 3-4 defense. The injury bug is the only thing standing in his way at this point.
Bryce Hall
Like Zuniga, Hall’s chances of starting at any point in 2020 hinge on his ability to stay healthy. However, there is much more to this equation than just health.
Considering the severity of the injury Hall is recovering from, it is fair to wonder how long it is going to take him to get back to the All-ACC cornerback he was in 2018. There’s also Bless Austin, who impressed as a rookie and has an inside track at the No. 2 spot on New Yorks cornerback depth chart.
If Hall can recover and get back to being the player that led the FBS in pass breakups as a junior, the Jets will have a starting-caliber cornerback on their hands.
Braden Mann
It’s rare that a sixth-round pick has a lock on a starting position before training camp kicks off, but it looks like Mann is as close to a sure thing as you can get when it comes to assuming New York’s punting duties in 2020.
The Jets would not have invested a draft pick in Mann if the expectation was not for him to come in and start immediately. He was one of the best punters in college football last season and should not have much of an issue beating out Ian Berryman for the starting job.
