With the Combine at the end of the month and the NFL in a holding pattern, the Draft Wire released its latest mock, this one being three rounds with trades.
In the first round, Luke Easterling has the Jets selecting the best player available. From there, they look to improve their roster in the trenches by adding a pass rusher and a starting tackle.
Let’s take a look and see who else Easterling matched with the Jets in his latest mock draft.
First Round: Quinnen Williams | DL | Alabama
With Kyler Murray and Nick Bosa already off the board, the Jets seem to be in prime position to take Kentucky’s Josh Allen, but Easterling makes a surprise selection instead. Here, they take Alabama’s Quinnen Williams. Here’s Easterling’s explanation:
Offensive tackle is also a big need for the Jets, but there’s not a tackle in this draft that’s worth taking over Williams, who should get strong consideration at No. 1 overall. Just a redshirt sophomore, Williams is loaded with potential and is barely scratching the surface of his talent.
The Jets stick to the best player available mantra that has summarized Mike Maccagnan’s first-round selections.
Williams has a never-ending motor, while his pass-rushing abilities could emulate that of Aaron Donald and football IQ are outstanding. Williams is thought to be a future Pro Bowler and potential All-Pro candidate if he can play to his potential.
If this scenario plays out, then Allen will most likely be the selection, but the Jets are going to have a hard time saying no to the talent that Williams would bring to Gregg Williams 4-3 defensive scheme.
Third Round: Andre Dillard | OT | Washington State
The likelihood of Andre Dillard being available when the Jets pick for the first time on Day 2 are very slim.
The Washington State product had an impressive Senior Bowl showing that probably pushed him into the first-round conversation. However, if he is there is the third-round, New York will sprint its pick up to the podium.
Dillard could start immediately on the left side and the Jets would have an instant upgrade over Kelvin Beachum. Once viewed as a developmental prospect, his athleticism and football IQ put him over the top. His pass sets are impressive, but he will need to get better against speed rushers at the next level.
Third Round (via NO): Joe Jackson | EDGE | Miami (FL)
To complete the Teddy Bridgewater trade, the Jets finally fill their need at pass-rusher.
It can be assumed that the Jets addressed this position in free agency if they are waiting until the backend of the third round to take the University of Miami product.
Jackson added 30 pounds to his frame since coming to Miami and projects to be more of a power end. He could definitely work in a 4-3 set under Gregg Williams, but his lack of speed and first-step is concerning.
His length and overall size, standing at 6-foot-5, make him an intriguing edge option and probably an eventual starter on the Jets front seven.
