In his latest mock draft, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah has the Jets making a surprise selection at No. 3.
Most draft pundits have the Jets selecting Alabama defensive tackle or Kentucky outside linebacker in the first round, but Jeremiah went in a different direction with his pick. The former NFL scout has New York selecting defensive tackle Ed Oliver out of the University of Houston.
Here is Jeremiah’s explanation for the pick:
Gregg Williams coached Aaron Donald during his time as Rams DC and could easily find a way to utilize Oliver in the Big Apple.
Oliver is one of the best defensive prospects in this draft, so selecting him at No. 3 wouldn’t be a reach. It is thought that Oliver would be a better fit filling the gaps for New York than Williams, as he compares to Aaron Donald in the sense that he is leaner and has more speed and power than the typical defensive tackle. He projects cleanly as a 3-tech starting interior defensive lineman in the NFL.
Oliver is already slated to make a top-30 visit with the Jets. They met with him at the combine and had multiple people in attendance at Houston’s pro day. It’s clear that a high level of interest is there.
Oliver’s athletic ability for his position is rare, making the Donald comparison justifiable. He possesses the speed, toughness and instincts to make an instant impact in Gregg Williams’s defense should the Jets elect to pick him.
