With the NFL Combine next week in Indianapolis, the NFL Network released a three-round mock draft that includes multiple trades.
In this particular mock draft, the Jets trade back in the first round and add an extra pick on Day 2 and Day 3. While this mock draft has the Jets maximizing their value, some of the picks may be too good to be true. Obviously, the combine will help clear up any uncertainties, but players like TCU’s Jeff Gladney and Michigan’s Josh Uche could be dark horse first-round picks after they perform in front of teams next week.
With that said, let’s take a look at who the Jets got in NFL Network’s pre-combine mock draft.
Round 1: Jedrick Wills Jr. | OT | Alabama
In this scenario, as projected by NFL Draft analyst Chad Reuter, the Jets trade back from No. 11 to No. 15 and pick up a third and fourth-round pick in the process.
The Broncos trade up for Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb, who was just recently mocked to the Jets by ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper, while the Jets trade back four spots and land arguably the draft’s best tackle in Jedrick Wills Jr.
Here’s Reuter’s explanation for the trade-back and the draft choice:
Wills lived up to the recruiting hype in 2019, showing nice athleticism in pass pro and destroying his man in the run game. The Jets pick up third- and fourth-round picks from the Broncos in this trade scenario.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, it’s highly unlikely that Wills will be on the board for the 11th pick, let alone the 15th.
If he were there at No. 11, the Jets probably wouldn’t trade back with Denver and risk him being poached by the Raiders, Colts and Buccaneers. That trio of teams could be in the market for a tackle depending on how free agency shakes out.
Round 2: Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU
The Jets had an interesting decision to make with their second-round pick. On the clock with the 48th pick of the draft, edge rushers like Alabama’s Terrell Lewis and Bosie State’s Curtis Weaver are on the board, while LSU plug-and-play center Lloyd Cushenberry III is sitting there as well.
Ultimately, New York decides to bolster its receiving core by adding Jalen Reagor out of Texas Christian University.
In 2019, Reagor was a second-team all-conference selection as a receiver, leading his TCU team with 43 receptions for 611 yards and five touchdowns in 12 starts. As a return specialist, Reagor had five kick returns for 72 yards while returning 15 punts for 312 yards and two touchdowns.
Reagor has blazing speed and is an exceptional playmaker with the ball in his hands. He excels after the catch, so someone like Sam Darnold getting the ball out quickly to Reagor would be crucial to getting the Jets offense to a faster pace.
Round 3 (via NYG): Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU
As apart of the Leonard Williams trade, the Jets decide to double-down on prospects from TCU, this one being a potential first-round talent.
Jeff Gladney is a press cover corner who plays an aggressive style of football. He has terrific ball skills and great route anticipation. With his ball-hawking ability, the Jets would be able to play Gladney on the inside and outside.
Gladney projects as someone who can come in and immediately compete to be a team’s No. 1 cornerback. There has been some buzz around his name as a first-round pick, so next week’s NFL Combine should help create a better picture of where Gladney will be projected to go come April.
Round 3: Tyler Biadasz | C | Wisconsin
Tyler Biadasz’s draft stock has taken a hit since his poor showing at the Senior Bowl in January. Still, the Jets would be getting someone who can come in and compete for the starting center position immediately.
His play in 2019 displayed alarming regression, however. The talent and competitive toughness are there, but he definitely needs to be coached up by Frank Pollack.
The risk is there, but with three picks in the third round, it’s definitely one worth taking.
Round 3 (via DEN): Josh Uche | EDGE | Michigan
A player who benefited from the Senior Bowl was Michigan’s Josh Uche, who the Jets snag here with the first of their added picks from the Denver trade.
Uche stole the spotlight in Mobile with his burst and bend around the edge and was a nearly unblockable the entire week of practice. The Jets need speed off the edge and Uche would be able to instantly provide it, granted that the Jets bring in an outside linebacker in free agency to compliment him.
Uche can be impactful in the passing game as well, but he’s best on the edge, where the Jets could definitely use the sack help.
