With the draft just over a week away, we at the Jets Wire have a new mock out. This projection focuses strictly on the Jets and what they could do through the first four rounds.
The Jets find themselves in an interesting position with the 11th pick. At this point, they seemed destined to take a tackle or a receiver. What they do in the first round may telegraph their plans for the rest of the draft.
In this mock draft, New York adds two wide receivers, two offensive linemen and a cornerback. From there, the Jets have three more picks to work with to add a running back, edge rusher, special teams help or any depth pieces in between.
Let’s take a look at who we think the Jets could take with their first five picks in Jets Wire’s third mock draft.
Round 1:
11. Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville
It’s hard to predict what tackle is going to be available when the Jets pick. It could be none of them or they could be picking between two of the top four. That said, Mekhi Becton is the pick here. He is big, long and athletic at 6-foot-7, 370-pounds. Becton has nimble feet and the versatility to play both tackle positions.
First and foremost, the Jets have got to get better at tackle. While the receiver position is definitely enticing with the 11th pick, this wide receiver class is the deepest in recent memory. The Jets have multiple Day 2 picks to work with in order to upgrade the weapons around Sam Darnold.
Round 2:
48. Laviska Shenault Jr. | WR | Colorado
Laviska Shenault Jr. has flown under the radar during the draft process, which has mostly been due to injuries slowing down his production at Colorado.
Shenault started eight of 11 games in 2019, seeing a decrease in production after being one of the nation’s top receivers in 2018. Still, he was a second-team all-conference selection in 2019, catching 56 passes for 764 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed the ball 23 times for 161 yards and two touchdowns.
In February, Shenault underwent surgery for a nagging injury, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Shenault has been dealing with a core muscle and inflammation of the pubic bone and was subsequently sidelined for 4-6 weeks. He played through the injury last season, but it did not slow him down at the combine, where he ran a 4.58 40-yard dash.
Regardless of the injuries, Shenault is a physical receiver with shades of Quincy Enunwa. However, at the same time, he’s an explosive playmaker that can turn into next gear with the ball in his hands after the catch. If the Jets look on to move from Enunwa, they’d be getting a player with similar traits, but younger and a whole lot faster in space.
Round 3 (via NYG):
68. Matt Hennessy | C | Temple
The Jets complete the Leonard Williams trade by drafting their future starting center at the top of the third round. In Matt Hennessy’s final collegiate season at Temple, he was named third-team Associated Press All-American, first-team All-American Athletic Conference and a finalist for the Remington Trophy as one of the nation’s best centers in 2019.
Adding Hennessy to the middle could allow the Jets interior offensive line to start taking shape. The addition of Hennesey would push Connor McGovern out to right guard, while Greg Van Roten can fill into his natural position at left guard. Alex Lewis would serve as the Jets’ primary interior depth piece, while New York can afford to part ways with Brian Winters.
The Jets did a good job of adding credible placeholders in free agency, but they need to continue to build up young depth inside. Adding two potential starters in the first two days of the draft certainly does that.
Round 3:
79. Amik Robertson | CB | Louisiana Tech
Short but stout at 5-foot-8, Amik Robertson may not be exactly what the Jets are looking for at cornerback because of his size. However, he has a chip on his shoulder and the intensity to size up against taller competition on the outside.
In 2019, Robertson earned second-team Associated Press All-American honors after tying for the national lead with 16 pass breakups. In addition, he added 60 tackles, eight tackles for loss and five interceptions.
Robertson’s physicality will fit right in with Gregg Williams’ mindset and his swagger will certainly be welcomed by Jamal Adams in the secondary.
Round 4:
120. Tyler Johnson | WR | Minnesota
Tyler Johnson is another receiver with immense college production that has been overlooked during the draft process. After an outstanding junior season, Johnson returned to get his degree and lead Minnesota to an 11-2 record. Johnson was among the national leaders in receptions with 86 for 1,318 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Johnson doesn’t have the speed and explosiveness that Laviska Shenault Jr. possesses, but he can go and make plays when needed. Johnson has the ball skills and contested-catch ability to be a playmaker for Sam Darnold at the next level.
