With the draft this coming Thursday, we at the Jets Wire have another mock ready to go. This projection focuses strictly on the Jets and what they could do through all seven rounds.
The Jets find themselves in an interesting position with the 11th pick. At this point, they seem 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 is able to add four potential starters on offense through its first four selections. By bulking up on offense, the Jets are putting Sam Darnold in a better position to succeed. This mock draft focuses less on the defensive side of the ball, as Gregg Williams has proven he can do a lot with a little and Joe Douglas indicated that free agency will pick back up after the draft commences.
Let’s take a look at who we think the Jets could take in Douglas’ first draft as the team’s general manager in Jets Wire’s fourth mock draft.
1st Round:
11. Mekhi Becton | OT | Lousiville
Despite having a drug test flagged at the NFL combine, Mekhi Becton should be one of the Jets’ primary targets. He has the positional versatility and mobility at 6-foot-7, 367 pounds to play both offensive tackle positions and can step int the starting lineup right away.
A wide receiver is tempting here, but an offensive tackle is the smart and safe move. Becton was the only one of the top offensive tackles to visit the Jets multiple times in the pre-draft process before visits were shut down due to the pandemic, so New York has gotten plenty of time to vet him.
2nd Round:
48. K.J. Hamler | WR | Penn State
After a run on wide receivers, the Jets pivot to K.J. Hamler in the second round. This could be an idealistic trade-up scenario for USC’s Michael Pittman Jr., but in this projection, the Jets stay put to take the explosive playmaker out of Penn State.
Hamler adds an element of vertical speed that only Breshad Perriman currently possesses on the team. He isn’t a one-trick pony either, as Hamler can create separation on a variety of routes. In 2019, Hamler received second-team all-conference recognition, catching 56 passes for 904 yards and eight touchdowns. Like many speedsters, drops were a concern for Hamler in Happy Valley. Still, his athleticism and speed should mitigate any concerns.
3rd Round (via NYG):
68. Chase Claypool | WR | Notre Dame
Chase Claypool didn’t garner much attention from American colleges until the British Columbia native started posting highlights on Facebook and he didn’t make a name for himself in South Bend until his senior campaign. He where was he was Notre Dame’s leading receiver last season, though, grabbing 66 passes for 1,067 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Claypool projects as a matchup nightmare at the next level. Not only does he have the ability to make explosive plays in space, but he can stretch the field and make contested catches as a possession receiver in the red zone. In addition to Claypool being everything Sam Darnold needs at wide receiver and more, he’s an outstanding run blocker and special teams ace.
3rd Round:
79. Nick Harris | IOL | Washington
Nick Harris is the most light-footed center in this class, but he lacks length. Still, he has the grit to fight for every snap, which could remind Joe Douglas of Jason Kelce.
Starting 13 games, Nick Harris earned first-team all-conference honors as a senior for his efforts. He didn’t exactly enamor scouts at the Senior Bowl with his lack of physicality, but he projects well as a starting center prospect in the NFL.
4th Round:
120. Alex Highsmith | EDGE | UNC Charlotte
Alex Highsmith projects as a stand-up edge rusher in a 3-4 scheme, perfect for Gregg Williams’ defensive front.
As a senior, Highsmith earned first-team all-conference recognition and was also named a third-team All-American by the Associated Press. Highsmith finished among the top five nationally with 21.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks in 13 starts.
Highsmith’s play focuses more on speed and finesse than physical strength to set the edge. The UNC Charlotte product can certainly come in as a backup for Jordan Jenkins and, with continued development, can eventually be penciled in as a starter.
5th Round:
158. Javaris Davis | CB | Auburn
With Logan Ryan a potential option in free agency, it makes sense to wait until Day 3 to target the cornerback position.
The cousin of former NFL players Vernon and Vontae Davis, Javaris Davis is looking to make his own legacy at the next level. As a senior at Auburn, Davis proved he belongs in the draft conversation, recording 43 tackles, one for loss, two interceptions and six pass breakups in 13 starts.
Davis can play both inside and outside, has great speed — he ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at the combine — and has the ball skills and instincts to hold his own despite his short stature at 5-foot-8, 183-pounds.
6th Round:
191. Charlie Heck | OT | North Carolina
Charlie Heck has the positional versatility that Joe Douglas is looking for on the offensive line. Heck started 25 games at left tackle for North Carolina and nine at right tackle.
Heck has offensive line play in his blood. His father, Andy Heck, was an All-American offensive tackle at Notre Dame and a first-round pick in the 1989 draft. He became a long-time NFL starter after that.
Heck has an NFL-ready frame at 6-foot-8, 311-pounds. He should be able to immediately contribute as a depth piece at swing tackle who can eventually compete for a starting job.
6th Round:
211. James Robinson | RB | Illinois State
James Robinson is a late-round, sleeper running back who has been on the Jets’ radar since the Shrine Bowl.
Robinson received first-team Associated Press All-American and all-conference honors in 2019 after leading the FCS with 364 carries, finishing second with 1,917 rushing yards and sixth with 18 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 16 passes for 80 yards out of the backfield.
Robinson has the footwork and vision to become a reliable member of a running back by committee approach. While Robinson’s college production is unlikely to translate at the pro level, he can come in and compete behind Le’Veon Bell and serve as a vital special teams contributor.
