Jets NFL Mock Draft: Jerry Jeudy is first of few offensive weapons they’ll add

With free agency basically over, the Jets are now preparing for the NFL Draft, which begins on April 23. They are unable to meet with draft prospects due to the coronavirus pandemic, but are conducting video interviews with players and finalizing their draft board. Each week up until the Draft, we will conduct a seven-round …

With free agency basically over, the Jets are now preparing for the NFL Draft, which begins on April 23.

They are unable to meet with draft prospects due to the coronavirus pandemic, but are conducting video interviews with players and finalizing their draft board.

Each week up until the Draft, we will conduct a seven-round mock draft, projecting what the Jets might do. With help from Fanspeak’s mock draft simulator, we will try to figure out what the Jets might do with each of their eight picks.

Here is this week’s mock:

Round 1 (pick 11 overall) — WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama

This has become the ultimate decision in Jetsland – take the leftover tackle or grab the best wide receiver? I went with Jeudy here over Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas, who was the only one left of the big four tackles.

The Jets desperately need a playmaker and that is what Jeudy is. I have come around on taking a receiver here. Initially, I thought the Jets should take a lineman and hold off on the receiver, but if you can get a gamebreaker, you have to do it. This is what Sam Darnold needs.

In our simulation, Jeudy is actually the second receiver off the board. The Cardinals took his teammate Henry Ruggs III at No. 8. Jedrick Wills (Giants), Tristan Wirfs (Chargers) and Mekhi Becton (Browns) were all off the board for the Jets.

Round 2 (pick 48 overall) — C Cesar Ruiz, Michigan

After going playmaker in Round 1, GM Joe Douglas hits the offensive line on Day 2 of the Draft. Yes, the Jets just signed Connor McGovern to play center, but it is clear that Douglas’ philosophy is to load the offensive line with as many talented players as he can and then sort it out later. Ruiz or McGovern could move to guard, if need be.

I was tempted to take Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins here because the Jets need to find a long-term answer at the position, but the offensive line need is too great.

Round 3 (pick 68 overall from the Giants) — CB Bryce Hall, Virginia

The Jets came out of free agency with Pierre Desir, Brian Poole and Arthur Maulet at cornerback. That means they still need to add. Hall was a four-year starter at Virginia, whose senior season was cut short by a broken ankle.

Round 3 (pick 79) — TE Adam Trautman, Dayton

Tight end is not a position of need for the Jets with Chris Herndon and Ryan Griffin there, but Griffin is 30 and Herndon needs to prove he can stay healthy. Adding depth at this position makes sense for 2020 and beyond. Trautman had 70 catches and 14 touchdowns for Dayton last year.

Round 4 (pick 120 overall) — G Ben Bredeson, Michigan

Douglas loads up on Michigan offensive linemen. Bredeson is a 6-foot-5, 315-pound four-year starter for the Wolverines who can be a good backup as a rookie and then compete for a starting spot in Year 2.

Round 5 (pick 158 overall) — RB Ke’shawn Vaughn, Vanderbilt

The Jets need depth at running back behind Le’Veon Bell. Vaughn is a tough runner.

Round 6 (pick 191 overall) — OT Colton McKivitz, West Virginia

Jets need to keep adding depth to the offensive line. McKivitz played both left and right tackle for the Mountaineers.

Round 6 (pick 211 overall from the Chiefs)— Edge D.J. Wonnum, South Carolina

Douglas is looking for high-character guys and Wonnum became a team captain as a sophomore. Can contribute on special teams and possibly develop into a pass rusher.

Follow us on Google News