Jets NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Jeff Okudah’s shocking fall creates tough decision

Another week closer to the NFL Draft and time to take a look at what could happen for the Jets in our latest mock draft. The Jets No. 11 pick is fascinating with so many options possible. Yes, they need a tackle, but what if all four of the top tackles are gone? This week …

Another week closer to the NFL Draft and time to take a look at what could happen for the Jets in our latest mock draft.

The Jets No. 11 pick is fascinating with so many options possible. Yes, they need a tackle, but what if all four of the top tackles are gone? This week we get a surprise that changes the way we go in the first round.

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) — CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State

We get a surprise to start off this week’s mock. Okudah, rated as the best cornerback in this draft, is expected to be drafted No. 3 by the Lions. In this mock, Detroit passed on Okudah for linebacker Isaiah Simmons, frustrating Giants fans.

All four of the top offensive tackles were taken in the top 10, which left a decision for the Jets between Okudah and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy of Alabama. The Jets need help at both positions, but I don’t think you can pass up the chance to get a top cornerback.

The Jets cut both of their Week 1 outside starting cornerbacks last year and only signed Pierre Desir in free agency. Okudah would walk in as the No. 1 cornerback on the team. Now, the Jets only have to hope he is not another Dee Milliner, the last cornerback they drafted in the first round.

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

The same pick in this spot as last week. The Jets bolstered their interior line in free agency by signing Connor McGovern and Greg Van Roten, but they still need to work on their offensive line. Ruiz could play guard or center and is a possible long-term solution in the middle of the line.

Round 3 (pick 68 overall from the Giants) — WR Michael Pittman Jr., USC

Sam Darnold gets reunited with one of his college teammates. Pittman has good bloodlines – his father, Michael Sr. was an NFL running back for 11 seasons. Pittman Jr. had 101 catches for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns in 13 games last season for the Trojans.

Round 3 (pick 79) — Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington

Tight end is not at the top of the Jets’ list of needs, but I still think they could draft one with an eye on the future and there figures to be a bunch of pretty good ones available in the middle rounds. Bryant is a matchup problem at 6-foot-2 and 248 pounds. His biggest question is durability after multiple knee injuries in college.

Round 4 (pick 120 overall) — RB Lynn Bowden Jr. Kentucky

One of the most versatile prospects in this draft, Bowden is probably more of a slot receiver than a running back. A creative play-caller will find ways to maximize Bowden’s talents. He even played quarterback as a junior at Kentucky and could be used in some zone-read schemes in the NFL.

Round 5 (pick 158 overall) — EDGE Chauncy Rivers, Missisippi St.

There are some character concerns with Rivers. He was dismissed by Georgia after three marijuana possession arrests in seven months. That might take him off the Jets’ board. If not, he is a versatile linebacker who could be a developmental player for the Jets.

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Round 6 (pick 191 overall) — G Shane Lemieux, Oregon

The quest to add offensive line depth continues. Lemieux started 52 games at left guard for the Ducks.

Round 6 (pick 211 overall from the Chiefs) — S Jalen Elliott, Notre Dame

I hate coming out of this draft without an offensive tackle, but that is the way things fell. Elliott can help on special teams and back up Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye.

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