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We’re still a long way from the 2021 NFL Draft, which begins April 29.
But it’s never too early to think about what the Jets might be up to.
So with that in mind, we’re going to bring you our latest Jets seven-tower simulation project screening – for General Manager Joe Douglas’ nine picks. He has two in rounds 1, 3 and 5 (due to trade with the Seahawks and Giants) and one in rounds 2, 4 and 6.
We used the fanspeak.com project simulator to make the non-Jets choices here, to make this exercise more realistic.
And remember, the compensating picks haven’t been distributed yet – the Jets shouldn’t get any – which will impact the draft order after the third inning.
Here is …
Round 1 (second in the general classification): QB Zach Wilson, BYU
We don’t think Sam Darnold is franchise quarterback material. Trade him in now, when his value is higher than it will be after he inevitably ran into trouble in 2021. And unless Douglas can trade for Deshaun Watson of the Texans, the smart decision is to take the best available quarterback (Wilson) with second overall pick.
Sure, Douglas could hold onto Darnold, trade and rack up picks as insurance against Stinking Darnold in 2021 – if perhaps Douglas should use those picks to trade for a quarterback in 2022. But there are too many assumptions in this scenario. . Take Wilson – unless a Watson exchange materializes, of course.
Round 1 (23rd overall, Seahawks): CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama
Jamal Adams’ first big business project. Douglas faces the first two rounds he got from Seattle. It would be a surprise to see Surtain fall so far. But if he’s available, the Jets in need should take him. South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn is also a 23rd-place option – and Surtain is more likely to be available there.
2nd round (34th overall): RB Travis Etienne, Clemson
The Jets won’t get Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, but they can land one of his best weapons. Is it too high for a running back? Perhaps. But the Jets need to put some playmakers around their quarterback in 2021, regardless of the quarterback.
3rd round (66th overall): C Landon Dickerson, Alabama
Douglas signed center / guard Connor McGovern last offseason, and he failed to impress. Due to McGovern’s contract structure, Douglas cannot cut him during the offseason, although McGovern may be moved to custody. Either way, Douglas must find a long-term solution at the center. And Dickerson could be.
Round 3 (87th overall, from Seahawks): HE B Jabril Cox, LSU
CJ Mosley returns in 2021, having opted out of the 2020 season due to coronavirus concerns. He will therefore be the Jets central linebacker in the 4-3 defense of new coach Robert Saleh. But Douglas may have to fill the post left by Neville Hewitt’s likely free agency departure. Cox thrived at LSU last season following his transfer from North Dakota state.
Round 4 (98th overall): CB Rodarius Williams, State of Oklahoma
The Jets have plenty of questions at the cornerback – both in terms of starters and depth players. Williams is the older brother (around 15 months) of Browns cornerback Greedy Williams, a 2019 second-round pick.
Round 5 (130th in total): Rashad Weaver ship’s rusher, Pittsburgh
Free agency will dictate much of the Jets’ draft plans, of course. They could be in the mix for Shaquil Barrett, the Buccaneers edge rusher, which would mean they wouldn’t need to pull a higher edge. Still, they need depth in the position. Weaver had 7.5 bags last year.
5th round (138th overall, from giants): WR Austin Watkins, Alabama-Birmingham
The last piece of the Leonard Williams trade. The first was safety Ashtyn Davis in the third round last year. As with Edge Rusher, the Jets could make a large-scale free-agency receiver acquisition. If they don’t, then obviously they would think about choosing a higher receiver than this. (Ditto for Edge Rusher, of course.) But between Jamison Crowder, Denzel Mims and a newly signed free agent receiver, the Jets would have a solid line. Watkins would provide depth.
Round 6 (162nd in total): WR Marquez Stevenson, Houston
At this point in the draft, you’re looking for in-depth help and special teams. But the Jets don’t need to remember that a sixth-round receiver can become a productive player. They drafted Quincy Enunwa in the sixth inning in 2014. By his third season he had become a productive and promising player – 857 yards and four touchdowns in 2016. Sadly, a neck injury derailed his career.
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