Can the New York Jets land a great pass catcher in the second round?
The New York Jets have done the hard part in helping Sam Darnold succeed in 2020. They’ve invested plenty of cap-space and draft capital into rebuilding the line, offering Darnold a more efficient pocket to work with to maximize offensive weapons.
In the second round, the Jets have the opportunity to land a great value wide receiver. But this pick was only made possible by general manager Joe Douglas making the right decision and drafting Louisville offensive tackle, Mekhi Becton.
Becton is a massive human being at 6-foot-7 and 364 pounds. His ability to move and jump to the second level at that size is inhumane. The Jets are gaining a franchise left tackle at the very best, but he’s also a risky prospect at his height and weight. He could have issues balancing and mirroring Elite pass rushers. However, if he reaches his ceiling, Darnold will be protected on his blindside for the next five years guaranteed.
However, adding Becton opens up the possibility of the Jets taking a wide receiver in the second round. One of the better value picks in the draft is USC wideout Michael Pittman Jr. At 6-foot-4 and 223 pounds, he has great size and speed at 4.52 seconds on the 40-yard dash.
Ultimately, Pittman offers a big, smart, and reliable pass catcher that can act as a possession receiver but also a red zone threat. He has incredible ball skills that allow him to get the best of top corners. If he can increase his efficiency and jump off the line of scrimmage, he can become a number one receiver for any given team. The Jets desperately need a top receiver, and Pittman can be that guy with a bit of successful development. This would be a great selection for Douglas and a big add for Darnold in the second round.