New York Jets: ESPN’s Mel Kiper drops final mock draft – where do the Jets go?

New York Jets, Mekhi Becton
LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 17: Mekhi Becton #73 of the Louisville Cardinals blocks against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the game at Cardinal Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Taking a look at where ESPN’s Mel Kiper predicts the New York Jets will go with the 11th overall pick.

The general consensus for the New York Jets has been that they will draft an offensive tackle with the 11th overall pick. That testament hasn’t changed as ESPN Mel Kiper predicted that general manager Joe Douglas selects Louisville tackle, Mekhi Becton, with their first-round pick.

“With the wide receiver class so deep, the Jets could grab a starter in Round 2. They can’t afford to miss on the top tier of this tackle class, though, and Becton is an athletic player with outstanding feet.”

This is a fantastic move by Douglas, who forgoes the opportunity to land a top wide receiver like Jerry Jeudy or CeeDee Lamb, but Sam Darnold needs protection first and foremost, and Becton offers incredible size and agility at tackle. Standing at 6-foot-7 and 364-pounds, a human of that size physically shouldn’t be able to move the way he does, and the Jets land the player with the highest ceiling.

Douglas spent ample cap-space this off-season on retooling the offensive front, signing George Fant, Greg Van Roten, and Connor McGovern. Most of the signings our fringe starters, so drafting a player like Becton will completely revitalize the line and give Darnold more time in the pocket to operate. They must put their third-year passer in the best position possible to succeed after being sacked more than 60 times in the past two seasons combined.

Reflecting to his playmakers, Sam has a solid base of talent to work with, including LeVeon Bell, Jamison Crowder, and new signing, Breshad Perriman. Factor in tight ends Ryan Griffen and Chris Herndon and the Jets have the talent to play at a high level on offense, meaning the OL was the natural selection here.

Other teams are in the market for offensive tackles, but Becton sliding to the 11th pick should make Douglas’ decision easy.