New York Jets #MockDraftMonday, March 9, 2020

New York Jets, Jedrick Wills
Jan 7, 2019; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Jedrick Wills Jr (74) against the Clemson Tigers in the 2019 College Football Playoff Championship game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With the NFL Scouting Combine having come and gone, ESM takes a first look at what the New York Jets will do in April’s Draft.

The ultimate question…well, at least one of several…when it comes to the NFL Draft ponders whether a team should draft based on need or simply go with the so-called best player available.

The New York Jets, part relieved and part sickened, don’t have to waste time on that.

Picking the best player offered to you, regardless of his position, is a luxury afforded only to the NFL’s wealthy. Such a strategy doesn’t cater to teams working a playoff drought approaching a decade, which the Jets may well hit this season if they’re not careful.

There’s a chance, however, the Jets could position themselves in an opportunity to snag such flashy “BPAs”. A faithful offseason awaits Joe Douglas and company, as NFL free agency is on the horizon, a better sign of spring than the groundhog ever could.

But, at this moment, the Jets are drafting solely on need, a necessary task to end the franchise’s futility at this point. Who will be available? ESM answers this question with the first Jets mock of 2020, shortly before the free agency negotiations begin….

NOTE: This mock draft was made on FanSpeak.com, using a Big Board from CBS Sports.

Round 1: T Jedrick Wills Jr., Alabama

There’s potential for a flashy receiver prospect (i.e. CeeDee Lamb, Henry Ruggs) to go in this slot. But, while important, adding receivers is not the Jets’ top priority at the moment. The theme of this offseason should be hiring protection for Sam Darnold and Le’Veon Bell. With current outside starters Kelvin Beachum and Brandon Shell slated to be free agents, the Jets should use their current top pick on replenishing that area.

Wills was relatively consistent during the Combine proceedings. While his height (6’4) is a bit troubling, his raw strength and power more than makeup for it. NFL.com scouting expert Lance Zierlein recently compared Wills to Jason Peters.

If the Jets are able to re-up with Beachum, Shell, or both, they’re afforded some flexibility with their top selection. Further wiggle room can be found if they’re able to add marquee blocking free agent Jack Conklin to the mix. But, at this time, Wills is the way to go at 11th overall.

2nd Round: WR Jalen Reagor, TCU

The Jets partially prepared for the potential losses of Robby Anderson and/or Demaryius Thomas by adding former Horned Frog and first-round pick Josh Doctson. Adding his fellow TCU alum would help soothe the blow if one or more departs this offseason.

So deep is the receivers’ talent pool in this draft that several talented names are going to be left waiting on day two. Reagor, a two-time All-Big 12 nominee, might be left behind by the first 32 due to a struggle to create separation. But the Jets would be wise to pound if he emerges in the second round. Reagor has earned acclaim for his athleticism and managed to carve a strong career in Fort Worth despite repeated problems at quarterback. In a stable situation, Reagor could truly flourish and immediately step up in a relative emergency where the reigned top receiver departs.

3rd Round: G Solomon Kindley, Georgia

By the end of this mock, it’d be fair to call the Jets’ focus on offensive line help overkill. But the reality is that they’d be making up for lost time. Prior to their selection of Chuma Edoga in last year’s third round, the last blocker dialed by the Jets within the draft’s first two days was second-round tackle Vlad Ducasse in 2010. With Mike Maccaggnan’s negligence gone, a new era can officially begin.

Kindley’s size and aggressiveness flashed in the SEC would help in a smooth transition to the pros. Technique has been a common criticism of his game, but he’s certainly worth a gander in the latter stages of day two.

3rd Round: C Cesar Ruiz, Michigan

The Jets are literally still looking for a replacement for Nick Mangold at center. New York hasn’t drafted anyone at the position since going with Mangold in late stanzas of 2006’s first round. With the Ryan Kalil experiment failing to pan out and the free agency pickings relatively light, the Jets should probably give Jonotthan Harrison some competition.

Enter Ruiz, a Camden, NJ native and powerful blocker and two-time All-Big Ten nominee in Ann Arbor. His biggest knock has his frame, but he made himself valuable on the Wolverine line by showing flexibility, working in at both center and guard. With the potential to contribute immediately and the Jets looking for a jolt at both spots, he could certainly be worth one their third-rounders.

4th Round: DL Alton Robinson, Syracuse

Tom Brady may depart, but the Jets’ problems with opposing AFC East quarterbacks aren’t over, as the dual-threat Josh Allen has begun his reign in Buffalo. Thus, the Jets (23rd in sacks last season) could use some help on the edge.

Robinson can provide that day three depth after making a name for himself at the Carrier Dome as a strong pass rusher (a la Robert Mathis). There are concerns about his prowess in stopping the run, but with the Jets desperate for a rush of any kind (they’ve been 20th or worse in sacks in three of the last four seasons), an unfinished Robinson could stem the bleeding.

5th Round: CB Harrison Hand, Temple

Ideally, the Jets will be able to keep Brian Poole, but still need some depth help in the secondary. They were able to find a hidden developmental gem in Bless Austin last season and lighting could strike again in the form of hand. The Cherry Hill, NJ native could drop with mobility questions, but his prowess in the zone defense could bolster his case. Speed has been cited as an issue for Hand, especially in coverage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dglzf83GZg

6th Round: LB Mohamed Barry, Nebraska

The Jets may have to replenish their linebackers with outside man Jordan Jenkins up for free agency alongside inside men Neville Hewitt and James Burgess. Avery Williams could also be let go in an effort to save $6.5 million in cap space. An interior name, Barry would be a project, especially in his coverage, but has earned accolades for his quickness.

6th Round: K Rodrigo Blankenship, Georgia 

Since the departure of Jason Myers, the Jets have gone through four different kickers. The team did sign Brett Maher to a reserve/future contract, but Maher was the embodiment of a Jekyll and Hyde kicker, converting 50+ yarders one minute and missing from 40 the next. Working with an offense that’s still having trouble reaching the end zone on a regular basis, having a reliable kicker is a must. Blankenship is the best prospect of the bunch, ending lucrative career in Athens with the 2019 Lou Groza Award.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags