Taking a look at how the New York Jets can win the draft in their own respect:
The Jets sit pretty with the 11th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, and toying with the idea of selecting a wide receiver is a perilous path to follow. The reality of the situation is clear-cut — Sam Darnold needs protection, and he needs to show significant improvement in year three.
Living up to his potential is a must at this point, and he doesn’t have much time before his rookie contract crawls to a finish. Proving is worth in 2020 should be a priority, but it is only possible if general manager Joe Douglas gives him the resources to do so.
Darnold only played in 13 games last year, similar to 2018, but he saw his completion percentage increase by 4%, and every single category improved slightly. He recorded two more touchdowns while decreasing his interception total by two; he also saw his QBR improve by seven.
However, the only negative category that saw an increase was his sack percentage, rising from 6.8 in 2018 to 7.0 in 2019. At just 22 years old, the young quarterback has plenty of time to reach his potential and solidify himself as the future for Gang Green.
Douglas has to remain simple in the upcoming draft, using the 11th overall on an offensive tackle. Having avoided the rebuild of the line, drafting Quinnen Williams last year and signing mediocre starters in free agency this year, aside from center Conor McGovern, the Jets are not out of the woods just yet.
With their first-round pick in the draft, they can land a top tackle with ease. It is possible that one of the following tackles could be available at no. 11 — Andrew Thomas, Tristan Wirfs, Jedrick Wills, or Mekhi Becton.
The idea of drafting Henry Ruggs, Jerry Jeudy, or CeeDee Lamb is exciting, but if Darnold’s protection is ignored, it doesn’t matter how good his receivers are.