We are still a long way from the NFL’s 2021 Draft, which starts on April 29.
But it’s never too early to think about what the Jets can do.
So with that in mind, we’re going to introduce you to our latest simulated seven-round Jets projection – for all nine general manager Joe Douglas picks. He has two in Rounds 1, 3 and 5 (because of negotiations with the Seahawks and Giants) and one in Rounds 2, 4 and 6.
We used the mock draft simulator from fanspeak.com to make the choices for non-Jets here, in order to make this exercise more realistic.
And remember, the compensatory choices have not yet been distributed – the Jets are not designed to receive any – so this will impact the draft order after Round 3. The first choice of compensation comes after the final regular choice for that round.
There you go …
Round 1 (second overall): QB Zach Wilson, BYU
We don’t think Sam Darnold is a quarterback in the franchise. Trade him now, while his value is higher than he will be after he inevitably fights again in 2021. And unless Douglas is able to negotiate for Deshaun Watson of the Texans, the smart move is to get the best defender available (Wilson) with the second general choice.
Of course, Douglas could retain Darnold, negotiate back and accumulate picks as a guarantee against Darnold’s bad smell in 2021 – if Douglas may have to use these picks to switch to a defender in 2022. But there are many chances in this scenario. Just consider Wilson – unless a Watson negotiation materializes, of course.
Round 1 (23rd overall, Seahawks): CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama
The first major outline of the Jamal Adams trade. Douglas needs to do well in the first two rounds he received from Seattle. It would be a surprise to see Surtain fall so far. But if it is available, cornerback Jets need to get it. South Carolina’s Jaycee Horn cornerback is also an option in 23rd place – and he is more likely than Surtain to be available at this location.
Round 2 (34th overall): RB Travis Etienne, Clemson
The Jets will not catch Clemson’s quarterback Trevor Lawrence, but they can land one of their best weapons. Is it too high for a running back? It might be. But the Jets need to put some game creators around their quarterback in 2021, regardless of who that quarterback is.
Round 3 (66th overall): C Landon Dickerson, Alabama
Douglas hired center / point guard Connor McGovern last season and failed to impress. Because of the structure of McGovern’s contract, Douglas cannot interrupt him in this off-season, although McGovern can be moved to guard. Either way, Douglas needs to find a long-term solution at the center. And Dickerson can be that.
Round 3 (87th overall, Seahawks): ILB Jabril Cox, LSU
CJ Mosley returns in 2021, after opting out of the 2020 season due to concerns about the coronavirus. Therefore, he will be the Jets linebacker in the 4-3 defense of new coach Robert Saleh. But Douglas might have to fill the vacancy left by Neville Hewitt’s likely departure from the free agency. Cox thrived at LSU last season after moving from North Dakota.
Round 4 (98th overall): CB Rodarius Williams, Oklahoma
The Jets have a lot of doubts in the cornerback – both in terms of beginners and players of depth. Williams is the older brother (about 15 months) of the Browns’ Greedy Williams cornerback, a 2019 runoff choice.
Round 5 (130th overall): Edge rusher Rashad Weaver, Pittsburgh
The free agency will dictate many of the Jets’ preliminary plans, of course. They could be in the mix for Buccaneers Edge Rusher Shaquil Barrett, which would mean that they would not need to design an Edge Rusher High. Still, they need depth in the position. Weaver had 7.5 bags last year.
Round 5 (138th overall, Giants): WR Austin Watkins, Alabama-Birmingham
The final piece of the Leonard Williams trade. The first was safety Ashtyn Davis in the third round last year. As with the edge rusher, Jets could purchase a high-impact receiver from a free agency. If they don’t, then, obviously, they would be thinking about choosing a receiver higher than this one. (Ditto for edge rusher, of course.) But between Jamison Crowder, Denzel Mims and a newly hired free agent receiver, the Jets would have a solid trio. Watkins would provide depth.
Round 6 (162nd overall): WR Marquez Stevenson, Houston
At this point in the draft, you are looking for detailed and special help for teams. But Jets don’t need reminders that a sixth-round receiver can become a productive player. They summoned Quincy Enunwa in round 6 in 2014. In his third season, he became a productive and promising player – 857 yards and four touchdowns in 2016. Unfortunately, a neck injury hampered his career.
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