The Jets made their plans clear for their first pick in this year’s draft, but there’s a lot of mystery after that.
This is our first crack at a seven-round project this year. With the help of the Pro Football Focus football sketch simulator, we went through the exercise of what GM Joe Douglas could do in three weeks. Here is our sketch:
* Choices purchased in the forecast trade
Round 1 (No. 2 in general) – QB Zach Wilson, BYU
When the Jets changed Sam Darnold on Monday, their plans here became even clearer. The truth is, they’ve been leaning toward Wilson for months. There are questions about his level of competition in college and why he had a 2020 as good as 2019. The Jets need to feel they have the answers and believe that Wilson may be the franchise defender they need.
Round 1 (No. 23) – Forecast trade with the Jaguars
Sending election no. 23 in Jacksonville in exchange for a choice in the first round (no. 25 in general) and two seconds (no. 33, 45). purchased from Seattle in the Jamal Adams trade. They have so many needs that I can fill one here or look to go back and get more options, which is what I chose.
Round 1 (No. 25) * – DL / OLB Jayson Oweh, Penn State
This is one of the most interesting perspectives in this year’s project. Oweh is a strange physique. The 6-foot-5, 257-pounder ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash on Penn State’s professional day. The problem is its production. He had zero sacks last season for the Nittany Lions. If you are preparing for a passing course, this is something that needs to be closely investigated.
Round 2 (No. 33) * – WR Elijah Moore, Mississippi
The Jets have signed Corey Davis to the free agency, but he could still use the wide receiver help, especially with Jamison Crowder entering the final year of his contract. Moore set school records with 86 catches for 1,193 meters and eight touchdowns in 2020. He led FBS with 10.8 receptions and 149.1 receiving yards per game.
Round 2 (No. 34) – CB Asante Samuel Jr., Florida
Thanks to my trade, the Jets have the first two options of the second round. After taking a first-choice catcher, they grab someone to stop the opposing team’s receivers further. Cornerback may be the Jets’ biggest need to get into the draft. Samuel offers the Jets a potential solution to this position.
Round 2 (No. 45) * – RB Travis Etienne, Clemson
Right now, the Jets top running back is La’Mical Perine, the second-year Florida player. He will need help. Etienne is a potential first-round pick. I think the Jets would rather wait until Day 2 of the draft to get their backs, and if Etienne stays here, he should catch him.
Round 3 (No. 66) – OL Quinn Meinerz, Wisconsin-Whitewater
One of the stars of the week of the Senior Bowl, both for his game and for his exposed belly, Meinerz is a star of the Third Division who could satisfy a huge need for the Jets. Douglas did little to address the offensive line in the free agency. Meinerz is a potential guard response if the planes are weak.
Round 3 (No. 86) – LB Jamin Davis, Kentucky
Davis’ stock project is growing and I doubt he’ll get it yet. If he did, it would be appropriate for Robert Saleh’s defense. Jets need defenders as they move from a basic defense to 3-4.
Round 4 (No. 107) – S Jamar Johnson, Indiana
Marcus Maye’s future is uncertain for the Jets and they need some depth in position.
Round 5 (No. 146) – DL Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech
We are in the best available player part of the program and you can never have enough defensive linemen.
Round 5 (No. 154) – CB Benjamin St-Juste, Minnesota
The Jets added a potential starting corner in the second round. Now, only the search for depth and special teams helps.
Round 6 (No. 186) – RB Chris Evans, Michigan
There were a few academic issues in Michigan that should be considered before writing it.
Round 6 (No. 226) – DL / OLB Chauncey Golston, Iowa
Saleh had a strong defensive line in San Francisco. He needs to add some depth here.