Derek Dimino, Staff Writer |
The New York Jets are undoubtedly in rebuild mode after three veterans refused to resign with the struggling franchise. With little going for them, the Jets will be picking the best players available in each round of this year’s draft, instead of plugging holes at Quarterback and on the offensive line.
Round 1, Pick 6: SS, Jabrill Peppers, Michigan (if SS, Jamal Adams, LSU is off the board)
Following the departure of veteran Darrelle Revis, the Jets will need to mend their once suffocating secondary back together. Probably the most well-known college football player in this year’s draft, Jabrill Peppers has drawn comparisons to the great Troy Polamalu. Similar to the way Polamalu flew around the field, Peppers is involved on every play. Though analysts are nervous Peppers coverage abilities won’t suffice in the NFL, his playmaking ability can’t be ignored. While at Michigan, he played every position, including those on offense. Easily the most dynamic player in the draft, the Jets would be lucky to have his do-it-all mentality in their secondary.
Round 2, Pick 39: CB, Adoree’ Jackson, USC
In the second round, the Jets could also utilize a draft pick on an impressive secondary prospect. Complimenting their first-round pick, Adoree’ Jackson looked like the smoothest Cornerback in the coverage drills at the combine. Though his measurables at the combine don’t speak for themselves, his hip mobility and ability to attack the ball in the air jumped off the screen. Jackson would be a nice addition to complete an intimidating secondary, including Morris Claiborne and Calvin Pryor.
Round 3, Pick 70: RB, Joe Mixon, Oklahoma
With a convincing resume, the only thing holding Joe Mixon back from being a first-round talent is his history of assault against women. This terrible act may see him drop well into the third round, but not before the Jets can pick him. Mixon could be a great addition to the Jets team-rebuild. With Matt Forte nearing the end of his career, and Bilal Powell’s designation as a passing down back, Mixon could be the heir to Jets rushing throne. At the very least, Mixon could give them necessary depth at the position, and act as a change of pace from Forte and Powell.
Round 4, Pick 107: DE, Daeshon Hall, Texas A&M
Overshadowed by college teammate and future first-overall draft pick Myles Garrett, Daeshon Hall may be the most underrated player in the draft. His measurables at the combine were extraordinary, comparable to Garrett in almost every category except for a millisecond difference in their 40-yard dash times. With an already strong defensive line, the Jets can use Hall to line up opposite of Muhammad Wilkerson, sharing time with Sheldon Richardson. As a late third round pick, Hall might be the best value pick of the draft.
Round 5, Pick 150: OLB, Carroll Phillips, Illinois
With Darron Lee handling the middle of the field, the outside linebacking positions have proven to be very vulnerable. In an extremely deep linebacking class, Illinois’ Carroll Phillips continuously turned heads at the combine. Phillips could be a great athletic addition to the young defense the Jets are building.
Round 6, Pick 191: WR, Robert Davis, Georgia State
This 2017 off season has left the Jets with slim pickings at wide receiver. With Quincy Enunwa and Eric Decker as their only factors at receiver, the Jets will need another receiving option before the season begins. With little success in the past with tight ends, the Jets best bet is to grab another receiver. In a shallow draft class for pass-catchers, there are very few options outside of the third round. Luckily, Robert Davis offers the Jets desirable size for a receiver with exceptional speed, allowing the offense more down-field options.
Round 7, Pick 224: OLB, Elijah Lee, Kansas State
To further add depth at outside linebacker, the Jets could pick Elijah Lee in the seventh round. Though his 40-yard dash was a little slower than expected given his smaller 220-pound build, he was a major factor on defense for Kansas State. Last season he ranked in the top 25 players nation-wide in combined tackles, only five tackles behind consensus first round linebacker Reuben Foster.
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