The New York Jets need to fill quite a few holes still, despite a somewhat active free agency period. So, let’s take a look at how they can fill their needs.
The following mock draft for the New York Jets was done on The Draft Network using their Prospect Rankings.
11. Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Becton is a mountain of a man. He’s a freak athlete and someone who will be hard to move off his spot. The New York Jets could use a tackle with his rare combination of size and athleticism. He’s a perfect fit at tackle for the scheme the Jets run with Darnold’s mobility and the outside zone concepts. He’s also strong enough to handle the power run game as well.
48. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
It’s very unfair to label Aiyuk as a wide receiver. He’s more of an offensive weapon, but they need to be specific in their position labels.
Aiyuk’s speed is what sets him apart. He can create separation underneath and use that speed for yards after the catch. Aiyuk can also be a deep threat and create separation deep. His speed can also be used in the running game.
In addition to his speed exploits on offense, he has experience as a returner. He averaged 27.1 yards per kickoff return and 11.7 yards per punt return with one punt return touchdown.
68. Damien Lewis, IOL, LSU
Lewis doesn’t provide the athleticism that would make him a perfect fit in a zone-blocking scheme. However, he’s a mauler. The Jets will need to run it in the middle sometimes to keep the defense honest, and frankly, Connor McGovern can be the pull man.
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Lewis plays bully ball. He also is hard to move. So, the combination of anchor and power are great despite his limitations in a zone scheme.
79. Bradlee Anae, Edge, Utah
Anae is relentless and has good first-step explosion. Despite his motor, he’s a pure pass rusher. His inconsistencies in the running game will become apparent and exploited, and he’s very limited in coverage. Anae is also versatile enough to play end in 4-3 or outside in a 3-4.
120. Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
Claypool is a bully. He creates needed separation with strength rather than speed and quickness and also uses that strength to open the outside in the running game (much like current Jets assistant coach Hines Ward). He will also battle through coverage and win the 50/50 battle consistently. Also, he adds value with his special teams ability as a gunner.
158. Darryl Williams, IOL, Mississippi State
Williams is a bull. His best asset is his strength. He isn’t the fleetest of foot and quickness can be described as below average. However, what he lacks in quickness he makes up for in football IQ. He understands how to play and read the defenders’ keys. He’s also a versatile prospect with the ability to play anywhere inside.
He will need time to develop at the next level. The Jets have the necessary pieces in place to allow him to do just that.
191. Calvin Throckmorton, OT, Oregon
Throckmorton is listed by many as a tackle because that’s the position he played at Oregon. He projects as a guard due to length but has some tools that allow him to be able to fill in as both a tackle and guard at the next level. He lacks lateral quickness and footspeed usually associated with good tackles, but his knowledge and football IQ allows him to work around his deficiencies and get the best out of himself. He’s likely a career backup, but that’s fine because his presence will provide depth at multiple positions.
211. Kindle Vildor, CB, Georgia Southern
Some people will question his production, as he is coming from the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA). That said, he was able to play well in his limited games against upper-division opponents, including his game against Clemson.
He’s a pure press-man corner in the NFL. Vildor has a keen understanding of the route tree and mirrors receivers well. He has some limitations in zone coverage. He also has the tendency to look for splash plays as opposed to the right play, but that could’ve been a result of knowing he wasn’t getting the national attention.
In the end, his ability in man coverage is perfect for Gregg Williams. Williams loves to blitz and having a cover corner like Vildor would allow him to do it more like he wants to. He’s a sixth-round steal for the Jets.
