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The Jets have only six picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, and with so many holes on their roster, they'll need to use them wisely. It's still early, but here's a look at how those six picks could go:
First Round (No. 3 overall): DT Quinnen Williams, Alabama
He's very likely to be the choice if the top two edge rushers in the draft - Nick Bosa and Josh Allen -- go 1-2. But what if Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray goes No. 1, and the Jets have to choose between Williams and either Bosa or Allen? That's where it gets interesting.
If Bosa slips, he figures to be the guy. But the 6-foot-3, 303-pound Williams might be a better fit for new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.
Third Round (No. 68 overall): C Erik McCoy, Texas A&M
After being unable to land a center in free agency, this is a big need for the Jets. It's not a good draft for centers, so waiting until the third round isn't a big deal at all. The 6-foot-4, 303-pound McCoy is a strong interior blocker who has a chance to be a starter before the season is over.
Third Round (No. 93 overall): LB Jordan Brailford, Oklahoma State
The jets didn't get their edge rusher in free agency either, failing to lure Anthony Barr from Minnesota. There's still time, and there's still a chance they use the third overall pick on that spot.
If not, one of their third-round picks has to go towards that position. The 6-foot-3, 252-pound Brailford isn't a star-in-waiting at this spot, but he's a disruptive, productive player with a chance to develop.
Fourth Round (No. 105 overall): CB David Long, Michigan
He's got dazzling speed for a corner (4.45 in the 40) even though he lacks ideal size (5-foot-11, 196 pounds). He's more of an outside corner than a slot corner, which is OK since they just signed slot corner Brian Poole.
The Jets aren't deep at this position, and who knows how much longer they'll tolerate Trumaine Johnson, who was a big problem for them last season? They'll be searching for reinforcements and replacements.
Sixth Round (No. 196 overall): G Nate Herbig, Stanford
There's no denying his size (6-foot-3, 335 pounds) or strength (29 bench press reps), which alone gives him the chance to be an NFL guard. He had a down season in 2018 mostly due to undisclosed injuries, but the year before he looked like a rising prospect. He needs to watch his weight, but if the Jets can keep him in shape, he can be a solid depth player and maybe even a future starter.
Seventh Round (No. 217 overall): TE Isaac Nauta, Georgia
If the Jets are looking for a blocking tight end to complement Chris Herndon, they might want someone a little bigger than the 6-foot-3, 244-pound Nauta. But he's a decent blocker for his size and a good two-way prospect. Jets GM Mike Maccagnan is high on the tight ends in this draft. He'll take one at some point.