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With just over two weeks left until the NFL draft kicks off, here's our Jets Mock Draft 4.0:
First round (3rd overall) - DE/LB Josh Allen, Kentucky
If you buy into the theory that the Cardinals are taking Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray No. 1 (and I do), be assured that the 49ers will take Ohio State's Nick Bosa with the second pick. That leaves the Jets with the choice of three options: Allen, Alabama DT Quinnen Williams or trade down. They would surely trade down if the right deal comes along. If not, the choice is tough. Many scouts think Williams might be the best defensive player in the draft, but Allen is the edge rusher the Jets so desperately need. Finding edge rushers has proven to be exceedingly difficult (and expensive) so it makes more sense to go with the 6-5, 260-pound Allen here.
Third round (68th overall) - C Elgton Jenkins, Mississippi State
The Jets swung (sort of) and missed on free agent center Matt Paradis and claim they're happy with the return of Jonotthan Harrison. But Harrison isn't a long-term solution at the position, so it makes a lot of sense for them to use their third-round pick on a center. Several decent ones could be on the board here, barring a second-round run. The 6-4, 310-pound Jenkins is projected as a late second-rounder, so the Jets would be fortunate for him to fall this far. He has the perfect size for an interior lineman, though he does have experience at tackle, too.
Third round (93rd overall) - CB David Long, Michigan
They need immediate depth help at corner, and it's unclear what the future holds for this position. Adding the 5-11, 196-pound Long would help clear that up. He's a bit undersized, but he's extremely physical and his 4.4 speed helps him keep up with the best receivers. His ability to play press coverage will endear him to new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and give him a chance to play immediately in the slot.
Fourth round (105th overall) - TE Foster Moreau, LSU
He's been a consistent part of these 7-round mocks, but usually in the sixth or seventh round. The more I hear about him, though, the more I expect him to go earlier. And since the Jets don't have a fifth-round pick, they might have to try for him here. Yes, it feels a little early, but they need a blocking tight end and GM Mike Maccagnan is in agreement with many around the league that this is an excellent class of tight ends. He'll want in on it with this powerful, 6-4, 253-pounder.
Sixth round (196th overall) - WR Jalen Hurd, Baylor
A really intriguing prospect who was once a star running back at Tennessee and then became a receiver at Baylor. He's 6-5, 226, so he has scouts drooling over his size and potential. He also has the option to be a flex player that takes some snaps out the backfield too. He's still a bit new to the position, which will keep his draft stock low. He had a procedure done on his knee in December, but the Jets brought him in for a visit and surely checked him out. If they think he's healthy, he's worth a late-round risk.
Seventh round (217th overall) - OT Paul Adams, Missouri
A late-round project who has outstanding size for a tackle (6-6, 317) but needs more strength and has to work on his technique. It never hurts to have young tackles on the roster to develop over time, though, so the Jets might as well take a chance here.