Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive
Joe Douglas' focus this offseason has been squarely on his offensive line, where he's signed three new starters, re-signed another, and added some much-needed depth. And many sources around the NFL believe he's not done with that rebuilding project yet.
That's why so many think he'll take another tackle in the first round of the NFL Draft on April 23.
But what if he doesn't? Here's how that might go, in the latest version of my Jets 7-Round mock draft...
First round (11th overall) - Alabama WR Jerry Jeudy
There's a reasonably good chance that no receiver will be taken in the Top 10, leaving the Jets with their choice. At most, it would seem only one would be off the board, which would still leave them in a great position. And multiple NFL sources have said the Jets have done plenty of work on the Alabama duo of Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III.
One of those sources said the Jets really seem to like the 5-11, 188-pound Ruggs and his blazing (4.27) speed. But it's just hard to see them passing on the bigger Jeudy (6-1, 193) who is pretty fast himself (4.45) and is widely considered the best receiver in this draft. He could be the do-it-all receiver they need to work with slot receiver Jamison Crowder and deep threat Breshad Perriman.
More importantly, he could be the No. 1 receiver that every young quarterback needs. With him, the Jets' passing attack could explode.
Second round (48th overall) - Texas Christian OT Lucas Niang
The big problem with taking a receiver in the first round is the Jets may not get a top tackle prospect in the second round. There's a chance that seven tackles go in Round 1 and who knows how many will be gone by the time the Jets pick in Round 2? They could turn their attention to the interior of the line, but the best centers and guards should be long gone too.
Maybe they get lucky and someone like Boise State OT Ezra Cleveland falls this far, but it seems much more likely they'll have to reach a bit and take a chance on the 6-6, 315-pound Niang. He's not a reach in terms of size, talent or ability. He's got all that and projects as a future starter, which the Jets will love. But he missed the end of his senior season with a hip injury that required surgery. The Jets will have to be satisfied with whatever medical reports they are able to get.
Third round (68th overall) - Ohio State CB Damon Arnette
He's not nearly the prospect his teammate, Jeff Okudah, is but he held his own being the Buckeye corner who got the most action. The 6-foot, 195-pounder has the speed (4.56) and agility to play inside and the size needed to be very effective outside. One scout said he's a "bit of an unknown" because the Ohio State pass rush was such a help for the corners, but he conceded the ability and potential is definitely there.
The Jets, of course, cut their two starting corners from last year. They signed free agent Pierre Desir and brought back slot corner Brian Poole, but they need young corners to develop for the future.
Third round (79th overall) - Ohio State RB J.K. Dobbins
He's a powerful and durable runner who packs a punch despite being only 5-9 (and a solid 209). He probably doesn't have the moves that Le'Veon Bell possesses, but he's a strong straight-ahead runner who can be effective behind the right offensive line. For now, the Jets could use him as a change-of-pace runner to take some short-yardage pounding and give Bell the occasional break. But long-term he could develop into a key part of a post-Bell backfield by committee, assuming the Jets move on from Bell after this year.
Fourth round (120th overall) - Louisiana-Lafayette OL Robert Hunt
The more scouts are asked about this 6-5, 323-pounder the more his stock seems to rise. He has the size, the strength, the technique and the experience -- albeit at a small school. He also has the versatility, with some scouts projecting him as a guard and others as a tackle. He might be a little raw, given the level of competition he faced, but the Jets can afford to wait and see where he fits best. For now, Douglas will love adding a young lineman he can develop into a future starter. Probably as a right tackle, but the possibilities are wide open.
Video: Should the Jets go WR or OL with the 11th pick?
Fifth round (158th overall) - Michigan CB Lavert Hill
Yes, the Jets need multiple cornerbacks because they don't have a lot of depth -- especially future depth -- at this spot. The 5-10, 190-pound Hall is a bit small, but he has good field awareness, according to scouts, and could be a solid slot corner in the pros. With Poole only back on a one-year deal, Hill could be developed as his future replacement. In the meantime he could battle for a spot in the rotation as the fourth or fifth corner on the depth chart.
Sixth round (191st overall) - Southern Mississippi WR Quez Watkins
He's probably a bit of a raw prospect who will need some time to learn how to get open against an NFL defense, but his 4.35 speed is good enough for teams to give him a shot. He's 6-foot, 185 so he won't out-muscle anyone for a catch, meaning he'll have to find a way to get separation. The Jets, of course, still need depth at this position even if they address receiver in the first round. Watkins wouldn't have an impact on offense right away, but he might compete for the kick or punt return jobs.
Seventh round (211th overall) --Michigan State DT Raequan Williams
He's got decent size (6-4, 308) but needs more strength to be a force in the middle in the NFL, but given the presence of Quinnen Williams and Steve McLendon on the Jets' roster, he's got time to develop. He's more a depth player who has some potential to be more in the future. Basically, he'd be thrown into a competition with Folorunso Fatukasi and Nathan Shepherd to see who emerges in 2021-22, once the 34-year-old McLendon is gone.