To fit Gregg Williams' new 4-3 defensive scheme, the Jets will pick a defensive end, ESPN's Todd McShay predicts.
In his second mock draft, McShay believes the Jets will draft Michigan defensive end Rashan Gary with the No. 3 pick, predicting Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa goes No. 1 to Arizona and Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen goes No. 2 to San Francisco.
"Henry Anderson is a free agent, and Leonard Williams has one year left on his contract, so defensive end is a need for Gang Green," McShay wrote. "Gary has good size (6-foot-5, 283) and athleticism with an explosive closing burst."
McShay's mock draft 2.0 isn't the first mock draft that has Gary going to the Jets. Sports Illustrated's Kalyn Kahler believes Gary, a New Jersey native, can play the edge or inside and would be someone whom Gregg Williams prefers.
Other mock drafts have the Jets shoring up their defensive line, but with other prospects. SNY.tv's Ralph Vacchiano and ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. have the Jets taking Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, while NFL.com's Lance Zierlein has Bosa falling to New York at No. 3.
In McShay's first mock draft in mid-December, he had the Jets, at the time projected to have the No. 4 pick, selecting Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell. (He had Gary going second to the 49ers.)
Gary, 21, is coming off a junior season in which he recorded 38 total tackles (6.5 for a loss) and 3.5 sacks in nine games for the Wolverines. As a sophomore, he recorded 58 total tackles (11.5 for a loss) and 5.5 sacks.