As the draft draws nearer we start to get a better picture of what teams could potentially do. With the Jets, the biggest debate is should they use their first-round pick on an offensive tackle or a wide receiver? While they can’t really go wrong with either in this episode I give you my opinion of who they should take in the first-round but throughout the entire draft.
The 2018 Draft was about finding the quarterback for the New York Jets. The 2019 Draft will be about building around Sam Darnold. In this 7 Round Mock Draft I go through which prospect the New York Jets could target in the upcoming draft and how they will address their biggest needs heading into the upcoming season.
It’s Mock Draft Time! On this episode I have a full seven round mock draft for the New York Giants. In my first mock for the Giants I have them trading their second round pick for Arizona’s Josh Rosen. With that in mind this mock draft will take advantage of a deep defensive draft as the New York Giants begin their rebuild.
It’s the first Rich Sports Talk NFL Mock Draft this year. This will be the first of many mock drafts that will be done this year including ones with drafts. The mock draft will cover all 32 picks in the first round and for this one their will be no trades.
However, you may be surprised how many quarterbacks come off the board given the talent pool of signal callers in this year’s class. Want to know who your team drafted? Listen to find out.
Round 1: Brandin Cooks WR Oregon St.
The home run threat the Jets have been looking for
Even after signing wide receiver Eric Decker earlier this offseason the Jets still desperately need play makers at the receiver position. To complement the big bodied possession receiver in Decker, Cooks would be an excellent yin to Decker’s yang. What he may lack in size at 5’10, Cooks makes up for with blistering speed and great hands. With the Jets probably missing out on Desean Jackson, Cooks could be a game breaker from game one. With his 4.33 40 yard dash and pro day still ahead, Cooks keeps shooting up draft boards. He may not be a physical receiver, but his speed and ability to make plays in space could give Gang Green a great offensive playmaker.
Round 2: Troy Niklas TE Notre Dame
A solid all around tight end who could start from day 1
Even with Jeff Cumberland returning to New York, the Jets still need an upgrade at tight end. While he may not be the most explosive tight end in this draft, Niklas is a well rounded tight end. True, he doesn’t have game breaking speed, but he has soft hands and at 6’6 is a big target in the red zone or on third down. Plus, he’s a very good blocker which is important for a team that runs the ball as much as the Jets. Niklas has all the tools to be an opening day starter for the Jets in 2014.
Round 3: Cyril Richardson OG Baylor
Some more power for the power run
I can already here the complaints about this one. Why do the Jets need an offensive guard in round 3? Didn’t they just sign Willie Colon? Colon did resign, but only for one year and there are still questions about the offensive line. What was once a great strength is now a huge question mark for the Jets. Ferguson and Mangold did not look like their former pro bowl selves last season. To help sure up the offensive line the Jets should bring in Richardson who is a run blocking road grater at 329 pounds. Not only can he pave the way in the running game, but Richardson has great feet and is a solid pass protector. Richardson could be the Jets guard for the next 10 seasons and help bring stability back to a depleted offensive line.
Round 4: Terrance Brooks FS Florida St.
A ball hawking safety Rex Ryan has been waiting for
With three forth round picks the Jets can take advantage of this extremely deep draft class. First, Brooks would be a welcomed addition to the depleted secondary. A well balanced safety who was plagued by inconsistency, Brooks has the talent to be an effective safety in the NFL. While he may not be a playmaker in the back end, he does have a good nose for the ball and has great athleticism. Considered a hybrid safety, his flexibility will play well in Rex Ryan’s defense where players must be flexible and are asked to lineup in different positions. A possible starter in the making, Brooks represents great value here in the early fourth round.
Round 4: Stanley Jean-Baptiste CB Nebraska
Idzik struck out in free agency, he needs to hit a home run in draft
If the Jets mishandled anything this offseason, there is no question that it was the cornerback position. After losing Cromartie and failing to sign top free agents, what was once a strength of the defense is now a liability. However, if the “Seattle Method” has taught us anything is that good corners can be found in the late rounds. At 6’3, Jean-Baptiste has the ideal size and strength to play man coverage in Ryan’s physical defense. While he maybe raw and require some development, Jean-Baptiste could develop into a very good corner for Gang Green.
Round 4: Dri Archer RB Kent St.
The next Leon Washington?
Don’t let the size fool you. At 5’8 what Archer lacks in size he makes up for in blistering speed. With a sensational 4.26 40 at the combine, Archer is the faster player in the upcoming draft. Despite not being an every down back in the NFL, Archer could be a dangerous weapon as a slot receiver or with limited snaps in the backfield. Even in the passing game, Archer could be a great weapon on screen plays. Even if he isn’t an impact on offense right away, Archer would be a dangerous return man and give the Jets a great returner with the absence of Josh Cribbs.
Round 5: Ronald Powell OLB Florida
After injuries in college Powell is hungry
A tweener linebacker and defensive end, Powell could be a good project for Rex Ryan. With Calvin Pace getting long in the tooth Powell could become a great backup or role player in 2014. With and ACL injury in 2012, there are red flags in terms of health, but in round five Powell would be a good value pick to at least add depth at the outside linebacking position.
Round 6: Cody Latimer WR Indiana
Another receiver to add some depth.
After a great college career, Latimer’s size and leaping ability are a lethal combination. May not be a contributor every down, but would provide great depth a receiver and become a reliable red zone target. Could excel in a limited role.
Round 6: Reggie Jordan TE Missouri Western
A project at tight end
Jordan has all the physical tools to play the position but not the refinement. Despite running poor routes and trouble with his weight, Jordan has an ability to make plays and could develop well. As the third tight end or practice squad could become an effective role player down the road.
Round 6: Larry Webster DE Bloomsburg
Small school, big potential
At 6’6 252 pounds, Webster is an athletic specimen. Despite playing at a small school his rare athleticism could translate into a very effective speed edge rusher. If the Jets can develop him he could be a very good answer for the lacking pass rush they have had. If that doesn’t work out, he has all the tools to be an effective tight end and the Jets could mold him into a tight end. Either way he could be a vital backup or practice squad player that could develop into a great future Jet.
Round 7: Walk Aikens CB Liberty
Some more depth at corner
Aikens is another big physical corner who thrives in man to man press coverage. He fits the Jets man cornerback prototype and has good size at 6’1. Seattle loves big corners, its time for the Jets to follow a similar model. Aikens would be competing for a backup role and would be perfect for the depleted cornerback depth. What do you think? Do you guys agree? Who should the Jets draft in 2014? Comment below!
Ah yes it’s that time of year again. The NFL Draft will be live from Radio City Music Hall on April 25th and this draft is huge for the New York Jets. After a season filled with injuries and butt fumbles, followed by an offseason where the roster has trimmed more fat than Rex on the Atkins diet, the Jets need to hit a home run in the draft if they want to have any shot at competing in 2013. With many veterans being released and only a few low risk free agents joining the club, the Jets offseason has been highlighted by the Darrelle Revis saga. While I do think he will be traded before the draft and the Jets will receive some more picks my mock will be based on if the Jets Do Not Trade Revis. Hey I can’t predict the future but let me look into my crystal ball to see who gang green will bring in for 2013. And with the first pick in the 2013 NFL Draft the New York Jets select….
1st Round pick: Star Lotulelei- DT Utah 6’3 325
Another Defensive lineman? Lotulelei would look good in green
Ok I know everyone thinks the Jets will either draft Geno Smith if he falls to them at nine or an outside linebacker. Here’s the problem I see, Smith will be off the board by the ninth selection along with the best two outside linebacker prospects Dion Jordan and Ezekiel Ansah. If one of them are the Rex Ryan should run to the podium. A lot of experts seem to like Barkevious Mingo going to the Jets but I feel he’s a stretch in the top ten. Don’t forget not too long ago many experts thought Lotulelei was the best overall prospect in the draft. However, after a heart condition diagnosis, for which he’s been cleared, his stock has fallen. Enter the Jets who were 25th in the league against the run. Not the MO of a Rex Ryan defense. I can see Ryan envisioning another Haloti Ngata in Lotulelei who would instantly improve the Jets run defense and allow the Jets to be versatile with 4-3 and 3-4 fronts. While many talk about the depth at outside linebacker, the Jets are also thin in the trenches after losing Sione Pouha and Mike Devito. While it may not be the pass rusher Jet fans are clamoring for, they will get another great defensive lineman. Just imagine adding him to a front with Wilkerson and Coples that will sure bring nightmares to opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators. Here’s Todd McShay’s review on his draft stock.
Other possibilities: Dion Jordan, Jarvis Jones, Chance Warmack, Jonathan Cooper
2nd round pick: Jarvis Jones OLB Georgia 6’2 245
While many feel Jones will be picked early I see him dropping
Ok I know many people are going to have a problem with this one but here I go. While many people feel the Jets should draft Jones in the first round and that he will be a top 15 pick I predict he will fall to the second round and the Jets will be waiting. Don’t believe me? Jones has a spinal cord injury that doctors believe will end his career prematurely so teams may look at him as damaged goods. The other major knock on Jones was his terrible pro day where he ran a 4.9 40 yard dash. He reminds me of another player, Da’quan Bowers, a few years ago. Great pass rusher who had a lingering injury and a sub par pro day. Bowers projected to be a top ten pick and fell to the second round. Here’s the other reason why. With this sub par quarterback class I believe the top of the second round will be filled with teams trying to trade up to get QBs and possible leftovers from round one. In the scuffle Jones will fall to the Jets. What does he bring to the table? A high motor guy who dominated in the SEC and who can rush the passer. projects to be an outside linebacker which the Jets are desperate for and could provide the pass rusher that Jets have been missing in Rex Ryan’s tenure.
Other possibilities: Ryan Nassib, Eddie Lacy, Larry Warford, Zach Ertz
Round 3: Jordan Reed TE Florida 6’3 236
Whoever is the Jets QB they need a security blanket at TE
This one was a tough one for me. While still waiting to see what other picks the Jets could pick up if there is a Revis trade this is an important pick. While a lot of people feel the Jets will draft a QB unfortunately Jets fans I think they will try to ride out Mark Sanchez until next years draft which is rich with signal callers. At this point Nassib and Manuel would a stretch and while I do think Wilson from Arkansas could be there the Jets will pass on QB in order to try to give Sanchez help. Enter Jordan Reed who led the Gators with 45 catches this year and a 4.76 forty time. With good ball skills and hands Reed can also provide big plays and stretch the field at the TE position. The knock of Reed is his poor blocking, but with the Jets lacking offensive weapons and looking to replace Dustin Keller, Reed fits the void. Add in the new west coast offense the Jets will run and that Sanchez’s favorite target is TE this could be a match in heaven for the Jets.
Other options: Christine Michael, Mike Glennon E.J. Manuel, Giovani Bernard, Shamarko Thomas
Round 4 Aaron Dobson: WR Marshall 6’3 203
Small school, big play ability
Personally I’d love to see Aaron Dobson in green next year. After watching this kid for two years I have a feeling he could be one of the sleeper picks of the draft. His combination of size and 4.37 40 speed would instantly help the Jets lacking receiver corp. He reminds me of a Plaxico Burress, a big physical target in the red zone and a guy who can move the chains on third down. Plus he has great hands. Don’t believe me watch this (Dobson Hands). The main knock on Dobson was his lack of production at Marshall. There were two problems, one he was double teamed a majority of the time, and two it’s Marshall it’s not like there’s a great QB throwing him the ball. Let’s not forget another big time receiver to come out of Marshall who was very similar. You know Randy Moss. Either way if the Jets can land Dobson in the middle of the draft this could be highway robbery down the road.
Round 5: Quanterus Smith DE/OLB WKU 6’5 250
The Jets need edge pass rushers and Smith could be that guy
I know the secondary needs to be addressed still with the Jets but with so many holes the Jets need to look for big time players in the late rounds. Enter Quanterus Smith, who could provide the pass rush gang green in craving. Another small school guy, his stock took a major hit with knee reconstruction surgery in November. If not for the injury he would be much higher. While lacking the size for a defensive end but with a 6’5 frame and 4.69 40 speed he could be a great pass rushing OLB. One thing Smith does well is getting to the QB. He had 12.5 sacks before being injured in 2012. While lacking an explosive first step and being slightly undersized Smith, makes up for it with a tremendous motor and great hands to shed blockers. He may be raw but adding him to the defense could help to make up for a weakened secondary. They always say the best way to improve your secondary is getting to the QB and Smith would be more than happy to oblige.
Round 6 Robert Lester S Alabama 6’1 220
With the Jets exchanging Landrys at safety and Bell gone Lester could be a late round starter
Well we know one thing about Alabama they can play defense. While the Jets offense was putrid last year Rex Ryan’s bread and butter is defense and with both starting safeties from last years squad finding new homes, and with the best corner in football probably going to Tampa, the Jets secondary needs help. If he is there in round six Lester would bring a solid SEC safety from the reigning national champions. While he does have good ball skills Lester suffered from inconsistent play and maddening errors in coverage. Despite his falling stock just being a starter on the Alabama defense should convince Ryan to take a chance on him. He’s a guy who isn’t afraid to come up and play physical in the run and has a knack for finding holes when he blitzes. Fast, physical, and aggressive sounds like a Rex Ryan ballplayer to me. Unlike most teams who are looking for backups and fill roster spots the Jets need to find starters at this point in the game and penciling Lester at safety wouldn’t be the worst thing in world especially here in round 6.
Round 7 Omoregie Uzzi G Georgia 6’3 300
Big and physical Uzzi could help bring back the ground and pound
What is it that Rex Ryan wants to do? Oh yeah ground and pound. We also know that Georgia Tech loves to run the ball so a former Yellow Jacket guard becoming a Jet seems like a match made in heaven. Especially in a pass happy era in college football it’s difficult to find road gratting offensive guards. While slightly undersized Uzzi does a great job of being physical in the trenches while being able to get downfield to the second and third levels. While most scouts will say that he has below average pass blocking abilities he is a better pass blocker then most scouts give him credit for. Another knock on Uzzi is that too often he is on the ground and doesn’t hold blocks well in the secondary. Despite his flaws Uzzi could be a day one starter for the Jets and putting him a right guard next to Austin Howard could give The Jets running backs some big holes on the right side of the line. While he may not be a Brandon Moore the Jets found another great guard in the late rounds in 2009 with Matt Slauson. Maybe this will be their next diamond in the rough.
Do you agree with these picks? Who do you think the Jets should take? Comment below
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