Jets Pick Late-Rising Prospects in Three-Round Mock

As the New York Jets approach the first NFL Draft of the Aaron Glenn-Darren Mougey administration, they’ll have the chance to back their vision with significant draft capital. With the quarterback position temporarily figured out by signing Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million deal, the Jets can shift their attention elsewhere.

Most assume that it will land somewhere close to the line of scrimmage, whether it be along the offensive line or in the form of Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. Those are viable options, but in the event LSU’s Will Campbell and Missouri’s Armand Membou come off the board before No. 7, New York could pivot.

The Jets do just that in the following three-round mock draft, made using Pro Football and Sports Network’s simulator, picking two late-rising prospects in the process.

Round 1 Pick 7: Michigan Defensive Tackle Mason Graham

Taking an offensive lineman would be the cleanest fit, but with the top two names off the board, picking the best defensive tackle in the class is an excellent consolation prize.

Graham is a physical specimen, and while he weighed in lighter than expected at the NFL Scouting Combine (6-3, 296), there are few doubts about his ability to impact the run and pass from multiple alignments.

Pairing star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams with another potent pass-rushing threat on the interior, without sacrificing toughness against the run, should be an instant boon to the entire unit.

Round 2, Pick 42: LSU Tight End Mason Taylor

Warren is an excellent prospect, but the hit rate on Round 1 tight ends is a concern, and harder to swallow with Graham available.

Day 2 offers them some respite and a more favorable risk/reward tradeoff. Taylor gained steam late in the process by putting up strong numbers during the pre-draft circuit. At 6-5, 251, he’s physical enough to hold his own in the run game, even if it’s not a true strength.

Taylor is stronger as a receiver, and his 4.68-second 40-yard dash allows him to threaten the seam. New York isn’t likely to be all-in on a tight end who can’t block. If he checks that box, he should be in play sometime on Friday.

Round 3, Pick 73: Washington State Receiver Kyle Williams

It’s painfully obvious that the Jets need an upgrade opposite Garrett Wilson on the boundary. Williams, a Draft Twitter favorite, could slide into that role.

He’s undersized at 5-10, 190. Yet, he remains viable at every level of the field with an impressive ability of speed and fluidity. Williams can beat press enough to start on the perimeter but can take touches behind the line of scrimmage much like Malachi Corley.

Williams isn’t overly physical, nor is he the most natural separator, but the rest of his profile is inspiring and provides an accessible route to explosive plays – a necessity in a mediocre passing offense.