Beware Mock Drafters: Jets’ Unpredictability Could Be New Normal
The NFL Draft is in two weeks and the Jets’ intentions remain a mystery.
New York could trade up, back, or stand pat with the No.10 overall pick in the first round and no one would be surprised. Some Draft analysts are reporting that General Manager Joe Douglas is eyeballing the top wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State), Malik Nabors (LSU) and Rome Odunze (Washington) that are expected to be gone by 10, while others are speculating that he could trade down to nab LSU’s other highly-rated receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in the early 20s. It’s not just the multiple names, the positions attached to New York’s selection vary as well.
As long as he doesn’t go defense, anything is possible.
This is unlike Douglas’ first three Drafts, when the chalk was so bright that pundits were able to make educated predictions. Everyone knew the Jets wanted a tackle at No. 11 in 2020; we hoped for Andrew Thomas…but got stuck with Mekhi Becton. Quarterback was a no-brainer in 2021, and Zach Wilson was the consensus pick, even if he too busted. I even nailed Douglas’ 2022 picks of cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson at 4 and 10—they were that obvious.
However, I didn’t foresee Douglas trading up at the end of the round to snag defensive end Jermaine Johnson at 26, his first “reach” pick. At least to date, Douglas hit on that one, because the jury is still out on 2023 first-rounder (No. 15 overall) Will McDonald IV, whom many folks didn’t even have going until Round 2.
That unpredictability may be the new normal. Maybe more likely this year since this could be Douglas’ last Draft if the Jets underperform again. As such, all mock drafts are pure guesswork. Here’s my attempt through four-rounds. As always, mock me if you will:
Round 1 (No. 10 overall): Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State Tackle
I am well aware that Georgia tight end Brock Bowers is in many folks’ heads as the Jets’ consensus pick, but maybe he’ll be off the board at 10, like in two of my three simulations I used for this exercise. Jets fans should be so lucky in real life. From the research I’ve gathered, Fuaga would be my pick for Gang Green. So what if he’s a right tackle. Think about all those who played that position for New York in 2023. Traffic cones who got creamed in the run game. Fuaga is considered perhaps the best run blocker in this Draft and didn’t allowed a sack in his last three seasons in college, per ProFootballFocus.com. He has all the Douglas traits too-a team captain who plays with violence. Only those who live in the fantasy world where 33-year olds Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses will be active for all 17 games this season think the Jets don’t need another plug-and-play tackle.
Round 3 (No. 72 overall): Ricky Pearsall, Florida Wide Receiver
Aaron Rodgers BFF Randall Cobb was a bust and Xavier Gipson faded after his opening night punt return touchdown to beat Buffalo in sudden death overtime, so I’m looking at a heady slot receiver who may not have the sensational deep ball speed but has all the route-running skills that could eventually make him a Rodgers favorite. The word used by The Athletic’s Dane Bugler to describe Pearsall’s hands was “Velcro” (PFF recorded two drops last season). Pearsall reportedly excelled in front of Jets Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich at the 2024 Senior Bowl (as did Fuaga). In the first four rounds of the 2022 Draft, the Jets took four players who participated in that year’s event when Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh was running the show.
Round 4 (No. 111 overall): Beaux Limmer, Arkansas, Center/Guard
We’ve reached the development section of the Draft, and the Jets could do worse than selecting this tough and versatile interior lineman, a position that currently lacks depth. Though noted for being a weight room warrior, scouting reports indicate that he’ll need to add pounds to be effective against pro interior defenders. However, they also conclude he has the tools to eventually pair with Jets second-year center Joe Tippmann and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker to form a solid wall for whoever succeeds Rodgers.
Round 4 (No. 135 overall): Caelen Carson, Wake Forest Cornerback
Per PFF, Carson seems ideally suited for Ulbrich’s zone schemes to replace former 2020 pick Bryce Hall as a depth corner. Carson is known for his closing ability and decent tackling. There are obviously some red flags here--as there would be with anyone picked in this vicinity--mainly his lack of interceptions (none since September 2021) and bad luck with injuries that cost him 11 of Wake Forest’s last 30 games. If nothing else, though, the reports suggest he should be able to help out on special teams in 2024.