Mel Kiper, the industry’s preeminent draft expert, released his latest NFL Mock Draft Tuesday, reflecting recent trades made by the Raiders and Falcons, among other happenings that could alter the first-round calculus ahead of next month’s moment of truth. The Jets find themselves in an enviable position with two picks in the top 10, offering them a chance to leave Vegas with difference-makers on both sides of the ball. Kiper had the Jets selecting Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton fourth overall in his pre-Combine mock earlier this month, but Tuesday he went in a new direction, boldly linking Gang Green to USC receiver Drake London.
We haven’t seen a receiver chosen in the top four since Amari Cooper in 2015, and though London—the Pac-12’s reigning Offensive Player of the Year—is as talented as any receiver in this year’s draft class, this seems like an unnecessary reach. After spending the last 11 postseasons watching from home (the longest active drought among NFL teams), the Jets can’t afford to get cute. Even if London, a 6’4,” 219-pound behemoth with respectable 4.5 wheels (not to mention elite instincts and a knack for contested catches), hits his ceiling, it’s difficult to justify the Jets spending an early pick on a wide receiver with so many other, more pressing needs to address.
After an unproductive debut season, the Jets’ only chance to develop Zach Wilson is to keep him upright and that requires a sturdy offensive line. With that in mind, it’s hard to fathom the Jets passing on Alabama tackle Evan Neal if he’s available, especially with London standing a good chance of making it back to them at No.
10.
The Jets’ current receiving corps of former fifth overall pick Corey Davis, Elijah Moore and the quietly reliable Braxton Berrios (an All-Pro selection as a return specialist last season), isn’t the most exciting group, but it’s far from their biggest weakness. Nevertheless, the Jets after nearly acquiring Pro Bowler Tyreek Hill from Kansas City, seem intent on finding another downfield weapon for Wilson entering what could be a make-or-break season for the 22-year-old.
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