As the 2019 NFL Draft draws closer, Jets fans are looking for general manager Mike Maccagnan to choose a difference-maker to aid newly-installed head coach Adam Gase. The 2019 NFL Draft will be held in Nashville and the first round will commence on Apr. 25.
After finishing 4-12, the Jets currently own the third overall pick. Here’s a look at some of the players the mock drafts have Gang Green taking in round one.
USA TODAY Sports “The Jets have shown a willingness to load up on defensive linemen and Williams is a STUD. Plug him on the line with Leonard Williams and you can start cooking pretty easily. Williams is a mammoth, muscular man who has uncanny speed and impressive hands.”
From Steven Ruiz of USA Today:
“The Jets could use an edge rusher, but Williams would offer the best value at this point. Williams can replace the disgruntled stars New York has lost up front over the last few years.”
USA TODAY Sports “The Jets also could use some edge pass-rush help, but the theme of 2019 looks to be helping Sam Darnold turn the corner from promising rookie QB to sensational sophomore passer. His weapons are better than you think, and wideout is a reach here, so instead they give him a smooth pass protector who also is big enough (6-5, 301 pounds) to pave the way in the running game.”
“You have to do some gymnastics to get to this choice. It starts with the next Jets coach moving the team from a 4-3 base defense. If that happens, the Jets need inside players. Veteran Steve McClendon is a free agent and Leonard Williams has been disappointing the last couple seasons. Williams, who creates havoc up the middle, could be the type of talent the Jets need.”
USA TODAY Sports “Similar to the 49ers, the Jets need to land an explosive edge rusher with this pick. Allen solidified himself as one of the best defensive players in all of college football this season, and shouldn’t make it out of the top five.”
USA TODAY Sports “Fortifying the defensive front makes sense for the Jets, who finished 26th against the run per game and already secured their quarterback of the future. The 2017 Outland Trophy winner's draft range isn't top five automatically, but Oliver won't be on the board for long.”