Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our New York Jets Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the New York Jets from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
Enjoying a pre-draft rise similar to that of Joe Burrow last year, Wilson uses his athleticism to make and extend plays and is especially accurate throwing downfield. Appearing on the Dan Patrick Show, Chris Simms said, "I'm blown away by Zach Wilson, Dan. You know I look at it, and look at, and say this is an Aaron Rodgers, a Patrick Mahomes, Brett Favre-ish type guy."
While Simms is the outlier in ranking Wilson over Lawrence, one thing is a virtual lock -- Lawrence-Wilson will go 1-2 to kick off the 2021 NFL Draft.
If it weren't for the back surgery (and full injury history), it's unlikely that Farley would have been available here. That said, the Jets (if comfortable with the medicals) get an elite corner that fits exactly what new head coach Robert Saleh would like to do on defense. Farley has an ideal combination of size (6-foot-2, 205 pounds), athleticism (sub-4.4 forty) and ball skills (six INTs in two seasons).
Could a team move up to No. 2 and send the Jets a package similar to -- if not exceeding -- what the Dolphins got from the 49ers? It's possible. But the Jets could very well move on from Sam Darnold and start fresh with Wilson at quarterback. He fits so well with the modern NFL, showing the ability to make plays on the run, the arm strength to drive the ball vertically and the instincts to tuck and run for big gains when necessary. But similar to the Jags, the Jets have to get Wilson support. They brought in Corey Davis, Keelan Cole Sr. and Tevin Coleman over the past few weeks and have nine total picks to work with.
With Wilson being the pick at No. 2, New York now has to help him out. I liked the Jets bringing in Corey Davis and Keelan Cole Sr., but this is another potential spot for Terrace Marshall Jr. or perhaps Ole Miss' Elijah Moore. And don't rule out an offensive tackle like Teven Jenkins (Oklahoma State). I'm going with Etienne, though. He has breakaway speed and can catch passes out of the backfield. The Jets need a true game-changer at running back, and he's exactly that, scoring 78 touchdowns from scrimmage over his time at Clemson.
General manager Joe Douglas and new coach Robert Saleh get the chance to start fresh with a new quarterback, with 2018 No. 3 overall pick Sam Darnold likely leaving in a trade. Having a player like Wilson -- who seemed to lock up the No. 2 spot with an impressive pro day -- on a rookie deal will help New York build a better roster over the next few seasons.
The addition of Carl Lawson in free agency will help, but the Jets could still use another edge rusher as they build their roster under a defensive-minded coach. Phillips has an unsettling injury history, but was one of the most productive players in the country in 2020 and impressed scouts at his pro day.
His pro day certainly did not hurt his draft status, as one of his throws went viral and had scouts claiming that Wilson is the pick and the draft really begins at pick No. 3. Wilson has seen the biggest rise up draft boards in the past year both due to his "wow" throws but also his accuracy and mobility. His 2020 season justifies the praise he has been receiving as he threw for 33 TDs and only three interceptions while completing 73.5% of his passes.
One player that may have had their draft stock drop a bit after their pro day measurables was Alijah Vera-Tucker, as his arm length of 32 1/8" will have teams questioning his ability to play offensive tackle full-time at the next level. The Jets, who had the 29th-ranked offensive line last year per PFF, could use an upgrade at pretty much every spot outside of left tackle so they don't mind taking what could now be the best guard in the draft.
If the Jets were willing to deal this pick, I'm positive they would have made the deal with the 49ers for the No. 12 overall selection and two future first-rounders. Which means they're locked in on a player and it's likely Wilson. The former Cougar didn't disappoint at his pro day. I expect Sam Darnold to be dealt before the draft.
If past is prologue, once head coach Robert Saleh has his quarterback situation figured out, he'll focus on building a pass rush. Phillips stepped up in Gregory Rousseau's absence after transferring from UCLA. The former highly-touted recruit is a relentless pass rusher who produced eight sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in 10 games as a Hurricane.
Sam Darnold was not in attendance at Wilson's Pro Day on Friday. Neither was Corey Davis. But Joe Douglas sure was. Broadway Zach, here we come! Tape don't lie. Time to reset the financial clock at quarterback. Sam, we hardly knew ye.
A home-run threat in the open field and a security blanket in the passing game for offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur to help the young quarterback, whomever that may be.
All signs still point to the Jets taking a quarterback at no. 2, and Wilson remains the clear favorite with just over a month left until the draft. New York will have to figure out what to do with Sam Darnold, but the team made a few smart moves in free agency, signing pass catchers Corey Davis, Keelan Cole, and Tyler Kroft while adding depth to the offensive line in center Dan Feeney. The situation for a rookie passer is getting better.
After drafting their quarterback of the future early in the first round, the Jets turn to the defense with their second pick. Paye is explosive and powerful, and would complement New York's burgeoning pass-rushing group led by Quinnen Williams and free-agent addition Carl Lawson.
The Jets splurged on offensive help in free agency, signing receivers Corey Davis and Keelan Cole as well as running back Tevin Coleman. The big question remains: Will it be Sam Darnold getting the ball to them, or will it be a rookie quarterback? In this instance, GM Joe Douglas deals Darnold and starts fresh with Zach Wilson, a well-rounded quarterback with a great deep ball, solid mobility and a sixth sense for pressure.
After getting their new quarterback at the top of the draft, the Jets address their biggest need on the defensive side of the ball. Greg Newsome II has the length (6-1, 190 pounds) and fluidity to line up on the boundary, and he's comfortable in both Cover 3 and press-man schemes -- an important trait for Robert Saleh's defense.