The Raiders recently extended left tackle Kolton Miller through the 2025 season, but they traded right tackle Trent Brown back to New England earlier this offseason. While Jenkins has experience at left tackle as well, he was primarily a right tackle as a three-year starter for Oklahoma State. An absolute bully in the run game, he would slide in as a Day 1 starter opposite Miller.
Quite frankly, the Raiders lacked difference-making speed in the back half of their defense in 2020. General manager Mike Mayock, a former NBC announcer for Notre Dame games, will likely know and appreciate Owusu-Koromoah's game as much as anyone.
Trade details: Raiders give up first-rounder (No. 17) and third-rounder (No. 79). Perhaps no team is more unpredictable in the draft than the Raiders. Of course they need a right tackle, but the defense needs more help than anything. Do you think Jon Gruden is going to turn away from a 6-foot-1, 205-pound cornerback with NFL bloodlines???
Even though defense remains the primary need for the Raiders, Jenkins could come in and start ahead of Brandon Parker at right tackle. The Raiders need to restock their offensive line after trading away three starters.
A playmaking linebacker (Micah Parsons or Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah) or defensive lineman (Christian Barmore) would make sense, but Darrisaw would help fill the sizeable void left by the departure of right tackle Trent Brown.
For many teams, Jenkins might grade out close to the late first, early second-round range. But GM Mike Mayock hasn't been afraid to reach for players with a lower league value for what they view as an ideal fit. Jenkins is big, nasty, smart and competitive, and he has played four different OL spots. For the Raiders he could be a Day 1 starter at right tackle, currently a big void.
The Raiders overhauled their offensive line this offseason, trading away tackle Trent Brown, guard Gabe Jackson and center Rodney Hudson. Maybe general manager Mike Mayock and coach Jon Gruden knew they could address the O-line in Round 1 because it's a deep class, but they still have voids to fill. Vera-Tucker is my top-ranked guard, but he really came into his own while playing left tackle for the Trojans last season. He could play either spot for Las Vegas.
This could be higher than other mock drafts have Newsome going, but I think teams are higher on the Northwestern CB than the rest of our "draft media" world. He is smart, tough and brings a professionalism to the field. The Raiders will be looking to continue their offseason trend: beefing up the defense.
Tennessee's Derrick Henry-centric offense doesn't require Ryan Tannehill to throw often, but the passing attack has been efficient to keep opposing defenses honest. Only the Ravens and Patriots threw it less than the Titans in 2020, but they were tied for sixth in Y/A (7.9). Only the Packers (9.13%) and Seahawks (7.10%) had a higher TD% than the Titans (6.80%) in 2020.
While the Titans signed Josh Reynolds in the offseason, they lost Corey Davis as well as tight end Jonnu Smith. While all previous iterations of my mock had the Titans focused on the defensive side of the ball, wide receiver could be in play here as well. Timing faster than expected in the forty, Bateman is a polished and productive receiver that finished his sophomore (and last full season) with a 60/1,219/11 receiving line.
The addition of Janoris Jenkins helps, but after moving on from former first-round pick Adoree' Jackson, as well as Malcolm Butler, the Titans will be looking hard at cornerbacks in this year's draft. Newsome, agile and scrappy, would fit in perfectly.
There's a need at corner that I think the Titans are trusting Kristian Fulton to step up and into this season. Adding even more speed to the receiver position is an attractive option, and they know Moore well after drafting A.J. Brown out of Oxford just two years ago.
The Titans will consider a cornerback, but they do need an edge rusher to play opposite free agent addition Bud Dupree. Last year, they paid $22.5 million for Vic Beasley and Jadeveon Clowney and didn't get a single sack, so they have to do better this year.
The Titans have a strong foundation on the defensive line, but the value of adding a talent like Barmore at this point in the draft could really take the Titans' front to another level. He has Pro Bowl potential as both a run stuffer and pass rusher.
They've lost some firepower in the passing game and could use a YAC threat such as Moore. A.J. Brown and Josh Reynolds are OK on the outside, but the slot is vacant now. Perhaps the Titans could give Moore a shot to be their primary returner after losing Kalif Raymond to the Lions.
Though the Titans are another team that could address their pass rush, I really like Moore's fit as Ryan Tannehill's primary slot target. Moore had 1,193 receiving yards in eight games last season, working predominantly out of the slot. He can be a high-volume, easy-throw target alongside A.J. Brown, who has blossomed into a legit No. 1 wideout. Cornerback is another position to watch for Tennessee.
Phillips was the standout defensive player at Miami's pro day, but he's really all about upside and potential. He offers burning speed and a desire for excellence -- he wants to be coached. I don't think the Bud Dupree and Denico Autry signings mean the Titans are done upgrading their awful pass rush from a season ago.
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.
Although Sam Darnold didn't show that he was the franchise quarterback the team hoped he'd develop into when they selected him with the No. 3 pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, he also wasn't put in a position to succeed given the poor coaching and supporting cast. By trading him to the Panthers, the team resets and is absolutely flush with draft picks over the next two years to put the next quarterback in a position to flourish. In the 2021 and 2022 drafts combined, the Jets have 10 picks in the first three rounds -- four first-rounders, three second-rounders and three third-rounders.
Appearing on the Dan Patrick Show, former NFL quarterback and current analyst 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." On top of lofty comparisons to HOF/MVP-caliber quarterbacks, Simms actually ranks Wilson ahead of Lawrence, but the BYU product's meteoric rise up draft boards this draft cycle has been similar to that of Joe Burrow in last year's draft.
If Lawrence weren't in this draft class, Wilson would be worthy of the No. 1 overall pick.
The Jets signed Tevin Coleman to a one-year deal, but they figure to be one of the few teams that could consider drafting a running back in the first round. By adding a talented do-it-all type of back like Harris, it would help the Jets take some pressure off of Zach Wilson. The all-time career rushing leader in Alabama history, Harris rushed for 1,466 yards and 26 touchdowns and added 43 receptions for 425 yards and four more scores last season.
Trading Sam Darnold guarantees what we've been projecting for months -- The Jets are resetting the quarterback position. With all due respect to the bigger, speedier Lawrence, Wilson is the most accurate passer in this class and the perfect building block for defensive-minded coach Robert Saleh to build around.
The investment in Zach Wilson at No. 2 overall won't matter if the Jets don't shore up the interior of their offensive line. GM Joe Douglas attempted to do so in free agency, but missed out on pricey free-agent guard Joe Thuney. Vera-Tucker would be a younger, cheaper and similarly gifted consolation prize.
The Jets have been infatuated with Wilson for months and the whole league has known it. Trading away Sam Darnold last week solidified this pick, which will define Joe Douglas' tenure as GM.
23. Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
Douglas hit a home run last year with Mekhi Becton and saw how well Zach Wilson operated behind a stout BYU line. Jenkins can come in and immediately compete with George Fant for the right tackle position, and he has experience playing guard, too.
As soon as General Manager Joe Douglas finished observing the workouts of this year's quarterbacks, he appeared to firm up Wilson as his choice. Soon after, he traded Darnold, the former third overall pick, to Carolina.
The Jets added two defensive ends, a defensive tackle, a linebacker and a safety in free agency, but nothing at cornerback. Newsome would fit in nicely in Coach Robert Saleh's defense, but the Jets might need to trade up to get him.
Since my first mock draft back in November, Wilson has been the projected pick at No. 2 and nothing has happened to change that belief. The first two picks are locked in.
The Jets upgraded the pass rush with Carl Lawson in free agency, but there is still work to do. At only 20 years old, Ojulari led the SEC in sacks, tackles for loss and forced fumbles due to his get-off, length and instincts. And it is clear he has yet to play his best football.
Perhaps there are more pressing needs, but GM Joe Douglas is a talent hound who knows a bargain when he sees one. JOK would work well as a weakside linebacker (or as a big safety) in the new defensive system and could develop into a playmaker like the ones new head coach Robert Saleh had in San Francisco with Kwon Alexander and Dre Greenlaw.
I said last month that I was 50-50 on whether the Jets should keep Sam Darnold or take a quarterback here, and general manager Joe Douglas and coach Robert Saleh made their decision last week. Darnold is off to Carolina, and so this pick is clearly going to be a quarterback. I have Ohio State's Justin Fields just ahead of Wilson in my rankings, but Wilson is the name I've consistently heard for New York. He can be a star with the right talent around him, but the Jets have to add another pass-catcher at some point, even after adding Corey Davis and Keelan Cole Sr. in free agency.
The Jets are a tough team to predict, and their defense could use an overhaul; you know new coach Robert Saleh wants a chance to reshape the side of the ball he coaches with a prime pick. Newsome has been a riser over the past month; his 2020 tape is phenomenal, and he had a great pro day workout. He fits well with what Saleh wants in his corners. Newsome is the last of four cornerbacks who I think are likely to go in Round 1.
In the end, I think Wilson will be the guy. His 2020 campaign numbers were eye-popping, but it's his toughness and fearlessness over the course of his entire college career that really impresses folks around the league.
23. Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
Moore is a beast and a nightmare to tackle after the catch. He's neither a burner nor a huge physical specimen, but he fits everything the Jets are looking to be. Think Deebo Samuel, with his ability to carry the ball, catch the ball and generally be a DC's headache week in and week out.
Whether or not the Packers are willing to use their first-round pick on a linebacker, Davis has earned his share of Round 1 buzz and inside linebacker is one of the team's top needs. While inexperienced as a one-year starter, Davis had a breakout 2020 campaign (team-high 102 tackles) and he's a rangy, three-down linebacker with explosive athleticism and length.
As long as Aaron Rodgers is in town, protecting the league's MVP should be priority No. 1. With the Packers losing Pro Bowl center Corey Linsley to free agency, the club should take advantage of this year's underrated group of interior blockers. Humphrey's grit and experience in a heavy shotgun scheme should make his jump to the NFL a relatively smooth one.
Trade details: Packers give up first-rounder (No. 29) and third-rounder (No. 92) for No. 24 and fourth-rounder (No. 140). Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has moved in the first round in each of the past three years so why not make it four? With the Browns needing a corner at 26, the Packers trade with another storied franchise for the best CB remaining after a down year from Kevin King.
The Packers could also consider an offensive lineman here, but too many of the best ones are gone in this scenario. Aaron Rodgers will be disappointed if they miss out on a top receiver for a second consecutive draft.
A top-10 pick based on raw talent, Farley will likely see a slight slide on draft day due to his medical situation (He had back surgery last month). How far? That's anyone's guess right now, but he could prove to be an unbelievable value in the late first round.
The Packers have been aggressive in Round 1 under GM Brian Gutekunst, trading up multiple times the past few years. Drafting Farley would be a different form of aggression, betting that Farley's health worries are worth the risk on a player who was a possible top-10 pick at one point. And traditionally, this is a club that is conservative when it comes to medical risks. But they sure could use some insurance for Kevin King, and Farley could be a home run selection -- or, if his back problems worsen, a whiff.
Like the Saints, the Packers haven't been able to add roster improvements because they're up against the cap, so let's snag a wide receiver for reigning MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Bateman played outside and in the slot for the Golden Gophers, averaging 20.3 yards per catch in 2019. He would instantly become Green Bay's No. 2 wideout behind Davante Adams. Bateman is the sixth and final Round 1 wide receiver in this mock draft. The Packers could also address the interior of their offensive line, particularly with longtime starting center Corey Linsley leaving in free agency.
Joe Barry is the new DC and his specialty is LB play. I'm not sure GB's defense didn't miss Blake Martinez roaming the middle in big games last year. Bolton isn't going to jump off the page with eye-popping athleticism, but everyone says he'll be the QB of whichever defense he joins.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Cleveland Browns Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Cleveland Browns from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The recipient of the Bronko Nagurski Award, the versatile Tulsa defender (6-4, 260) can rush the passer or drop in coverage. Collins had four sacks and four interceptions, two of which were returned for scores, in eight games this past season.
The Browns appear to have replaced last season's leading tackler B.J. Goodson with former Indianapolis starter Anthony Walker, but the fact Walker was signed to just a one-year deal suggests the club could still be looking for an upgrade. Davis is an athletic marvel just scratching the surface of his potential and might offer the immediate impact Cleveland needs to take the next step.
His size could force him into the slot, but Samuel was a PBU machine at Florida State with 33 in his career. The Browns seem stacked at corner, but Troy Hill's contract is really a one-year deal with an out next season, and they'll be taking care of their EDGE need with the impending signing of Jadeveon Clowney.
They needed an edge rusher, but the spot opposite Myles Garrett now appears to be filled, following the reported signing of Jadeveon Clowney. Owusu-Koramoah is one of the top linebackers in this class.
Although he had only one interception in college, Newsome has 25 passes defended in 21 starts and it was a challenge searching for big plays allowed on his tape. It doesn't hurt that he tested like an elite athlete with a 4.38 40-yard dash and 6.90 3-cone drill at 6-foot and 192 pounds.
We've placed edge rushers here in recent mocks, but a corner also could be a great fit. The highly confident and athletic Newsome could vie for a starting role in Cleveland right away if he can beat out Greedy Williams. The Browns know they need to curb the number of big plays they allow in the pass game, and this would be one savvy way to address that.
Davis is another defender who is rising since the season ended. He's really only a one-year starter -- he started one game in 2019 -- but he was tremendous last season with 96 tackles, three interceptions and a sack. Davis was all over the field making plays. He could play any of the linebacker spots for the Cleveland 4-3 defense. The Browns could also target an edge rusher with this pick, even if they do sign Jadeveon Clowney.
Rousseau didn't have the lights-out pro day everyone wanted to see, but he still has the lights-out potential. He's put on a ton of weight since he got to Miami and is just scratching the surface. A 2020 opt-out who is a hard evaluation with just one full year of college football, Rousseau's upside remains enticing, especially in the back end of Round 1.
Since five offensive linemen are already off the board, the value on my big board doesn't align well with the Colts' need to draft a replacement for retired left tackle Anthony Castonzo. The best available offensive tackle is Jalen Mayfield (my 35th-ranked prospect), so it may make sense to target a different need here and then tackle in Round 2 as it's a deep position group.
Xavier Rhodes rebounded in a major way with the Colts last season and he's back on a one-year deal for his age-31 season. While he has missed multiple games every year at Northwestern, Newsome is scheme-diverse with excellent speed (sub-4.4 forty) and fluidity.
Nearly half of the Colts' respectable 40 sacks a year ago were generated by Justin Houston (currently a free agent) and Denico Autry (signed by Tennessee). Ojulari, who led Georgia in sacks each of the past two seasons and won't turn 21 until June, offers a package of size, burst and bend. He would be a fantastic value at this point in the draft.
Colts GM Chris Ballard didn't let Darius Leonard's size get in the way of his football evaluation, and he won't let it happen here with the 6-foot-2, 249-pound Ojulari. He seemed to get better as the season went along and put together the best pass-rush season in the entire SEC in 2020. Hopefully for the Colts, this breaks a long streak of missing on edge rushers.
The Colts like to trade down and add draft choices. But they need a left tackle after Anthony Castonzo's retirement, and Mayfield has good athleticism for the position.
Phillips is a tough evaluation due to his medical history, but his talent is worthy of early first-round consideration. If the Colts' medical staff gives general manager Chris Ballard two thumbs up, Phillips could be a steal for a team in need of more juice rushing the passer.
GM Chris Ballard says he's a listen-to-the-board drafter, and Vera-Tucker is a top-20 prospect in some evaluators' minds. Can he play left tackle? All we saw of him in college was six games' worth at that spot in 2020, and he might lack ideal length at that position in the NFL. Could the Colts move Quenton Nelson to left tackle and play Vera-Tucker at left guard? Don't rule that out.
With my first-round offensive tackles all picked, Indianapolis should address its pass rush, even if it does bring back Justin Houston. Phillips might be the best pure pass-rusher in this class, but he needs to improve his all-around game. He also has some durability concerns -- he had multiple concussions at UCLA before he transferred to Miami -- which means his medical checks with teams are extremely important.
Horn gave up just eight catches on passes thrown in his direction last year, per Pro Football Focus. He has a professional build and competitive spirit. This defense's tone is set by Darius Leonard. Horn would match that fire on the back end.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our New Orleans Saints Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the New Orleans Saints from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Saints:
Not only did the Saints release Janoris Jenkins, but Marshon Lattimore (and all of the team's corners) will be unrestricted free agents in 2022 except for Grant Haley (RFA) and Keith Washington (ERFA), per data from Spotrac. And even though the Saints salary-cap situation improves slightly in 2022, only five teams have less salary-cap space in 2022, per Over the Cap.
Former high school teammates with CB1 (Patrick Surtain II) of this mock, Campbell isn't the refined prospect his former high school teammate is, but the former five-star recruit's blend of speed (sub-4.4 forty), size/length (6-foot-1, 32-inch arms) and change-of-direction ability is as special as any cornerback prospect in this draft class.
The cap-strapped Saints' roster took a hit in March, with multiple impact players heading elsewhere for more money or, in the case of Drew Brees, retiring. Will it be Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill at quarterback -- or both? Regardless, New Orleans has to have more weapons in the pass game, especially with Emmanuel Sanders and Jared Cook not coming back. Moore operates mainly out of the slot, and he has the hands and burst to pick up big chunks of yardage. He was second in the nation to DeVonta Smith in catches and yards last season.
After the departure of Janoris Jenkins, the Saints are thin at corner behind Marshon Lattimore and don't have the cap space to add one. Newsome solidified his status as a first-round pick with strong testing numbers at his pro day after a standout junior season.
Now that Drew Brees has officially retired, the Saints will move forward with Jameis Winston and/or Taysom Hill. It would probably be best to try and give the offense easy throws/decisions and Toney, although a bit undersized, is an explosive, quick-twitch athlete, who not only caught 70 passes for 984 yards and 10 TDs but also ran the ball 19 times for 8.5 yards per carry. He should be able to make the New Orleans quarterback's life easier as a moveable piece in the Sean Payron offense.
Emmanuel Sanders' release and no money for free agency might necessitate this move. Moore would be a nice fit opposite a healthy Michael Thomas. An impressive pro day should boost him into the back-end of the first round.
The cap-constrained Saints were relatively quiet in free agency, making a handful of strategic signings and re-upping Jameis Winston to a deal that's laden with incentives. The draft is their chance to add real talent to their defense. Bolton fits the bill. He's an instinctive and rangy defender who plays with an aggressive mindset.
Cap issues kept the Saints from being active in free agency, so they'll have to fill their biggest holes -- among them, another cornerback opposite Marshon Lattimore -- in the draft. Tyson Campbell impressed at Georgia's Pro Day and has an excellent mixture of size, speed, length and fluidity.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Tennessee Titans Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Tennessee Titans from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
All five previous iterations of this mock slotted Georgia's Azeez Ojulari to the Titans as the redshirt sophomore led the SEC in sacks (9.5) in 2020. Perhaps signing Bud Dupree to a massive free-agent deal leads them to address another position with their first pick.
Tennessee could use reinforcements along the offensive line, but to me, this pick is all about either a pass-catcher or a cornerback. The Titans lost Corey Davis, Jonnu Smith, Adoree' Jackson and Desmond King II from those positions in free agency. So let's look at the board. LSU's big receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. would be an option, but the better value falls with Newsome. He's a shutdown corner who would fit nicely with Janoris Jenkins and Kristian Fulton in the Tennessee CB corps. But I'd like to see a few more interceptions.
The loss of receiver Corey Davis and tight end Jonnu Smith is a big blow to an offense that turns to coordinator Todd Downing after Arthur Smith took over the Falcons. For Ryan Tannehill to remain the efficient quarterback he's been the past two seasons, the Titans need another playmaker opposite A.J. Brown. Toney is a tough cover who can also add some speed to the return game.
The Titans had the third-fewest sacks in the league last year with just 19 and it looks like they will be losing Jadeveon Clowney on top of it. They did make a big splash with Bud Dupree, who signed a five-year deal and will certainly help create some pressure off the edge, but they still could use an upgrade along the defensive line. Phillips, who has had some medical issues and even "retired" from football briefly, may be the most talented defensive lineman in the draft, as he was the No. 1 high school recruit in the country.
The Titans will need to address their secondary (after releasing Kenny Vaccaro and Malcolm Butler) in a major way. Horn -- his father Joe was a Pro Bowl wide receiver -- is a very talented, uber-aggressive press corner with elite speed, good size (6-foot-1, 205 pounds) and can make plays in run support.
The Titans clearly whiffed on their 2020 first-round pick, as the failed Isaiah Wilson experiment leaves them with a hole at right tackle. Taking another first-round swing at the position might sting for GM Jon Robinson, but it's a worthy investment for this run-heavy team. Jenkins is a mauler who plays with attitude in the trenches. He'd match this offense's identity beautifully.
The Titans lost Corey Davis and Adam Humphries in free agency, leaving very little depth at wide receiver behind A.J. Brown. Rashod Bateman played five games before opting out of the 2020 season, but he has the size, hands and aggressiveness to come down with contested catches as well as the fluidity and route-running skills to beat defenders on shorter routes.
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.
