Draft Analysis: NFL Draft Needs: Jets

Evan Silva (@EvanSilva) is the Senior Football Editor for Rotoworld’s NFL Page, and Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) leads Rotoworld’s college football and NFL draft coverage. Together, they’re breaking down every team’s biggest needs and offering potential draft-day solutions.

For a breakdown on every team, check out the team-by-team draft preview schedule.

No. 1 Team Need: Quarterback

Silva’s Analysis

As contract talks with free agent Ryan Fitzpatrick remain at a standstill, the Jets’ quarterback room is presently comprised of only failed 2013 second-round pick Geno Smith and raw 2015 fourth-rounder Bryce Petty. New York can solidify this position in the short term by re-signing Fitzpatrick, but the Jets’ search for a long-term solution should not end there. OC Chan Gailey runs a four-wide Pistol Spread offense wherein the quarterback’s primary responsibility is getting the ball out quickly to feed the Jets’ big-bodied playmakers.

No. 2 Team Need: Offensive Line

Silva’s Analysis

When/if they get Fitzpatrick re-signed, offensive line will move to the forefront of Jets’ needs. GM Mike Maccagnan and coach Todd Bowles have been noncommittal on declining 32-year-old LT D’Brickashaw Ferguson‘s status with the 2016 team, while RT Breno Giacomini and RG Brian Winters were 2015 liabilities. C Nick Mangold is 32 years old. The Jets’ offensive line depth is suspect enough that multiple draft picks in the front five would not be a surprise.

No. 3 Team Need: Linebacker

Silva’s Analysis

Cornerback can also be argued as a need for Gang Green with slot man Buster Skrine penciled in opposite Darrelle Revis, who showed signs of decline last year and turns 31 before the season. The Jets do have talented bodies there, however, with ballhawk Marcus Williams, 2013 top-ten pick Dee Milliner and 2014 third-rounder Dexter McDougle in reserve. Although New York has high hopes for Lorenzo Mauldin, outside linebacker is a bigger weakness with next to nothing behind him. Inside linebacker could also use an infusion of young talent behind David Harris, 32, and Erin Henderson, 30 in July.

Norris’ Mock Draft

Round 1 (20): LT Taylor Decker, Ohio State – The second tier of offensive tackles is widely viewed as Decker, Jack Conklin and Jason Spriggs. Decker is the best of that bunch and offers a nasty, aggressive temperament. He is working with LeCharles Bentley prior to the draft, which is always a plus.

Round 2 (51): EDGE Jordan Jenkins, Georgia – It will be fascinating to see how the NFL views the edge rushers projected on the second day of the draft. Jenkins has an outstanding 10 yard split (1.58) and needs to convert that explosion into power in order to succeed in the NFL. He is a straight-line bull rusher.

Round 3 (83): LB Kentrell Brothers, Missouri – Brothers should be viewed as a limited athlete, which he is. To put it into perspective, Brothers tested in the 9th SPARQ percentile despite posting ridiculous agility scores, which shows how poorly the rest of his testing went. Regardless, Brothers is aggressive and at his best against the run.

Round 4 (118): C/G Isaac Seumalo, Oregon State – The coach’s son is well liked in NFL circles. Seumalo’s best projection is likely at center, but he has starting guard experience too. He is an occupier, not a drive blocker.

Round 5 (157): QB Vernon Adams, Oregon – Surprise? When Evan outlined what Chan Gailey looks for at the quarterback position, my mind immediately diverted to Adams. He is consistently successful both inside and outside of structure.

Round 7 (241): Cre’von LeBlanc, FAU – I liked what I saw from LeBlanc at the East West Shrine Game, and he drew some buzz from scouts as one of the better corners at the event.

Jets Current Offensive Depth Chart

QB: Geno Smith

RB: Matt Forte

WR: Brandon Marshall

WR: Eric Decker

WR: Quincy Enunwa

WR: Devin Smith

LT: D’Brickashaw Ferguson

LG: James Carpenter

C: Nick Mangold

RG: Brian Winters

RT: Breno Giacomini