Benny’s Jets Mock Draft 1.0

The NFL Draft takes place in 17 days, and the New York Jets are in a position to go from a perennial playoff team to a potential Super Bowl contender with another strong draft. With the inevitable addition of 4x MVP Aaron Rodgers to the roster, the Jets are in “win-now” mode. Therefore, it is imperative to land impact players who can contribute to a championship-level roster.

We will be taking a deep dive into potential targets for the Jets and what attributes they bring to the field.

Round 1 (Pick 13): Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

The Jets faced more than their share of injuries on the offensive line to guys like Mekhi Becton, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Duane Brown. However, with the potential of adding soon-to-be 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers, it is imperative to keep him upright by adding elite-level talent.

In 2022 the Jets allowed a sack on 7.1% of their dropbacks, ranked 10th most in the NFL. However, the 6’5 311 lbs offensive tackle led the FBS in pressure rate with ONLY 1.3%. In addition, Jones didn’t allow a single sack or even QB hit on 394 pass-blocking snaps. 

Strengths

• Ability to make all the blocks in a zone or power scheme
• Elite combination of size/athleticism
• Experience playing Left & Right Tackle
• Nimble feet that help him get to the second level and create big plays in the run game
• Body control to adjust to moving targets
• Loose hips that help recovery speed

Weaknesses

• Needs to improve overall strength
• Gives up too much ground when facing a power rush
• Needs to improve punch accuracy
• Not a lot of experience starting less than two full seasons

Round 2 (Pick 42): Traded for Aaron Rodgers

Round 2 (Pick 43): Steve Avila, OG/C, TCU

As the roster currently stands, the Jets don’t have a Center. However, GM Joe Douglas firmly believes in building through the trenches and having players with positional flexibility.

The 6’3, 332-pound center/guard is a 3-year starter and has earned himself honors at both positions. In 2021 Avila was named second-team all-conference as a center. He was moved to LG for the 2022 season, didn’t allow a single sack in 515 snaps, and earned himself First-Team All-Big 12 honors.

Strengths

• Position flexibility & experience in both positions
• Plays with good body control
• Solid frame enabling him to take on contact
• Creates run lanes in A gap with the ability to seal defenders

Weaknesses

• Hand usage is often not efficient/consistent
• Stands too tall at point of attack

Round 4 (Pick 112): DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas

The Jets still have not filled the void of now-free-agent linebacker Kwon Alexander. At this point in the draft, the Jets could take a shot on a developmental LB with elite traits.

Overshown is a former safety that stands at 6’4 and 223 pounds. His frame and speed allow him to be a disrupter in the backfield, and he has the ball skills that would enable him to take the ball away on the second level.

Taking it one step further, his athletic profile allows him to play sideline to sideline.

Strengths

• Good awareness when forced to drop into coverage
• Consistent improvement from 2021 to 2022
• Strong ability to process and react

Weaknesses

• Ability to get off blockers to make tackles
• Needs to improve overall strength
• Often gets pushed back on the second level

Round 5 (Pick 143) Tre Tucker, WR, Cincinnati

The Jets recently traded away 2021 2nd-round pick Elijah Moore and were in the running to sign Odell Beckham Jr. before he signed a 1-year 18-million-dollar contract with the Ravens. Therefore, it shows they are in the market for another dynamic playmaker to help Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard.

Tre Tucker is an undersized WR at only 5’8 and weighing 187 lbs. But he is able to make up for it with his home-run potential with the ball in his hands.

After a solid Senior Bowl, where he proved tricky to cover, it makes the Jets the perfect match.

Strengths

• Great short area quickness
• Ability to get in and out of his breaks
• Eats up cushion from the lot vs. off defenders
• Ability to make catches outside of his frame with good hands

Weaknesses

• Doesn’t offer much as a blocker
• Limited as a contested ball catcher

Round 6 (Pick 207) Mohamad Ibrahim, RB, Minnesota

Although all reports say that Jets running back Breece Hall is recovering nicely from an ACL tear suffered in October; the Jets would be wise to ease him in slowly at the beginning of the year.

Mohamed Ibrahim is a 5’8, 203-pound back who runs with a level of physicality that makes him unique. Even though he doesn’t have the breakaway speed to get away from guys at the second level, he has tremendous feel and timing for the Jets’ outside zone scheme.

Ibrahim may be a complementary back, but any team would love his ability to find the end zone. He scored 37 rushing touchdowns in only 20 games.

Strengths  

• Patient runner
• Is decisive when he sees a whole opening
• Finishes runs with aggression
• Frame to absorb contact and deliver punishment

Weakness

• Not much of a threat as a pass catcher
• Lacks breakaway speed
• Injuries