The Jets find themselves in an enviable position two weeks ahead of the NFL Draft.
Gang Green addressed several needs in free agency, such as wide receiver, tackle, guard, and defensive tackle, meaning it can now just sit and let the draft board play out at 10th overall.
“Where we are at now, we have great flexibility to go in any direction that we see that’s best for us moving forward,” Jets general manager Joe Douglas said last month at the NFL Annual Meetings in Orlando. “I think it opens the door to a lot of possibilities that we have.”
One of those possibilities with the 10th selection is a pass catcher. The Jets want to surround quarterback Aaron Rodgers with many offensive weapons.
However, the Jets could use a long-term solution at tackle with two older tackles on the line. In last week’s mock draft, the Jets found their long-term solution at tackles. A week later, the Jets still drafted an offensive lineman, but one with the versatility to play almost every position should injuries occur.
Using the Pro Football Network mock draft simulator this time, here’s the second Jets mock draft two weeks from the event in Detroit:
Round 1, 10th overall: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Some Jets fans may wonder why they would select a tackle at 10th overall after signing Tyron Smith and trading for Morgan Moses. The answer is simple, the Jets need to add more depth on their offensive line.
In 2022, 11 different offensive linemen started games for the Jets. Last season, Gang Green had 14 different offensive line combinations in 17 games, which led the league. That doesn’t even take into account that both Smith and Moses are 33 years old and in the final year of their contract.
That’s why a player like Troy Fautanu makes sense for a variety of reasons. He has starting experience at both tackle and guard, which the Jets could use. Also, he is a talented player who could become a future Pro Bowler at the NFL level.
At 6-4, 317 pounds, Fautanu has a nice blend of quickness, athleticism, and length. He also delivers violent hits at the point of attack and uses good footwork and hands to block defenders consistently.
If the Jets select Fautanu, they will not only have their tackle of the future, but he will also contribute on the line this season.
Round 3, 72nd overall: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
If the Jets do not add a pass rusher at 10th overall, there should still be talented players late on Day 2 of the draft. This year’s draft class of receivers is the best in the last decade, and Xavier Legette has the potential to be a star at the next level.
Last season, Legette was a Second-Team All-SEC selection for the Gamecocks. He finished with 71 receptions and seven receiving touchdowns and was eighth in the nation in receiving yards (1,255).
At 6-1, 221 pounds, Leggette consistently wins one-on-one battles with defensive backs. He is also an excellent route runner and can be a weapon in the vertical passing game.
Legette would be a welcome asset alongside Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams.
Round 4, 111th overall: Calen Bullock, S, USC
Gang Green could still use help at the safety position. Calen Bullock would be a welcome addition to the Jets defense with his play close to the line of scrimmage and his coverage skills.
Last season, Bullock was named to the First Team of the Pac-12 Conference after leading the Trojans with two interceptions. He also registered 63 tackles in 12 games.
Bullock uses his 6-2, 188-pound frame to gain an advantage over smaller receivers and break up passes. With Ashtyn Davis currently not on the roster, the Jets could use Bullock in rotational situations.
Round 4, 134th overall (from Ravens): Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State
The Jets finally added a tight end in the fourth round with Theo Johnson, who has the flexibility to play on the inline, in the backfield, and the slot as a receiver.
Johnson’s hands stand out, and he is a decent route runner at 6-6, 259 pounds. For the Nittany Lions last year, Johnson caught 34 passes for 341 yards and seven touchdowns.
Johnson’s run blocking is below average, but it is an area that could be improved on with great coaching at the next level.
Round 6, 185th overall: Khristian Boyd, DT, Northern Iowa
The Jets will undoubtedly add a defensive lineman at some point in the draft, and Khristian Boyd is an intriguing FCS prospect. He was not invited to February’s NFL Combine but Boyd will be drafted at some point.
At 6-2, 329 pounds, Boyd has the frame and power to be a force as a pass rusher and in stopping the run. Last season for the Panthers, Boyd finished with 43 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
The Jets could use more help in the middle of the defense after finishing 25th in rushing defense (124.0) a season ago.
Round 7, 256th overall (compensatory pick): Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy
Gang Green needs to add running back depth behind Breece Hall and Israel Abanikanda. Kimani Vidal is an intelligent running back with great versatility and can play in any scheme.
Last year for the Trojans, Vidal finished with 1,661 yards and 14 touchdowns. He is Troy’s all-time leading rusher (4,010).
Vidal’s speed is a question because it appears he lacks the burst between the tackles to break away from defenders. But at this stage of the draft, it would be wise to kick the tires on a talent like Vidal.
Round 7, 257th overall (compensatory pick): Kingsley Eguakun, C, Florida
The Jets still could use a backup center. Kingsley Eguakun can potentially develop into a rotational player on someone’s roster.
Eguakun was a three-year starter for the Gators but only played in four games last season because of a nagging ankle injury. Even if the Jets were to add a veteran center down the line, Eguakun makes a lot of sense.
