The 2019/2020 season is officially over and we’re now in the Scouting Combine month, which will be followed by the start of free agency and NFL Draft. New mock drafts are popping out pretty much daily these days, so let’s take a look at the latest few and their NY Jets selections…
Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports (February 4th)
Pick 11: A.J. Epenesa, Edge rusher, Iowa
We have a run on Hawkeyes! Epenesa is not a finished product, but if he reaches his potential, he has a chance to be an absolute game-changer on the edge. The Jets could really use that.
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports (February 3rd)
Pick 11: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
The Jets have glaring needs along the offensive line and at wide receiver but four tackles are already off the board and this class is deep at WR. Instead, New York takes Simmons, who can line up just about anywhere on the field. He reminds us of a bigger version of Derwin James.
Michael Renner, ProFootballFocus (February 3rd)
Pick 11: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Jeudy is the first wideout to come off the board, and his blend of speed, route-running and after-the-catch ability is too much to pass up. His 200-plus yard game against Michigan in the Citrus Bowl showed off his full skillset — his speed from the slot is a nightmare for opposing defenses, and none of the Michigan corners came close to checking him in man coverage.
Chad Reuter, NFL.com (February 3rd)
Pick 11: K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge rusher, LSU
Chaisson has nice bend and length off the edge, something the Jets really need. He's no wallflower against the run, either, having gained significant strength over the past couple of seasons.
Pick 48: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Pick 68: Troy Pride, Jr., CB, Notre Dame
Pick 79: Keith Ismael, C, San Diego State
Nate Davis, USA Today (February 4th)
Pick 11: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
QB Sam Darnold could use a new receiver to replace Robby Anderson. But in a draft full of capable wideouts, it might be smarter to focus on the O-line first, both as it pertains to protecting Darnold as well as making life easier for RB Le'Veon Bell.
Vinnie Iyer, the Sporting News (February 4th)
Pick 11: Austin Jackson, OT, USC
The Jets might consider a wide receiver, but they also could use a rock for their offensive line in front of Sam Darnold, given their pass-protection issues and the fact Kelvin Beachum is pending free agent. Jackson (6-6, 310 pounds) has entered the first-round fray as an athletic beast with a strong finish to his final college season.
So, we have two edge rushers, one wide receiver, one linebacker and two offensive tackles. Both tackles look like solid picks and some draft boards have Austin Jackson go as high as #4 overall to the Giants. A.J. Epenesa played three seasons in the Big Ten for Iowa. He recorded 26.5 sacks in 37 games, and also had 36 tackles for loss, 7 defended passes and 9 forced fumbles. Isaiah Simmons had a monster junior year for Clemson, recording 8.0 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss, 104 total tackles, 3 INTs and 2 forced fumbles. WR Jerry Jeudy is one of the fastest players in the country who has the size to be #1 receiver. He scored 14 receiving touchdowns as a sophomore and 10 TDs as a junior, averaging 17.2 yards per catch over his NCAA career.