The annual NFL Scouting Combine is over, and draft stock has promptly began moving for quite a few prospects. Pro day workouts is the next big step before April's Draft, but meanwhile pretty much every draft covering pundit has released an updated mock draft. Let's take a look at the updated New York Jets draft projections:
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports (March 4th)
Pick 11: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
I do believe the Jets will be prioritizing offensive line this offseason, but with the top three off the board at this juncture, they are more than happy with Lamb for Sam Darnold.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports (March 3rd)
Pick 11: Andrew Thomas, OL, Georgia
Their offensive line was a major issue last season. Getting Thomas will help alleviate that. He could also slide inside to guard if need be.
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (March 4th)
Pick 11: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
It sounds like the Jets will aggressively address the offensive line in free agency. If so, they can address their need at cornerback right here.
Luke Easterling, USA Today (March 4th)
Pick 11: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Similar to the Browns, the Jets need to spend this pick on a franchise left tackle to allow Sam Darnold to reach his full potential. It’s a good year to need one and be picking in the top 15, as the Jets should be able to land one of this year’s top four players at the position, all of whom are worthy of top-10 consideration. Wirfs put his rare athleticism on full display at the NFL Combine, and he’d be a great fit here.
Kevin Hanson, Sports Illustrated (March 3rd)
Pick 14: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia (Projected trade: The Bucs send the 14th and 76th overall picks to the Jets for the 11th overall pick)
The Jets haven't used a first- or second-round pick on an offensive lineman since they drafted Vlad Ducasse with the 61st overall pick in 2010. Provided one of the top four offensive tackles are available when the Jets are on the clock, that's almost certainly going to change as the team needs to better protect Sam Darnold and open up more holes for Le'Veon Bell. The Jets ranked bottom-three in Football Outsiders’ offensive line rankings in both run blocking (31st) and pass blocking (30th) in 2019. Thomas was a three-year starter at Georgia with experience at both right (2017) and left tackle ('18 and '19).
Eric Edholm, Yahoo Sports (March 3rd)
Pick 11: Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama
Jets GM Joe Douglas prefers to build teams from the inside out, and this also feels like a big need for Sam Darnold and the offense. Landing a tail kicker such as Wills here would be an outstanding first pick for Douglas.
Steve Serby, New York Post (March 3rd)
Pick 9: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville (Jets trade up to #9 overall)
GM Joe Douglas parts with the higher of his two third-round picks to leapfrog the Browns and begin his offensive line overhaul with a 6-foot-7, 368-pound freak who will be picked up at the airport in a limo by Sam Darnold and Le’Veon Bell.
Trevor Sikkema, TheDraftNetwork.com (March 2nd)
Pick 11: Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama
It might seem crazy that Jedrick Wills could be OT3 taken in this class when just a month ago he was being mocked at No. 4 overall. But believe it or not those realities are all still in play because of how talented the top-four offensive tackles are.
We’ve been told that some teams like Wills more as a guard, which, okay, he’d be great at guard, but he’s also great at tackle. So, why would a team move him? Jets general manager Joe Douglas talked about a heavy offensive line need for the New York Jets going into the off-season and also emphasized toughness with the players they’re looking for.
That's Wills.
WalterFootball.com (March 4th)
Pick 11: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
The Jets need someone to help Sam Darnold, so both a No. 1 receiver (Jerry Jeudy) and a talented left tackle (Andrew Thomas) make sense. The former happens to be the superior prospect, but I think the front office will value protecting Darnold.
Andrew Thomas has been very impressive, using his great athleticism and length. NFL personnel believe he has tremendous potential.
Offensive tackle it is! Pretty much everyone's in agreement that the Jets desperately need to improve their offensive line that gave up 52 sacks last season. According to ProFootballFocus, the Jets averaged just 0.7 rushing yards before contact per rushing attempt, worst in the league. The Gang Green offensive line also allowed pressure in 2.5 seconds or less on 27.5% of the QB's dropbacks (second-highest mark in the NFL). Two mock drafts picked Jedrick Wills Jr. from Alabama. Wills, 6'4", 312 lbs, ran 40 yards in 5.05 seconds at the Scouting Combine. He also had a 34.5-inch vertical jump and 113-inch broad jump. Another offensive tackle, Andrew Thomas from Georgia, was picked three times. Thomas, 6'5", 315 lbs, ran 40 yards in 5.22 seconds at the Combine. He also did 21 bench press reps.