New York Jets 7-round mock draft: Helping Sam Darnold
After passing on the offensive line in the first round, the New York Jets take the big tackle out of TCU, Lucas Niang. If you watched any New York Jets games this year it would be blatantly obvious that they need help on the offensive line. Niang could slide in right away at either tackle spot and be a major upgrade over anyone that they currently have.
Niang is a massive human who is nibble on his feet allowing him to be a solid pass protector. His run blocking is better at the moment but with proper coaching in the NFL, there’s no question he can clean up some flaws in pass protection. The Jets will need to address their offensive line via free agency as well, which could be a good thing for Niang. If they could land a top guard to line up next to Niang they would be able to relieve some of the pressure his way.
After the Jets addressed their top-two needs on offense, New York turns to the defensive side of the ball with their first selection in the third round to take Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall. Jets Defensive Coordinator, Gregg Williams loves big physical corners and at 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, Hall definitely fits the bill. Williams desperately needs to add more talent at corner so he’ll be keeping a close eye at this class.
Bryce Hall stands his own in press coverage using his size to bump receivers off their routes. He still needs to clean up some of his technique, but the Jets coaches can help with that. Hall can form a nice duo with another big physical corner Bless Austin. Neither player will shy away from contact, stepping up to make the tackle in the run game. New York Jets fans should be excited at the possibility of this tandem.
With their second pick in the third round, the New York Jets stick to defense selecting edge rusher Carlos Basham Jr. out of Wake Forest. The Jets have been lacking a pass rusher for years ever since they traded John Abraham after the 2005 season. The Jets sacks leader is currently Jordan Jenkins with seven. Jenkins is set to become a free agent and his price may be too steep for GM Joe Douglas. Jamal Adams, an All-Pro safety, is second in sacks with 6.5. So Gregg Williams has had to be creative for the Jets to get any pressure at the quarterback.
Basham could develop into a nice pass rusher for the Jets, however, they’ll need to invest more at this position in free agency. Basham has a quick first step which allows him to use a combo of moves to beat the lineman he’s facing. He has decent pass rush moves but needs to improve at the next level. Basham finished the 2019 season with 53 tackles and 10 sacks.