New York Jets build around Sam Darnold in 7-round 2020 NFL mock draft
In this seven-round 2020 NFL mock draft, the New York Jets will try to surround their young signal-caller with some weapons as well as fortifying their offensive line.
The NFL legal tampering period for free agency is now under 10 days away and there have been some whispers as to who and what the New York Jets will be targeting. They have major holes across the board and will have some money to spend in order to fill said holes.
There have been some contradicting reports on whether or not the team would bring back wide receiver Robby Anderson, but the latest talks suggest they’ve been trying hard to work out a contract before the wideout hits free agency. Anderson will likely command at least $10 million annually, which it seems like New York wouldn’t mind, however, if his price jumps higher above $12 million per year, they’ll likely bow out.
As for the free agents that the New York Jets have been linked to its been rumored that they have their sights set on the cornerback and offensive line market. New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas cannot be negligent with the offensive line like his predecessor did. So far he’s been linked to Halapoulivaati Vaitai from Philadelphia who can play all across the offensive line.
They have also been linked to the top right tackle on the market Jack Conklin. He could command and annual salary worth up to $16 million which could be too rich for the New York Jets. If the plan is to fill most of the positions on the line in free agency then maybe the cheaper and more versatile Vaitai is the better option.
Gang Green has also been linked to New England guard Joe Thuney who is also expected to command a big contract, but his production could be well worth it. Thuney gave up zero sacks and committed no penalties in 2019 while playing 1140 snaps. New York could bring in Thuney and Vaitai with the intent of playing Vaitai at left tackle.
The Jets could also bring back guard Alex Lewis who was pretty solid after taking over for Kelechi Osemele. It is also believed that the New York Jets are high on Chuma Edoga who they believe could be a starting right tackle in the league. The jury is still out so New York could still draft a tackle to at least challenge him.
As for the cornerback market, the Jets have been linked to the top free agents like Byron Jones and James Bradberry, but I could see them waiting for the second tier guys like Jalen Mills as well as getting a new contract done for Brian Poole.
After laying out all the possibilities for the New York Jets in free agency its time to see how they can fill out their roster in the draft. I had some help formatting this draft using the Draft Network’s draft simulator.