New York Jets 7-round 2020 NFL mock draft: New target emerges

4. Lynn Bowden Jr., Wide Receiver, Kentucky

The New York Jets take another weapon for Sam Darnold in the fourth round, adding a playmaker in Lynn Bowden Jr. After taking Ruggs in the first and now Bowden Jr., the talent around Darnold is starting to shape up. Bowden was asked to step in and play quarterback after the starter went down with an injury and he absolutely showed off his athleticism and playmaking ability. He ran for almost 1,500 yards with 13 touchdowns on the ground.

Adam Gase can line him up out wide, in the slot, out of the backfield, literally anywhere on the field and Lynn Bowden will be a problem. He’s super shifty with the ball in his hands and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

5. Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Running Back, Vanderbilt

New York already has their starter in Le’Veon Bell, however they’ll need to add some speed and shiftiness behind him. Ke’Shawn Vaughn can provide the New York Jets with both while also getting younger at the position.

He’ll do everything well enough to see the field on Sundays including being an extra weapon in the passing game. He had 66 receptions for 648 yards with 3 touchdowns in his collegiate career. He spent four seasons with Illinois before leaving for Vanderbilt in 2018.

Vaughn really took off in 2018, his first year at Vanderbilt, where he rushed 1,244 yards and 12 touchdowns on 157 carries. His numbers dipped a bit in 2019, going down to 1,028 yards and nine touchdowns on 198 carries. His average per rush went down from 7.9 to 5.2 which isn’t bad but is concerning. Vaughn still possesses the dynamic ability that the New York Jets are in desperate need of and should make an impact in year one.

6. Justin Herron, OL, Wake Forest

Here, the New York Jets basically grab some much-needed depth for the offensive line. Justin Herron does a good job as a pass protector showing good mobility and has nice length. He needs to add more strength in order to see the field early on.

He projects more as a developmental player, maybe a guy the Jets can stash on the practice squad until he develops his game more. I view him more as an interior player, but he can stick outside depending on how much strength is added.

6. Dane Jackson, Cornerback, Pitt

To round out this mock draft, the New York Jets take another cornerback in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Dane Jackson has the versatility to line up on the boundary or he could fill in at nickel if need be. He’s a highly competitive player and could be a ball hawk for the Jets defense.

Jackson can be a bit grabby at times which will draw a flag in the NFL, but I do like his peskiness. He shows nice, clean technique and likes to get involved in the run game. New York will need to add as many bodies in the defensive backs room and Jackson is a good prospect to have. In 2019 he totaled 43 tackles, 1 interception and 12 passes defended.