New York Jets seven-round 2021 NFL mock draft: Tearing it down

Round 4, Pick 102

The Jets run game is abysmal. And although the NFL would love to believe Frank Gore can run forever until the age of 90, that is not the case. Lamical Perine, Josh Adams and Ty Johnson have shown flashes of nice runs, but none of those guys is a long-term franchise-caliber running back.

Perine is easily the best back out of those three, and he also has the highest ceiling in the group. However, Perine is going to need a running mate in the backfield. Running back by committee is the new direction most NFL teams are heading with their personnel groupings.

Insert Javian Hawkins. Hawkins is an incredible back that is rising boards fast. He is a great chance of pace back with electrifying speed and very hard to bring down in space due to his quick feet. He is a perfect compliment to Perine, who is more of a downhill runner that uses his leg strength to break free.

The one-two punch of Hawkins and Perine will allow Lawrence to have a reliable running game behind him. Something the New York Jets have not had in a very long time. It would be shocking come draft night if Hawkins were still available in round four. Joe Douglas lands more value with this selection. Something that has been a theme the majority of this mock.

Round 5, Pick 141

Everyone had high hopes for Christopher Herndon. He had the athletic skillset and prowess to be a big-time playmaker for the New York Jets. Unfortunately for him and the organization, things just have not gone that way. Herndon has faced injuries, suspensions and major drop problems throughout his tenure in the NFL.

New York has had significant issues at the tight end spot ever since Dustin Keller was a thing. Names like Jace Amaro, Jeff Cumberland and Jordan Leggett have tried and failed. Next on the list, next to see if he can break the poor tight end play streak that has plagued the Jets for years.

Ruckert has incredible hands. He is one of the best receiving tight ends in this entire class. He is really good at creating separation and getting open in the middle of the field. Just because he is a great receiver doesn’t mean he isn’t a good blocker. He is more than capable and willing as a run blocker, which will help his draft status. The Jets find potentially their new starting tight end here early in round five.

Round 5, Pick 159

Depth and value. That is what Joe Douglas should be looking to find in the middle and later rounds. Investing in his new franchise QB. That is what Joe Douglas should be looking for here. This roster needs a massive overhaul. Everyone with eyes can see that. However, when a new team brings in a new QB, they have to put him in the best spot possible to succeed.

Cole Van Lanen is a very powerful tackle out of Wisconsin. He uses brute strength and drive to win at the point of attack. With Mekhi Becton battling nagging injuries all season long, the Jets should invest in a backup plan and depth behind him.

Although Van Lanen is not the most natural mover or agile freak athlete that Becton is, he is a very high IQ blocker who understands and is utilized in multiple blocking schemes and concepts. He is an easy slide-in tackle that will directly affect the run game, and he uses really nasty blocking tendencies and techniques to overpower the opposing defender.

Van Lanen will not blow anybody away with charting numbers or do anything flashy on tape. Still, he is a rock-solid good offensive tackle that the Jets can use as a swing backup whenever injuries happen on the line, which has happened too frequently for this Jets team this season.

Round 7, Pick 193

With the final selection of this draft, the New York Jets add to one of their strengths. Their linebacking core is a pretty solid one if they can get everyone back healthy. CJ Mosley is still one of the best linebackers in the league and will be when he returns from opting out. Blake Cashman has shown flashes of being a really good long-term starter in this league before going down with an injury.

Amari Gainer will add some athleticism and range to the Jets defense. At the very least, he will be an excellent contributor on special teams because of his natural athletic ability.

Versatility will play a huge part in getting Gainer on the roster. He has experience playing off-ball linebacker, single high safety, and speed rusher off the edge. If the Jets can find a way to use his versatility to bring a spark to the defensive side of the ball, they might have found a gem here in the seventh round of this mock draft.