New York Jets: 2021 7-round mock draft with Sam Darnold trade

One of the most gaping voids within the New York Jets roster has been their lacking talent in the secondary, specifically at cornerback.

In a league that is only becoming more explosive on the outside, the New York Jets need to find a prospect in the 2021 NFL draft who can operate against top wideouts week-in week-out as a lockdown corner within Saleh’s defensive scheme.

Enter South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn. Long, athletic, and aggressive at the point of the catch, Horn is a prototypical man-to-man defensive back who can run downfield alongside X-receivers with his long strides and far-reaching wingspan.

He has shown a tendency to get grabby with his hands when attempting to feel the break in a receiver’s route but is subtle enough to typically avoid holding calls at the collegiate level.

With their first-round selection acquired via the Jamal Adams trade, the New York Jets trade back and gain an additional second-round selection by making a move with the Green Bay Packers.

Likely looking to jump forward in the draft order to grab one of the top wideouts which may be taken off of the board before they have a chance at 29, the Packers can find a true solo-playmaker to take some of the weight off of Aaron Rodgers shoulders whilst the New York Jets continue to stockpile the war chest.

After selecting a cornerstone prospect for their secondary, the New York Jets will be looking to add an edge player who can seamlessly fit into their 3-4 defensive front. At number 29 overall, a prospect who has seen a recent fall in draft stock to other pass-rushers within the 2021 NFL draft will fit perfectly as a versatile multi-tool for Saleh and company.

Having played a combination of edge and off-ball linebacker with the Longhorns, Texas’ Joseph Ossai will look to further refine his pass-rush with the New York Jets as a multi-purposed 3-4 outside linebacker.

Explosive off of the snap with an aggressive pursuit mindset, Ossai has displayed the ability to chase down plays from the backside and be an every-down disruptor in both the run and pass game.

Combined with the athleticism to drop into coverage and match running backs in the flat, Ossai is a chess piece in the defensive front with the potential to finally open opportunities for struggling defensive lineman Quinnen Williams.