With the draft being only 24 days away, we should have a pretty good idea of how the first few picks should play out. A lot of mock drafts have the Jets either picking an edge rusher, which we've been lacking, a QB that's won the Heisman or a wide receiver to add to our already prominent group.
Maccagnan & Co. have made a splash in free agency with the additions of Revis, Marshall, Cromartie, Skrine and Gilchrist and also have rewarded those who have exceedingly shown loyalty, i.e. David Harris and most likely Wilkerson in the coming months.
Below, I will give you two different mock drafts. One will be what I believe to be the most likely scenario and the other will be my pipe-dream mock. Without further ado, here's how I think/want the 2015 NFL Draft to play out.
Mock 1: Let's Be Real...
With the 6th pick in the 2015 NFL Draft... the Jets have a lot of thinking to do and by thinking I mean analyzing, scouting, watching, interviewing, etc. Like I mentioned earlier, the majority of mocks have the Jets drafting either Mariota, an OLB/DE or a WR. Some people believe the Jets could snag an offensive lineman, most notably Brandon Scherff. Well, here's what I think will happen come April 30th.
Round 1;
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
2. Tennessee Titans - Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Leonard Willams, DT, USC
4. Oakland Raiders - Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
5. Washington Redskins - Dante Fowler, OLB/DE, Florida
Whether Tennessee trades the pick or not, there is little to no doubt in my mind that Mariota will be the second QB taken in as many picks. A QB needy team is bound to fall in love with his high ceiling and RB/WR worthy athleticism and that leads me to believe that if the Jets were to obtain him, they'd have to obtain the 2nd overall pick. If he falls passed #2, I have again little to no doubt he'd be taken at #5. I can see the Redskins doing the exact opposite of what they did in order to draft RG3. They could stockpile picks to a team willing to trade up for Mariota or simply just draft the Heisman winner.
6. New York Jets - Vic Beasley, OLB/DE, Clemson
So with those 5 options being off the board, this isn't necessarily my first choice but certainly not a bad one. The Jets will eventually need someone to replace an aging Calvin Pace. Beasley wreaks havoc off the edge which is something the Jets haven't seen enough of lately. You can check out my take on Beasley here.
Other options: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama - Shane Ray, OLB/DE, Missouri - Alvin Dupree, OLB/DE, Kentucky
Round 2;
37. New York Jets - Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana
Considering the Jets didn't sign CJ Spiller and let Stevan Ridley walk away without an offer, they'll most likely need to draft a RB to help compliment both Ivory and Powell. Tevin Coleman was very much underrated coming into the season, but proved doubters wrong with a strong 2104 campaign and a good showing at the combine.
Other options: Devin Funchess, WR/TE, Michigan - Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami - Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska
Round 3;
70. New York Jets - Tre Jackson, G, Florida State
Sure, the Jets just signed James Carpenter, but opposite him is Willie Colon. Just like Calvin Pace, his age is beginning to get in the way of his production. He'll need replacing as soon as seasons end, if not before then. Colon drew what seemed like an endless amount of penalty flags last year to boot.
Other options: AJ Cann, G, South Carolina - Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA - Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State
Round 4;
104. New York Jets - Steffon Diggs, WR, Maryland
This pick is sure to be a popular one on here as I've seen many of you suggest Diggs for the Jets. I think he could be a steal and will be productive as long as he can stay healthy. Big if.
Round 7;
223. New York Jets - Kurtis Drummond, FS, Michigan State
224. New York Jets - Ty Montgomery, WR, Stanford
Typically, in the 7th round you'd like to add depth, however I believe that these guys can actually make an impact over time. Particularly Kurtis Drummond.
Now time for some fun. Not going to add any insight to why I chose who I did because well, you'll see...
Mock 2: We Can Dream, Can't We?
Round 1: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Round 2: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
Round 3: AJ Cann, G, South Carolina
Round 4: Gerrod Holliman, FS, Louisville
Round 7: Tony Lippett, WR, Michigan St & Nick O'Leary, TE, Florida St
Shouldn't have to explain any of those picks, they're practically all long shots to be available in those rounds except for perhaps, ironically, Mariota and maybe Holliman.
Maccagnan, Bowles and the front office have done a fantastic job so far, let's hope they keep it up this month.
One of my first pieces I've written, still looking to get better, comment and let me know what you think!