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Some recent mock drafts have the Jets picking an inside linebacker to replace Demario Davis.
20) New York Jets: Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame, Jr.
Needs: TE, OT, LB. For all the potency of the Jets defense under coach Todd Bowles, New York's sack total is just middle of the pack. Smith offers such help, but when he'll do so on the NFL level is the question after suffering a brutal knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl. Teams in the bottom half of the first round will have an interesting decision. Salary cap choices on the offensive line and running back Chris Ivory's pending free agency could change first round focus.
20. NY Jets: Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Oh, the Jets; the poor, unfortunate Jets. Had Ryan Fitzpatrick not vomited all over himself in Week 17, they would have beaten the Buffalo Bills and advanced to the postseason. Instead, the Jets find themselves as one of 19 other franchises who were on the outside looking in.
Despite his performance in that last game, Fitzpatrick should be the Jets quarterback until they find themselves in a position to draft a legitimate franchise quarterback. Of course, Fitzpatrick is a free agent. If they can’t find a way to keep him in green, this could be a spot for Paxton Lynch.
However, if Fitz stays in the big apple, as I expect him to, the Jets will look to upgrade their defense. Ragland is a thumper. He’s a vintage middle linebacker from a bygone era. In the modern NFL, he’ll need to get a little bit of weight off and improve his coverage ability, but I think this makes a mountain of sense for the Jets.