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ESPN’s Todd McShay has posted his latest mock draft. Who does he have the Jets selecting?
Round 1 (6): Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
Round 2 (39): DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
Round 3 (70): Jake Butt, TE, Michigan
Round 3 (107): Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State
Speed, range and ball skills -- that's what Hooker brings, and the Jets need more of all three after intercepting just eight passes in 2016 (tied for 29th). Hooker's durability is a question mark, and he's still recovering from offseason shoulder and hernia surgeries, but he had elite production at Ohio State, posting seven interceptions last season. Kizer is not ready to play right away, and he wouldn't need to in New York after the Jets signed Josh McCown this offseason. Tight end has to be a priority for the Jets after having just 18 catches from the position in 2016, 35 fewer than the next-lowest team. Johnson has 36-inch arms, and his exceptional length gives him some upside as a late third-rounder.
One of the amazing things about this process is how almost everybody views this year’s quarterback class as weak yet so many quarterbacks are projected to go early. Among the group of quarterbacks who are slated to go high, Kizer is probably my least favorite. In the other guys, I can see big upside even if there is substantial risk. Kizer just seems late on his throws too regularly to be worth a pick this high.
I also think 70 seems awfully high for Butt, who is neither a particularly dynamic receiving threat nor a polished blocker at this point. He also is coming off a serious injury suffered in late December.
Hooker I get as a pick, but I’m not in love with McShay’s mock beyond that.