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ESPN’s Mel Kiper and Todd McShay both put out three round mock drafts this week. Let’s take a look at the players they have the Jets selecting in the first and third rounds. (The team traded its two second round picks to the Colts to move up from 6 to 3 in the first round.)
Round 1 (3): Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Round 3 (72): R.J. McIntosh, DT, Miami
Remember, the Jets traded three second-round picks (two in 2018, one in 2019) to move up three spots, so they’re light on capital in this draft. GM Mike Maccagnan & Co. are targeting a quarterback, and I’ve said for a while that Rosen is the most NFL-ready of all of the top quarterback prospects in this class. Could Rosen pass up Josh McCown (and Teddy Bridgewater) and start in Week 1?
McIntosh would be an end in the Jets’ 3-4, as they’re looking for a replacement for Muhammad Wilkerson. McIntosh had 21 tackles for loss over the past two seasons.
Round 1 (3): Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Round 3 (72): Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
The Jets traded up to grab a franchise quarterback, and in this scenario they have their pick of three of the top four QBs in this class. If new GM Mike Maccagnan is comfortable with Rosen’s personality and how he’d handle the bright lights of New York, he’s the pick here. Rosen is the most polished QB right now and while there would be pressure to play him immediately, New York does have Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater on the roster. Isaiah Crowell is a nice addition to the backfield, but Penny provides depth and is a big back with deceptive speed. Bilal Powell is a free agent after the season.
Rosen doesn’t require a ton of analysis at this point. The first round pick is going to be one of four quarterbacks it seems with Rosen and Baker Mayfield seemingly the two most likely candidates.
The different paths of the third round are interesting, though. It is tough to believe, but for the first time this decade, one could legitimately argue defensive line is a need for the Jets. Not much was lost in getting rid of Muhammad Wilkerson, but it still isn’t entirely clear what the plan is there. A lineman in the third round feels like an actual possibility.
Penny, meanwhile, would have the feel of a best player available pick. The Jets don’t have a dire need at running back per se, but they could use some more high upside talent on the offensive side of the ball. I know Penny is a very popular prospect on some corners of this website. While he might not address the most pressing matters the team faces, it certainly wouldn’t be outrageous for the Jets to add a running back at some point in a deep class at the position.
Poll
Which mock do you like better?
This poll is closed
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27%
Kiper’s
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45%
McShay’s
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27%
Neither