2018 NFL Draft: New York Jets 7-round mock draft in September

Round 3: Hayden Hurst, TE — South Carolina

Let’s stick with the south for a little bit, but this time head to Columbia for tight end Hayden Hurst out of South Carolina. The Gamecocks have lost a lot of their luster from their brief run with Steve Spurrier as their head coach, but every now and then they still send a solid player to the next level.

Hurst is one of those players, it’s just hard to tell at times because there’s not a lot around him at the moment. The 6-5, 250-pound Hurst had 616 yards receiving as a sophomore, but only found his way to the end zone once for Carolina — which is a bit concerning. The issue isn’t as much him though as it is the lack of consistency — and talent — at quarterback.

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While he’s an underclassman, Hurst isn’t young. He tried his hand as a baseball player, but after three years in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization he walked on at South Carolina. Now he’s making a name for himself as an athletic tight end who doesn’t shy away from contact.

New York still needs receivers, but they go for a tight end here and give their young quarterback two options at the position with him and Jordan Leggett. With two guys that can make catches over the middle of the field and a powerful runner they got in Round 2, Darnold’s chances at succeeding rises tremendously.