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

The Jets won’t be able to land a good NFL quarterback, because they’re drafting too late. However, they get their biggest need on defense fulfilled by nabbing an edge rusher.

Muhammad Wilkerson and Leonard Williams were neutralized without the presence of an edge rusher, and now the Jets have their man. In a 3-4 defense, the edge rusher is the most important position, because he can funnel the running back to the middle of the field where the interior defenders (both linemen and linebackers) can clean up the scraps, and he also takes attention away from the linemen on the pass rush.

Ferrell has the speed and quickness to beat linemen to the point of attack, and he also has the strength to disengage from them if he becomes entangled in a long battle. Ferrell has shown his versatility on defense this year for Clemson with 7.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a pass deflection.

Once in New York, Ferrell will be able to step in right away, as Jordan Jenkins hasn’t showed up in his NFL career, and maybe Jenkins could be a run specialist, because that seems to be his forte. He will be a much-welcomed part to this Jets defense.