New York Jets 2018 NFL Draft Targets: Arden Key

The New York Jets need to focus on offensive line, edge rusher, and shutdown cornerback in the 2018 NFL Draft, and Arden Key is one of the best players at those positions.

Arden Key currently plays defensive end in the LSU defense. That said, at his size, 6-6, 238 pounds, he will likely move to linebacker in the 3-4 scheme of the New York Jets. He’s exactly what they need in the 2018 NFL Draft from that position.

The Jets play with three interior defensive linemen up front. So, that means the edge rushers in their scheme are the outside linebackers. The problem for the Jets is that no one poses a threat to the quarterback other than Demario Davis.

They need an edge rusher to be able to get after the quarterback to open things up for the others. Having a dynamic rusher like Key would limit the double teams on Leonard Williams and Muhammad Wilkerson.

Key has a closet full of moves. Even though he probably won’t time as fast in the 40-yard dash at the Combine as some of the best edge guys in the recent past. He’s also quick and smart. The edge defenders also need to be good in the run game, as they set the edge and funnel the running backs inside. Key is an all-around linebacker who can also play well against the run.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: What if no quarterbacks went

Grade: Top 10 pick

Key grades out as not only one of the best at his position, but as a top player in the draft as a whole. Despite this being touted as a quarterback year, Key sits above Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen in the overall player rankings. If a team wants to go best player available, they should consider him early. He will undoubtedly go early, and will probably be one of — if not the very — first defensive players off the board.