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New York Jets: 7-Round 2018 mock draft in late December

By Michael Pallas

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 28: Josh Adams #33 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish scores a touchdown in the third quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Notre Dame Stadium on October 28, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 28: Josh Adams #33 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish scores a touchdown in the third quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Notre Dame Stadium on October 28, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 10: Jerry Tillery #99 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish grabs the facemask of Dominic Christian #2 of the Nevada Wolf Pack in the first half of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on September 10, 2016 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 10: Jerry Tillery #99 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish grabs the facemask of Dominic Christian #2 of the Nevada Wolf Pack in the first half of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on September 10, 2016 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Tillery is a rare commodity in the NFL Draft. He currently plays in a 4-3 scheme at nose tackle, and he can transition to 3-4 defensive end in the Jets scheme. He has similar size to Muhammad Wilkerson. So, that’s not an issue.

Tillery is quick off the ball, and he can attack the run well. Against the run, Tillery had 8.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble in 2017. He also added a pass rush presence with four sacks. The presence of Tillery will also open things up for the edge rushers. His athleticism will force teams to focus in on him. This will allow the edge rushers more one-on-one opportunities and open some rush lanes for them.

Having a willing and athletic player like Tillery will also help the pass coverage. It will force some earlier throws and disrupt the timing of the other offense. His ability to stop the run will also limit play action, and keep the other offense off schedule. The bookends of Leonard Williams and Tillery will be a dangerous duo. The addition of Tillery will allow this defense to play the way Todd Bowles wants them to, aggressive and force turnovers regularly.

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