New York Jets: 3 Targets with third round pick in 2018 NFL Draft
The New York Jets own the 72nd overall pick (third round) in the 2018 NFL Draft. Here are three prospects they should target if available.
The 2018 NFL Draft is less than a month away now and excitement is starting to build. Mock drafts are ubiquitous. The New York Jets will select their future franchise quarterback with the third overall pick in the opening round but then they don’t own another selection until round number three (72nd overall).
General Manager Mike Maccagnan can go in a lot of different directions with this important pick. Gang Green is coming off a 5-11 campaign so there are still numerous holes to fill. At this point in the draft expect Maccagnan to select the best available player, regardless of position.
Let’s take a look at three prospects New York should target if they are indeed available with the 72nd overall pick:
3. Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
Now that Austin Seferian-Jenkins has taken his talents to Jacksonville, the Jets need a pass-catching tight end with upside. A former minor league baseball player with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Hurst fits that role. The 6-4, 250-pounder was a walk on with the Gamecocks in 2015 and developed into a premier performer the following season with a school record 48 receptions and 616 receiving yards for a tight end.
The 2017 campaign was not bad either. Hurst recorded 44 catches for 559 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns. He was named first-team All-SEC at tight end. The Jacksonville, FL native is known for being a very good athlete with above-average speed and burst off the line of scrimmage. Hurst has excellent hands — he dropped just one pass in his three-year career. He has the speed and balance to accelerate from breaks and complete the catch in heavy traffic.
Due to his time playing baseball, Hurst will be 25 when the NFL season commences. That means he’ll be at least three years older most tight ends in the 2018 class. Hurst needs to become a better blocker at the point of attack and have a better nose for the end zone. He tallied just three touchdowns in three seasons in Columbia.
Despite his age, Hurst possesses upside and the size and strength to become an effective blocker with proper coaching. He already owns the pass-catching skill set. The Jets rediscovered the tight end last year and drafting Hurst would keep that offensive option alive moving forward.