New York Jets: Final 7-Round 2018 mock draft

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks to pass the ball in the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

5 of 7

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – NOVEMBER 12: Brad Kaaya #15 of the Miami Hurricanes is sacked by Andrew Brown #9 of the Virginia Cavaliers during a game at Scott Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images) /

In the Jets version of the 3-4, they need their interior defenders to take up offensive linemen to allow the edge rushers to get pressure on the quarterback from the second level. Andrew Brown is the guy the Jets need.

He doesn’t have the athleticism of Muhammad Wilkerson, whom he’d be replacing, or his counterpart on the line, Leonard Williams. That’s ok, though. The Jets aren’t looking for a guy who a get to the quarterback — like was incorrectly expected of Muhammad Wilkerson. Stop the run and chase down running backs.

As Lance Zierlein wrote in his NFL.com draft profile:

"His weight gain up to 296 pounds at the Combine shows that he understands his living will likely be made as a high-energy, interior defender with the potential to disrupt."

He has the strength to play on the defensive interior, even though he played defensive end in college. Brown will use that strength to create leverage moving forward. Hit will hit the gaps early and beat the blockers to the spot, and his quickness advantage will be seen against guards.

The Jets have found their replacement for Wilkerson. Even though, he won’t give you the seasons Wilkerson did at one point, Brown will be a quality bookend alongside Williams and help the edge rushers do their jobs.

Home/New York Jets