New York Jets: 7-Round 2019 mock draft in mid-March
The 2019 NFL Draft will be a crucial one for the New York Jets. So what kind of talent can Gang Green add in a new seven-round mock draft?
It’s make or break time for New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan. He must come through with a strong draft next month at the 2019 NFL Draft In Nashville. If he doesn’t, then he could very well be looking for work elsewhere.
This is a crucial draft for Gang Green. They have tremendous needs on both sides of the ball, especially at edge rusher, offensive tackle and wide receiver.
The Jets own six selections, including the No. 3 overall pick. They do not have a second round selection due to the trade with the Colts last year that allowed them to move up for Sam Darnold. Gang Green has an extra third round pick due to the Teddy Bridgewater trade to New Orleans. The Saints received New York’s sixth rounder in the Bridgewater deal.
Let’s go mock drafting.
Round 1 (Third overall): Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky
The Jets grab one of the premier edge rushers in the entire draft after Kyler Murray (Cardinals) and Nick Bosa (49ers) are the initial two picks. I profiled the Kentucky product here last month after a sensational season in the SEC. Allen was a Consensus All-American and winner of the Chuck Bednarik award, given to the finest defensive player in the nation.
The 6-4, 258-pounder registered 17 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss in 13 games for the Wildcats in 2018. Allen set the school record for sacks with 31.5 in 42 career games with Kentucky. If drafted, he should provide Gang Green with their best pure pass rusher since John Abraham, who played for the Jets from 2000-05.
Allen would be exactly what the doctor ordered. With his outstanding speed, power and burst, he can get to the quarterback without the need for a blitz. The Cumberland County, VA native needs to improve his run-stopping skills but he is very effective in pass coverage as well due to his superb lateral movement.
The Jets have been looking for someone like Allen for years. You have to pressure and sack the quarterback in the modern-day NFL to succeed. If he remains healthy, Allen should be able to give the Jets 10-plus sacks a season at the very least. This pick is a no-brainer.