New York Jets: 7-Round 2019 mock draft with a massive trade
By Cory Kinnan
Round 3, Pick 93: Khalen Saunders, DL, Western Illinois
New York added a second third round pick in this year’s draft in the deal that sent quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to the New Orleans Saints. Here the Jets add depth to a defensive line that already consists of Nathan Shepherd, Henry Anderson, and Leonard Williams. With the 93rd pick in the draft, the Jets add Internet sensation Khalen Saunders from Western Illinois.
Known as the defensive lineman who can do backflips, there is much more to Saunders than a viral video. While many were concerned that he was a product of inferior competition, Saunders went to the Senior Bowl and performed well against power five offensive linemen. He then carried that momentum from Mobile to Indianapolis, where he posted extremely athletic numbers for a man that is 6-0 and 324 pounds.
Running a 5.01-second 40-yard dash, Saunders ranked in the upper 71st percentile of all defensive tackles. Saunders also has incredible film, showing a great use of hands and moves to shed blockers. His numbers show that he has above average explosion.
With Williams on the last year of his contract, the Jets need to plan for a potential life without him to pair with Shepherd and Anderson along the gang green defensive front. Saunders would be a valuable piece to add to the roster with a later third-round selection.