2021 NFL Mock Draft: Trevor Lawrence tank pays off for Jaguars, Trey Lance to Raiders

It’s hard to argue with what the New York Jets did this offseason. They clearly valued protecting quarterback Sam Darnold moving forward so that he’s not constantly being pressured and, thus, “seeing ghosts” anymore. In free agency and then in the first round of the draft with Mekhi Becton, the Jets fortified the offensive line. They did turn their eyes to the wide receiver spot in the second round of the draft, though.

After losing Robby Anderson in free agency and once again having Quincy Enunwa dealing with injuries, the Jets traded back and got Denzel Mims at the end of the second round. However, that’s not enough for a receiving group that needs a ton of help. So while the defense still needs help in the front seven, the pick of Jaylen Waddle makes a ton of sense still.

Over his first two years at Alabama, Waddle has been playing fourth fiddle in perhaps the greatest college football wide receiver group ever. But with Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs now in the NFL, Waddle will have a much bigger role and appears primed to shine.

While Waddle has only 78 receptions over two years, he’s averaged 18.1 yards per catch and has 1,408 yards and 13 touchdowns. Throw in his elite ability as a return man and he’s been even more impressive. Waddle has top-end speed and quickness to win both before and after the catch and should be a dominant big-play threat at the NFL level, something the Jets still need.