New York Jets 7-round 2021 mock draft: Do the Jets stick with Darnold?

And so begins: Project Protect Lawrence. The Jets offensive line was revamped this year by Douglas and it has improved slightly thanks to 2020 first-round pick Mekhi Becton, who has been one of a small handful of bright spots for New York this year. With George Fant also performing well at right tackle, it is the interior O-line members who have given up the majority of pressures and sacks this year.

If the Jets decide to pursue this position group in free agency with the likes of Patriots guard Joe Thuney becoming available, chances are they may go with a wide receiver here. But Trey Smith would be a fantastic addition to this offensive line and could massively benefit Lawrence in his rookie season as the first pick in the second round.

The Tennessee product is incredibly strong, weighing 325 pounds with a Becton-like desire to leave defenders on their backs after plays. Despite missing out on six months of training due to a problem with his lungs in 2018, Smith has worked hard to show why he could be a huge addition to this Jets offensive line to keep the new quarterback have time to make plays.

The Jets’ secondary has been extremely poor this year. Their coverage has been among the worst in the league. New York’s secondary has also been giving up countless numbers of penalties. It has got to the point that we witnessed UDFA Lamar Jackson doing his best to cover De’Andre Hopkins against Arizona.

Georgia’s Eric Stokes started this season strong with his first pick-six of the season and has shown he has the size and strength to dominate receivers in coverage, playing on the outside of the field. Since the Trumaine Johnson deal ended so badly, the Jets have not had depth or quality at cornerback other than Brian Poole in the slot. Stokes could be the dominant force to add depth and strength to a weak secondary.

It’s not hard to imagine the Jets attacking wide receiver earlier than this in the 2021 NFL Draft. Having said that, Douglas may target receivers with his mid-round picks and pursue a star receiver in free agency. Darnold has not thrown to a 1,000-yard season receiver throughout in his Jets career.

The Jets must surround Lawrence with weapons and Auburn’s Seth Williams could be added to the depth chart and fit with Denzel Mims and Jamison Crowder, who has been the Jets standout receiver amidst the dreadful production on offense.

At Auburn, Williams has been impressive in 2020, averaging 18.3 yards per catch with 511 yards and three touchdowns. We have seen his fantastic ability in the red zone, which has been one of the Jets’ biggest weaknesses this season. He could be the key to help the Jets turn field position into points next year.