The New York Jets have a bevy of options with the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The New York Jets aren’t tanking, validating our faith in the integrity of football. However, with Trevor Lawrence being the unquestioned No. 1 talent in the 2021 NFL Draft, some fans aren’t feeling Adam Gase’s winning ways. After a disappointing three seasons, fans are out on former No. 3 overall pick Sam Darnold. Unfortunately for those fans, they have zero chance at getting Lawrence to replace him — but that’s okay.
Whether or not Adam Gase is the coach (he’s reportedly going to be done), the Jets have a few decisions to make. Their offensive line is one of the worst in the NFL. They can’t protect the quarterback and they cannot run block. Their backfield featured the ageless Frank Gore and Josh Adams, who works best as a rotational player. They are void of a true No. 1 at wide receiver and the tight ends don’t fare any better.
Defensively, they need help at linebacker and their secondary is lacking as well. With so many holes, it’s safe to say the Jets have options with the No. 2 overall pick. And while many expect them to take Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, should a new coach have faith in Darnold, there are other options in play.
5. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
When your pass defense ranks near the bottom of the league, changes must take place. Opposing quarterbacks averaged two touchdowns per game and completed 69 percent of their passes against the Jets secondary. A disruptive man-coverage corner on the boundary is what they need to improve a terrible secondary. There’s no better corner than Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II.
The Crimson Tide junior has the ideal size to play on the outside. He’s 6-2, 202 pounds with excellent play strength. He uses his length, quick feet, and discipline to keep receivers in check at the line of scrimmage. His powerful strike and quick hands shock opponents.
Thanks to his ability to clicks-n-close, he’s a disruptive force. He’s smooth in and out of breaks with excellent short-area quickness. His length, size, and play strength are reminiscent of Xavien Howard. Surtain is a true No. 1 corner worthy of the No. 2 pick.
Taking a corner inside the Top 5 became somewhat of a trend. Well, over the last two drafts. Denzel Ward was the No. 4 pick in 2018. And the Detroit Lions selected Jeff Okudah at No. 3 pick in 2019. The Jets are starving for a corner or two. They can double down in 2020 starting with Patrick Surtain II.