2021 NFL Mock Draft: Final prediction has Patriots trade for Justin Fields

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to pass during the first quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Joe Tryon, 2021 NFL mock draft. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

Final 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Jets use second pick on defense at No. 23

23. New York Jets (via SEA): Joe Tryon, EDGE, Washington

It’s a shame for the New York Jets that injuries aren’t turned off in real life as they can be in Madden. If that were the case, then Azeez Ojulari would’ve been the home-run pick at this spot. Unfortunately, the Georgia edge rusher reportedly was flagged medically for a knee issue that is going to cause him to slip.

That’s unfortunately but the need on the edge for the Jets remains strong, even after signing Carl Lawson in free agency this offseason. If Robert Saleh is going to implement his vision as a defensive-minded head coach, he needs to be able to generate a pass rush.

Joe Tryon is a player who could fill that void opposite Lawson in New York. The Washington product wasn’t getting a ton of first-round hype until recently when reports began to surface that many NFL teams saw him as an easy first-rounder. So we’re following that here and matching it with the Jets’ need.

For my money, I would still go wide receiver and find value early in the second round at edge rusher. Corey Davis, a first-round wideout, and Denzel Mims would give Zach Wilson a bevy of options necessary for his development.

Who I Would Pick: Rashod Bateman

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