The Jets own the No. 6 overall selection in Thursday's first round. As we count down the hours until the NFL Draft's kickoff, the Jets feel comfortable in the spot they reside.
"From our standpoint, we feel pretty good at 6 right now," said GM Mike Maccagnan at his pre-draft news conference. "We've done a lot of work on this draft and we'll see how this thing plays out the next few days."
Maccagnan will soon be on the clock. Until then, some quick thoughts…
Sack MasterAfter racking up 31.0 sacks and 47 TFL at Texas A&M, Myles Garrett is simply the most explosive player in this draft. He has double-digit sack potential and elite pass rushers don't grow on trees. The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot reported today that Garrett remains likely the No. 1 pick. But a quarterback could be making his move.
Carolina KidWhile he started only 13 games at UNC, Mitch Trubisky made the most of them in setting single-season records for passing yards (3,748), touchdowns (30) and total offense (4,056). He also ran for 308 yards and he showcased good mobility in the pocket. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported early today that the Browns are considering Trubisky with the No. 1 overall selection.
The Total PackageA leader in the locker room and on the field, Jamal Adams played in 37 games at LSU and had five interceptions along with 17.5 tackles for loss. Some folks timed Adams in the 4.3 range at LSU's pro day. He's a physical player who can get out on the outside to match up with receivers and then bang inside with tight ends as well. He has a non-stop motor that is seen each play. Adams could go as high as No. 2 to the 49ers.
On the IslandA first-team All-Big Ten performer, Marshon Lattimore had four interceptions last season along with nine passes defended. Lattimore is a stud on the outside and he has some freak athletic qualities. If his hamstrings check out, this guy has all the tools to develop into one of the NFL's top corners. The Bears could use a corner and Lattimore might be the guy they target.
CenterfielderBallhawk Malik Hooker quickly sees things develop and then he gets there in a hurry. The difference between him and a lot of defensive backs is Hooker has a knack to finish the catch. Hooker isn't the tackler Adams is, but he had seven interceptions last season and took three to the house. He's a playmaker and it would be a stunner if he is not a top 10 selection. The Jets would figure to give him a long look at No. 6.
Louisiana LightningA bruising RB with speed, Leonard Fournette holds LSU career records for* *yards per carry (6.2), rushing yards per game (119.7), 200-yard rushing games (5), and consecutive 100-yard rushing games (9). Fournette battled an ankle injury last year, but the 228-pounder looked terrific at his pro day and has the ability to be factor out of the backfield as well. If he slips past Jacksonville at No. 4, he could be available when the Jets are on the clock.
Mr. CleanO.J.* *Howard is a solid run blocker who can create mismatches in the passing game. He figures to be a an exceptional red-zone threat on the next level. In the past two NCAA championship games, Howard totaled 314 receiving yards and three touchdowns vs. Clemson. Maccagnan has said he would like to add a pass-catching TE and this is the best in a deep class. Most pundits think he will be there at No. 6.
The LeaderThe most impressive stats Deshaun Watson put up at Clemson were 32-3. That was Watson's record while leading the Tigers and Alabama's great defense had no answers for him in the National Championship Game. In Clemson's 35-31 win, all Watson did was total 463 yards of total offense and four touchdowns. The year before, Watson amassed an NCG-record 478 yards of total offense. He's a leader who can beat you with his arms and his legs. And when the game is on the line, Watson makes things happen. If Trubisky goes No. 1, does Watson follow? And when?
The 2017 Draft Kicks Off on Thursday at 8 p.m. in Philadelphia
Game of PokerWill the Jets have an offer or multiple offers to move back? Maccagnan has said he would like more selections and this is an extremely deep draft.
"There are always inquiries. Some teams just do their due diligence, just out of curiosity. Some teams are more active," he said this week. "There's always a bit of gamesmanship in it. I think teams are always playing poker a little bit, showing that they're either too interested or not interested enough."
No. 1 Wideout?Clemson has become Wide Receiver U and the 6'4", 218-pound Mike Williams was Watson's favorite target. In 15 games last season, Williams had 98 receptions, 1,361 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. While Williams isn't considered a burner, he almost always wins the one-on-one battles with defensive backs because he high-points the rock. Will a receiver be selected in the first half of Round 1 and will it be Williams?
An Interesting TrioSolomon Thomas, DE, Stanford/Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama/Reuben Foster, LB, AlabamaThomas and Allen are terrific players who wreak the most havoc playing on the interior. Foster is a force and he could become a star in this league as some pundits believe he is better suited for the Will 'backer spot than the Mike. Will Thomas and/or Allen (shoulder issues) slip out of the top 10? Foster won't be in Philadelphia after an incident at the Combine and a failed drug test for a diluted sample. But Foster is tough against the run, he is good in coverage and he can get after the quarterback.
