Throughout the offseason, NewYorkJets.com reporters Eric Allen, Ethan Greenberg and Randy Lange will give their responses to a series of questions regarding the Jets.
Today’s question: What is the potential landscape for the Jets with the No. 7 overall pick?
EA: The closer we get to the draft, the more likely it seems that Miami quarterback Cam Ward, Colorado athlete Travis Hunter and Penn State edge Abdul Carter will go No. 1 to Tennessee, No. 2 to Cleveland and No. 3 to the Giants, respectively. Although running backs typically take a backseat to other premium positions in the draft, Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty is a dynamite prospect and there seems to be consensus that he will be a top 10 selection. If Jeanty doesn’t go to New England (No. 4), Jacksonville (No. 5) or the Raiders (No. 6), then it’s possible Jets GM Darren Mougey would get a lot of calls at No. 7. With Derek Carr’s shoulder ailment and the uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers, the Saints (No. 9) and the Steelers (No. 21) could be looking to make moves at QB. Will they sit tight or work the phones in Round 1? If the Jets stay at No. 7, T, DT, TE or WR feels like the play. If Michigan DT Mason Graham and LSU T Will Campbell are gone, the landscape could include Missouri T Armand Membou, Penn State TE Tyler Warren and Arizona WR Tet McMillan.
EG: The two most popular picks to the Jets in mock drafts have been Penn State TE Tyler Warren and Missouri T Armand Membou, and they could both be available when the Jets are on the clock at No. 7. Barring anything unforeseen, Miami QB Cam Ward, Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter and, Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter will be off the board in the first five picks, with Michigan DT Mason Graham and LSU T Will Campbell not far behind. Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty is considered a top-three prospect for both NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah and The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, but he may not be drafted in the first five picks because of positional value. If Ward goes No. 1 to the Titans, where does Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders go? He could easily be selected before GM Darren Mougey and the Jets are on the clock. Point being that the Jets could be able to draft the best player available on their board and based on need. The Jets’ tight ends don’t have a lot of experience after the departure of Tyler Conklin in free agency and there’s a job to be had at right tackle after Morgan Moses signed with the Patriots. There are always wild cards in the draft, which makes it challenging to forecast (and fun!), but the landscape at No. 7 is projecting to be favorable for the Jets.