New York Jets Live NFL Draft Blog: Day 2
Holding the No. 11 pick among eight total selections, the rebuilding of the New York Jets looks to take another step forward tonight with the NFL Draft.
Coming into the draft, the Jets are looking for help in a couple of key spots after general manager Joe Douglas did a nice job this offseason of addressing issues along the offensive line and making a flurry of signings on the defensive side of the ball. None of the signings were big names or jumped off the page, but it was a good, solid free agency period for the Jets.
But Douglas can add to the free agency haul if he were to find a starting left tackle, a wide receiver and a cornerback in the draft’s first two days. An edge rusher who can come in and contribute would be a positive as well.
The Jets could be in the market to move back, especially if one of the three quarterbacks slated to go in the first 10 picks were to tumble. After five years of drafts where the Jets struck out from the first through the seventh round, they need starters but they also need quality depth.
A look at where the Jets are drafting tonight:
First Round - No. 11
Second Round - No. 48
Third Round -No. 68
Third Round - No. 79
Fourth Round - No. 120
Fifth Round - No. 158
Sixth Round - No. 191
Sixth Round - No. 211
The Jets have been linked heavily at left tackle with Andrew Thomas (Georgia) and Mekhi Becton (Alabama) at No. 11
The latest SI Jets mock draft went off the wall with trades, the Jets moving back four times to accumulate a total of 14 picks. That scenario likely won’t play out tonight. But it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Jets move back at least once.
Stay tuned to ‘Jets Country’ all day (and night long) for live updates.
**Update** 2:05 P.M. ET
After selecting Mekhi Becton in the first round at No. 11, the Jets now go into Day 2 with three selections (No. 48, No. 68, No. 79). Check left tackle off the list for the Jets but other needs still exist.
Wide receiver is an intriguing area, and the big board still sees the likes of Denzel Mims, K.J. Hamler and Chase Claypool on the board. Depending on how things break, Hamler or Claypool are possibilities at No. 48.
The Jets also need an edge rusher and a cornerback. Keep an eye on Bryce Hall, Tony Pride Jr. and Amik Robertson as possible additions to the secondary. All three are cornerbacks ready to step in and contribute.
**Update** 9:37 P.M. ET
Jets select Mekhi Becton, a left tackle out of Louisville.
Big, physical athlete who impressed at the NFL Combine.
The Jets complete the rebuild of their offensive line with a franchise blindside blocker.
**Update** 9:05 P.M. ET
With two quarterbacks taken at fifth and sixth, the Jets are currently in a good position at No. 11 to land an offensive tackle prospect.
**Update** 8:55 P.M. ET
The first offensive tackle and a player linked to the New York Jets at No. 11 is off the board. Andrew Thomas, a left tackle out of Georgia, came off the board at No. 4 to the New York Giants.
**Update** 7:34 P.M. ET
Jerry Jeudy, who might be an option for the Jets at No. 11, appears to be primed and ready to go to watch the first round.
The Alabama wide receiver has his NFL Draft watch party catered by Buffalo Wild Wings.
**Update** 7:15 P.M. ET
Several athletes are still having the NFL Draft red carpet experience. One prospect who could end up with the Jets, interior offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz, had his red carpet moment outside his house.
The Michigan guard/center could come off the draft board late in the first round or early in the second round.
**Update** 11:45 A.M. ET
There's a bit of buzz from a source familiar with the situation who said that the Jets would like to go offensive tackle in the first round at No. 11. But, there is speculation that the top four at the position might be gone (Tristan Wirfs, Jedrick Wills, Mekhi Becton and Andrew Thomas).
If this plays out, the source said, the Jets might not be a lock to get a wide receiver. Instead, they might address cornerback, another position of need.
C.J. Henderson is a player that some within the Jets virtual war room likes, the source said. The Florida cornerback ran a 4.39 time in the 40 at the NFL Combine and had 33 tackles with 11 pass breakups in 2019.
