Mock Draft: The Jets take flight

The Jets appear to be on the right path toward returning to the playoffs for the first time since the 2010 season. Drafting Sam Darnold to be their franchise quarterback and Chris Herndon looking like a solid target for Darnold. And then just this offseason adding dynamic running back Leveon Bell, linebacker CJ Mosley, wide receiver Jamison Crowder and also traded for guard Kelichi Osemele. Those moves alone should make the Jets better this year along with better play calling with offensive guru Adam Gase now in as head coach. With a top 3 draft pick once again this year, the Jets get another opportunity to draft an elite prospect to improve their team. Once again I'll be using Fanspeak's mock draft simulator to draft for New York.

Rd. 1 #3 overall Josh Allen EDGE, Kentucky

In a shocking turn of events, Arizona passes on a QB and took Nick Bosa with the first pick followed by Quinnen Williams being taken by San Francisco. With both of them off the board, Allen is a no brainer here for New York. Josh Allen is a monster and the definition of a game wrecker. Probably the second best pass rusher in this draft behind Bosa in my opinion. Not only is he elite at pass rushing but he's also athletic enough to drop back and play in coverage. You put this guy on a defensive line with Leonard Williams, Nathan Shepherd and Henry Anderson and you've got yourself a hell of a defensive line. The Jets grabbed the cornerstone of their offense last year in the top 3, go get the cornerstone of your defense with this pick.

Rd. 3 #68 overall Kelvin Harmon WR, NC State

It definitely hurts not having a second round pick this year but grabbing a player like Kelvin Harmon in the third should make Jets fans ecstatic. A big bodied receiver that excels at making contested catches Harmon should provide a big target for Darnold in the red zone. Jamison Crowder should be their number one receiver but he only played in nine games last year missing time with a neck injury. Robbie Anderson as talented he is cannot be trusted to stay on the field with injuries and various suspensions and is also a free agent next offseason. If Crowder stays healthy, Harmon plays to his potential and Anderson can stay on the field that's a very dangerous offense with Leveon Bell in the backfield.

Rd. 3 #93 overall Amani Oruwariye CB, Penn State

The Jets could use a little help in the secondary. Trumaine Johnson is a serviceable number two corner back, but he shouldn't be covering the other team's best receivers every week. Amani Oruwariye is a big, physical corner back who should be able to match up a little better than Johnson, If he gets his hands on you at the line of scrimmage he's tough to get away from. and he's not just physical, he's got great ball skills as well including 7 interceptions in his four years in Happy Valley. Getting a big corner can also move newly signed Brian Poole back to his natural spot as a slot corner.

Rd. 4 #105 overall Terry Beckner Jr. DL, Missouri

In every draft I believe you should take calculated risks. Beckner Jr is the definition of a low risk, high reward type player. A former top 10 recruit, he's had impressive seasons including a 7.5 sack season as a junior. The bad news? He's had two knee surgeries while at Missouri and its shown, not having the bend that he once had. But I believe his strength makes up for it. If healthy he could be a valuable member of this Jets d-line and is another guy that can get after the quarterback alongside Josh Allen.

Rd. 6 #196 overall Keegan Render C, Iowa

Keegan Render has shown the ability to play both center and guard which is something that is invaluable in the NFL. A team captain and the leader of a pretty good Iowa o-line, this is strictly a need pick by New York because I don't believe Jonotthan Harrison is the answer at center.

Rd. 7 #217 overall Foster Moreau TE, LSU

Foster Moreau is a good tight end to pair up with Chris Herndon. While Herndon isn't a great blocker, Moreau thrives as a run blocking tight end. He has a little bit of skill as a pass catcher but I'd imagine any team that drafts him will be putting him in blocking situations.