Coming into the 2021 NFL Draft, the New York Jets had holes at just about every position on the roster. With Sam Darnold traded to the Carolina Panthers before the draft, New York desperately needed a quarterback and basically every other offensive skill position. While the top of their draft was efficient in providing help for Wilson for his first year in the league.
Make sure to check out all of our 2021 NFL Draft Team Recaps.
Best Pick: Zach Wilson (Round 1, Pick 2)
The New York Jets did not have a playable quarterback on their roster, and Wilson was the safest pick at the position after Trevor Lawrence. While some debated that Trey Lance or Justin Fields were more talented, Wilson showed a clear ability at BYU to make incredible plays, something he expressed as his favorite part of being a quarterback. For the bright lights in New York, Wilson is the quarterback for the job.
Grade: A
For more on Zach Wilson, check out our scouting report on him here.
Worst Pick: Michael Carter II (Round 5, Pick 154)
The Jets had one of the worst defensive back rooms in the NFL last year, and New York decided to wait until the fifth round to address one of their largest needs. Because of their move-up trade in the first round, the Jets lost their ability to make depth moves in the third round. Carter played limited time outside of the slot at Duke, and the Jets still do not have their dominant outside corner on the roster.
Grade: C-
Sleeper Pick: Jonathan Marshall (Round 6, Pick 207)
Marshall was one of the top athletes in the draft class, and the top defensive tackle in the class. Marshall has had issues creating big plays in the backfield, but his explosiveness and athletic build should give the Jets plenty of value for their late sixth-round selection.
Grade: B+
Summary
Pretty much any pick New York made filled a clear need. The Jets gave Wilson a running back and wide receiver to grow along with, and an extremely versatile offensive lineman to protect him for years to come. In a division with Buffalo, Miami, and New England, the Jets will not contend immediately. However, New York began to build for the future in an effective 2021 NFL Draft class.
Overall Grade: B+
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