There has been plenty of talk over the last few weeks regarding who the Jets will use their first-round pick on. There is obviously a pressing need at wide receiver and offensive line.
Many names have been thrown out for both positions and there have been many mock drafts projecting the same three or four college stars. Those names include Andrew Thomas (Georgia offensive lineman), Jerry Jeudy (Alabama wide receiver), Henry Ruggs III (Alabama wide receiver), and CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma wide receiver). All of these players are extremely talented.
Thomas is arguably the top offensive tackle in the draft while Jeudy is arguably the best and most talented receiver in this year’s class. Ruggs is the fastest and one of the most talented while Lamb is the biggest and most physical receiver on the board. All of these players would immediately be a huge upgrade for the Jets.
Thus, that brings us to the ultimate question: who should they pick first?
This question is quite deep and there are many components that will affect what the Jets do. There are a few players that the Jets have reportedly been in contact to potentially acquire via trade and depending on what happens, could draft differently.
One player whose name has come up in trade talks is Odell Beckham, Jr. The Jets need a true No. 1 receiver for Sam Darnold and Beckham would provide just that. Beckham reportedly hasn’t been the happiest man since being traded to Cleveland so he may be on the move. If Joe Douglas can pull off this move, it would enable the Jets to fill the need at wide receiver while also being able to draft Andrew Thomas and address both the O-line and wide receiver roles.
Brandin Cooks is another player on the trade block. Cooks, like Beckham, could be on the move despite being in the middle of a long extension that he signed with the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams are reportedly asking for several second-round picks, which is a bit high, but such a deal with the Jets would give Sam Darnold a solid No. 1 receiver, leaving them room to draft someone like Thomas.
Trent Williams is an offensive lineman who has been rumored to be of interest to the Jets. Of course, if the Jets acquire Williams, they can go after a receiver.
With those components laid out, which player would hold the best value for the Jets at No. 11 overall?
The wide receiver position is an easier one to solidify later in the draft or via trade. Star offensive tackles are hard to come by and the Jets would be mistaken not to go after Andrew Thomas (unless they acquire Trent Williams, of course).
