2015 NFL Draft: Early 7-Round Predictions for New York Jets

Sitting on an abysmal 2-10 record, the New York Jets' 2015 season is, for all intents and purposes, in the books.

The football world knows firings and changes are inevitable, which makes what happens beyond the season exceptionally more important than anything that occurs between now and the end of the year. 

Unlike last year, the Jets will not be loaded with a surplus of draft picks. In fact, they are already short a pick following the trade for Percy Harvin—either a fourth or sixth-round pick depending on whether the Jets retain him after the season. 

With slim prospects of the Jets retaining Harvin at his bloated salary, we will assume the team will be without its sixth-round selection for this late-season mock draft. 

Round 1: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

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By allowing him to throw the ball a whopping 13 times on Monday night, the Jets told us everything we need to know about Geno Smith's outlook as a franchise quarterback. Until the Jets find a resolution at this position, all other needs must be put on hold. 

Jameis Winston is a classic case of talent versus character. There is no doubt that he is the most talented quarterback in this year's class. Unlike his counterpart Marcus Mariota, there are few concerns about his ability to transition to an NFL system from Florida State. 

The concerns surrounding Winston are almost exclusively off the field. Incidents ranging from rape allegations to crab leg theft are more than enough to scare teams away from handing a seemingly immature player the keys to an NFL franchise. 

As the draft process becomes more relevant in the offseason, the Jets and every other team will get their full character reports on Winston with FBI-level investigations. For now, he is the best on-field player at the most important position, making him the pencil-in choice for the Jets in the early stages of the first round. 

Round 2: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

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Many teams will pass over Marcus Peters, who is arguably the best cornerback prospect in the draft, after his early dismissal from Washington for insubordination. According to NFL.com's Bucky Brooks, the star cornerback simply could not get along with his coaches:

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From speaking with several scouts familiar with Peters and his interaction with the Washington coaches, I've been told that the dismissal stems from his inability to get along with coaches and team officials. Peters reportedly has a strong personality and didn't mind challenging authority about various situations on and off the field.

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Unfortunately, there is but a slim chance that Rex Ryan, who has a reputation of turning problem children on the defensive side of the ball into superstars, will around next year to kick-start a reformation project of Peters. 

However, the idea of getting a top-15 talent at the top of the second round is too enticing for the Jets to pass up at this point. They simply cannot rely on Dee Milliner to stay healthy and perform to his former status as a top-10 selection. Enduring yet another year of a "no-name" secondary would be a surefire way to get everyone fired who manages to survive this season. 

For as much character risk as Peters presents, his play on the field will offset how difficult he can be to coach off the field.

Round 3: Tre' Jackson, OG, Florida State

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Collecting as many players as possible from a team that has not lost in over a year is a sound concept, especially as they fill need areas on one of the worst offenses in the professional game. 

There is a chance that the Jets will be in need of two brand-new guards by the beginning of next season. Willie Colon is set to enter free agency, while Brian Winters and Oday Aboushi, both 2013 draft picks, have been unable to establish themselves as starters. 

A member of one of the most prolific offenses in college football in 2013, Tre' Jackson has the athleticism and power to excel in both the run and passing game.

The Jets may have missed on a guard prospect in the third round in 2013 when they chose Winters, but that should not deter them from getting great value at the top of the third round in Jackson. 

Round 4: Steven Nelson, CB, Oregon State

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The Jets do not just need one starting cornerback to line up opposite Dee Milliner—the inevitable (and overdue) departure of Kyle Wilson will open up another vacancy in the increasingly important slot position. 

Steven Nelson has plenty of traits that scouts look for in a cornerback. Tough and physical in press coverage, Nelson complements his skills in the press with excellent ball skills, intercepting six of 14 defended passes in 2013. 

He was particularly strong against Jaelen Strong (no pun intended) in 2014, holding him without a touchdown catch. 

Nelson does need some refinement in his technique and is a bit limited by his 5'11" size, but his combination of athleticism and competitiveness makes him a great value prospect at this point in the draft. 

Round 5: Rory Anderson, TE, South Carolina

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While second-round rookie Jace Amaro has shown some promise at tight end, the Jets have to be feeling some regret for giving Jeff Cumberland an extension early in the offseason. If they want to take their offense to the next level, they need a more dynamic player to pair with Amaro. 

From a size perspective, Rory Anderson fits the popular mold of a hybrid tight end/receiver at 6'5", 227 pounds. While he is an effective receiver with his burst and separation ability, he is a better blocker than one would expect from a player his size. 

One of the biggest gaps in Cumberland's game is his complete ineffectiveness as a blocker. The entire prime-time audience saw him get steamrolled by Cameron Wake on Monday night.

Anderson may be a bit of a project simply because of the extra weight he will have to put on, but he has a lot of upside with an aggressive, physical edge that coaches will fall in love with. 

Round 7: Trey DePriest, LB, Alabama

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Two-down run-stuffers may be a dying breed in the modern NFL, but with longtime starting linebacker David Harris set to enter free agency this spring, the Jets will find themselves in the market for a classic 3-4 inside linebacker to continue their tradition of quality run defense. 

In the middle of the Crimson Tide's 3-4 defense, DePriest fits this mold perfectly as a two-down run-stuffer, where he would make a smooth transition assuming Harris' spot should he leave in free agency.

DePriest is not much of a coverage or finesse player, but opposite Demario Davis, he can be an effective starter in a limited role. His upside is hampered by his average athleticism, but no one would complain if the Jets found a player who could contribute in the seventh round of the draft.