2015 New York Jets Mock Draft: Early Offseason 7-Round Predictions
Given how little the Jets have gotten out of their past two drafts under former general manager John Idzik, yielding a quality class out of the 2015 group is essential to getting the Jets rebuild back on track.
While they may not be picking as high as they would like to get a shot at someone like Marcus Mariota of Amari Cooper without trading up, there are enough holes on the roster the Jets can fill without making many significant moves up or down the board.
This mock draft will take into account the missing draft pick from the Percy Harvin trade, assuming he will cost a sixth-round selection. The selection turns into a fourth-round pick if the Jets somehow keep Harvin beyond this season.
Here are some early draft predictions for the Jets as they enter a franchise-defining offseason.
Round 1: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
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Without a top-flight cornerback available worthy of the sixth-overall pick, the Jets turn their attention to the offensive line where they could use new talent at just about every position not manned by Nick Mangold.
Scherff has a ton of power and is lighter on his feet than most would expect. He would be a mauler in the run game at the next level.
There is, however, some concern that Scherff's relative stiffness will eventually force him into a guard role in the NFL—a move that would work out for the Jets with Willie Colon set to enter free agency. The Jets would gladly take an All-Pro-caliber guard over a flawed tackle any day of the week.
The addition of a player like Scherff would bring the offensive line to a caliber of play that would give Geno Smith a real second chance to succeed.
Round 2: Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
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Even if the Jets somehow manage to retain Percy Harvin, they still need a more prototypical No. 1 receiver that can line up opposite Eric Decker on any given down.
Sammie Coates is an athletic freak of nature, possessing a unique blend of size and speed. Even at his solid, 201-pound frame, Coates accelerates smoothly and has the power to break through press coverage.
Coates is not the ideal slot receiver with his average explosion in and out of breaks, and he only has experience in a limited route tree from his days at Auburn. Still, as a rookie he can be the deep downfield threat the Jets have been missing.
Coates is a bit reminiscent of former Jets bust Stephen Hill as a one-trick-pony, but he has enough upside to be worthy of a selection in the second round.
Round 3: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
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With two needs addressed on the offensive side of the ball, the Jets can now turn their attention to their glaring holes in the defensive secondary.
Kevin Johnson is a natural cover man, fluid in every movement turning and running with receivers as well as exploding downhill to make a play on the ball. His terrific burst allows him to "bait" quarterbacks into throwing interceptions.
The biggest concerns surrounding Johnson are size-related. His smaller 175-pound frame could make him a liability in the run game at the next level. This size would also keep him out of the slot, where he would need to make occasional linebacker-style tackles in the run game.
For a Jets team that has been so dominant against the run lately, they would gladly take a hit in that area if it means getting their hands on a skilled cover man that could help revamp their beleaguered secondary.
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Round 4: John Miller, OG, Louisville
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Even if the Jets do land a bona-fide offensive lineman in the first round, their issues along the offensive front are far from over. Whiffs in recent drafts, highlighted by Brian Winters in the third round of 2013, have cost the Jets plenty of games and leave them with a lack of depth.
Meanwhile, 2014 fourth-round pick Dakota Dozier was inactive all season until the final week against the Miami Dolphins.
Louisville product John Miller is not going to "wow" scouts with his supreme athleticism, but his workmanlike technique makes him an instant plug-and-play guard if needed. At the cost of upside, Miller would be able to play from Day 1 and stay in the lineup for a long time given his tremendous technique and durability.
If the Jets are unable to land a starting-caliber guard in free agency, adding a player like Miller in the middle rounds would be ideal.
Round 5: Jermaine Whitehead, FS, Auburn
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Even if Calvin Pryor can develop into a quality safety—a big "if"—the Jets still have a ton of work to do at the other safety positions.
Not only is Dawan Landry set to enter free agency, but younger players like Antonio Allen have seen an incredible amount of regression this past year in large part because of a lack of talent around them. Adding an infusion of depth is essential to rebuilding this group.
Jermaine Whitehead lacks the ball skills that Calvin Pryor is supposed to have, but he makes up for it with his range and athleticism, and he is able to cover a lot of ground in a hurry. He has experience at both strong and free safety positions, giving him a ton of versatility in an era where the lines between types of safeties are almost non-existent.
Round 7: Hayes Pullard, ILB, USC
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With David Harris (and Nick Bellore) set to enter free agency, there is a sudden rush of uncertainty at a position that has been locked up for several years now.
Even if the Jets extend Harris or find a suitable replacement in free agency, depth becomes an issue with Bellore potentially leaving as well. Exacerbating the situation is the fact that last year's fifth-round pick, Jeremiah George, was unable to make the final roster and was ultimately claimed by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Hayes Pullard is not the prototypical enforcer in the middle of a defense at 235 pounds, but he makes up for his lack of power with great instincts and burst, slipping through tackles to make plays.
Initially, Pullard has the makings of a top special teams player who could add some weight to hold up in the middle of a defense a year or so down the road.
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