
Best Possible Outcomes for New York Jets' Top 3 Draft Picks
The New York Jets have been one of the most active franchises in the NFL this offseason, but the roster makeover is far from over.
Gang Green holds the sixth overall pick in this year's draft, as well as several other selections. The success of the first offseason in the Mike Maccagnan-Todd Bowles era may ultimately come down to how New York fares on draft weekend.
The Jets addressed a lot of weaknesses through free agency, but the team still has gaping holes throughout the roster, including at quarterback, running back, guard, safety and outside linebacker.
Given the team's slew of needs, there are plenty of ways New York can go about the draft in the early rounds.
Click through to see what would be the five best possible outcomes for Gang Green's first three draft picks.
Vic Beasley, A.J. Cann, Jeremy Langford
1 of 5
Round 1, Pick 6: Vic Beasley, OLB—Beasley is the finest pure pass-rusher available in the draft, and there might not be a close second. The Clemson product was an absolute beast throughout his collegiate career, racking up 32 sacks and 52 tackles for loss in his final three years.
Beasley lacks ideal size, but he more than makes up for it with his incredible burst, blazing speed and surprising strength. The Georgia native won't provide much against the run, but he would give New York an elite outside pass-rusher to complement its stout defensive front.
Round 2, Pick 37: A.J. Cann, OG—Even with the addition of James Carpenter in free agency, the Jets have major question marks at guard. Neither Oday Aboushi nor Brian Winters have shown an ability to be capable starters on the interior of the line. A.J. Cann, on the other hand, has all the makings of an immediate and effective starter.
Cann possesses a strong frame and fantastic strength, and his technique and instincts leave little to be desired. To put it simply, it is hard to find flaws in the South Carolina product's game.
Round 3, Pick 70: Jeremy Langford, RB—The Jets need a replacement for Chris Johnson, as Chris Ivory isn't explosive enough to carry the running game on his own. Langford is a complete back with top-notch speed and great vision. He also excels in pass protection and catching balls out of the backfield, making him a perfect complement for Ivory.
Marcus Mariota, Laken Tomlinson, Tre McBride
2 of 5
Round 1, Pick 6: Marcus Mariota, QB—Mariota is one of the two potential franchise quarterbacks available in this year's class. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is a surefire top-10 selection, and it wouldn't be surprising if he was taken before the Jets were even on the clock.
Mariota boasts tremendous mobility, arm strength and smarts, and he can turn around a game on any given down. However, there are concerns about his accuracy and ability to adjust to the NFL style of play. Make no mistake—New York will be taking a gamble by selecting Mariota in the first round.
Round 2, Pick 37: Laken Tomlinson, OG—If New York misses out on A.J. Cann in the second round, Laken Tomlinson wouldn't be a bad consolation prize. Tomlinson has less athleticism and mobility than Cann, but he possesses a thick frame, elite strength and outstanding technique. The Duke product is a proven entity, having started 52 games in his collegiate career.
Round 3, Pick 70: Tre McBride, WR—Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker form a dangerous one-two punch on the outside, but the Jets lack much receiving talent beyond them. Jeremy Kerley is coming off a horrendous season, and no other receivers on the current roster are proven NFL talents.
William & Mary product Tre McBride would add an extra dimension to the offense, as he is a strong route-runner with terrific speed and great hands. If New York wants to go wideout in the middle rounds, McBride is its man.
Amari Cooper, Eli Harold, Gerod Holliman
3 of 5
Round 1, Pick 6: Amari Cooper, WR—Cooper has been considered the top wide receiver prospect in this year's class for months now. Cooper was phenomenal throughout his career at Alabama, and he put together one of the finest offensive seasons in SEC history in 2014 when he recorded 124 catches for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Cooper is a phenomenal route-runner with terrific acceleration, speed and hands. He would immediately make New York's receiving corps one of the best in the NFL.
Round 2, Pick 37: Eli Harold, OLB—In most years, Harold would be a late first-round selection. But given the ridiculous talent available at outside linebacker, he looks like more of a second-round pick. Harold's acceleration and speed make him an explosive pass-rusher off the edge. The Virginia product lacks size and isn't much of a factor against the run, but he would still be an immense upgrade over anyone on the current roster.
Round 3, Pick 70: Gerod Holliman, FS—Even with the addition of Marcus Gilchrist, the Jets lack a true free safety that excels in coverage. Holliman, who played opposite Calvin Pryor at Louisville, could be the solution. Holliman is a physical defensive back who excels at reading routes and shadowing receivers. He would also bring a much-needed playmaking ability to New York's defense, as he recorded an unfathomable 14 interceptions a season ago.
Dante Fowler Jr., Tre' Jackson, David Johnson
4 of 5
Round 1, Pick 6: Dante Fowler Jr., OLB—It would be surprising to see Fowler fall to the Jets, as he may be the best defensive player in this year's class. Fowler is an outstanding pass-rusher with top-notch athleticism and immense power.
He also has the versatility to make an impact at multiple positions, as he lined up at a variety of spots at Florida. Fowler doesn't boast ideal size and length, but it's difficult finding holes in his game beyond that.
Round 2, Pick 37: Tre' Jackson, OG—Tre' Jackson had quite the collegiate career at Florida State, winning a national title along with multiple individual accolades. Jackson doesn't have great mobility or technique, but he boasts tremendous size and strength. The Georgia native also possesses surprising quickness for his size. Jackson comes with some question marks, but his upside is unparalleled.
Round 3, Pick 70: David Johnson, RB—Johnson isn't the same type of player as Chris Johnson, but he could be much more productive in Chan Gailey's offense. Johnson is a thick, strong runner with decent speed and terrific pass-catching ability. The Northern Iowa product could be a nice complement to Chris Ivory, especially on third down and in passing situations.
Brandon Scherff, Ameer Abdullah, Davis Tull
5 of 5
Round 1, Pick 6: Brandon Scherff, OT/OG—Scherff may be the dark horse first-round selection for Todd Bowles and Co. Scherff is undoubtedly the top offensive lineman available, and for good reason. With great strength, power and quickness, the Iowa product is a monster in the running game, as well as a solid pass protector.
Scherff was mainly implemented as a tackle on the collegiate level, but he could easily move inside and succeed at guard.
Round 2, Pick 37: Ameer Abdullah, RB—Abdullah was an absolute beast in his days at Nebraska, racking up over 4,500 yards in his career. However, he may have a more difficult time in the NFL because of his lack of size and brute strength.
Nonetheless, Abdullah could thrive as a change-of-pace back, as he boasts superb vision, acceleration and catching ability. The Alabama native could give Gang Green's offense an element that it has previously lacked.
Round 3, Pick 70: Davis Tull, OLB—Tull is one of the more intriguing small-school prospects in this year's class. The Chattanooga product has the potential to be the steal of the draft, as he possesses all the tools to be a solid starter at the NFL-level.
Tull boasts tremendous speed, surprising power and terrific pass-rushing ability, and he can make a big impact on any given play. The Jets must keep a close eye on Tull throughout the draft.
.jpg)



.png)





