New York Jets projected to draft a DB and a WR in the top 10
The website NFL Mock Draft Database routinely features an up-to-date consensus mock draft, which compiles data from hundreds of the latest mock drafts across the internet.
When we last checked in on the consensus mock draft – February 17 – the New York Jets were projected to take North Carolina State offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu at No. 4 and LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. at No. 10.
Here on March 27, the internet foresees a much different future for New York.
Based on data collected by NFL Mock Draft Database from mock drafts published over the past week, the Jets are projected to select Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton with the fourth overall pick. He is the favorite for New York in that slot, with 26% of mocks sending him to the Jets at No. 4.
In the 10th slot, New York is projected to choose USC wide receiver Drake London. He’s the most commonly-mocked player to the Jets at No. 10 over the past week, although with only 16% of the selections.
The decline in mocks that send Ekwonu to New York can likely be attributed to the Jets’ acquisition of former 49ers guard Laken Tomlinson in free agency. Tomlinson filled the Jets’ last available starting spot on the offensive line (as the unit currently stands), making it more difficult to project Ekwonu’s fit in New York’s plans.
Stingley Jr.’s decline can also be attributed to a corresponding free-agent signing. The Jets filled a starting spot by signing former Seahawks corner D.J. Reed. His arrival has likely led some predictors to shy away from mocking cornerbacks to New York, although Cincinnati’s Sauce Gardner remains a common selection for the Jets in the No. 4 spot.
Meanwhile, the Jets still have big needs at safety and wide receiver, explaining the tendency for predictors to look toward Hamilton and London.
New York signed former Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead to hold down one starting spot, but the Jets can still stand to upgrade the other safety role. Eighth-year veteran Lamarcus Joyner is currently projected to start alongside Whitehead. While Joyner is a fine placeholder, the 31-year-old is no long-term answer.
At wide receiver, the Jets’ only move thus far has been the re-signing of Braxton Berrios. No new wide receivers have been added to the roster, so the position has vaulted up the team’s needs list.
