PFF’s three-round mock draft includes just one New York Jets selection, and it’s a strange one
In mock draft season, sometimes the shock factor is considered the No. 1 objective.
In Pro Football Focus’ most recent mock, it appears that this is the case.
Round 1
PFF has the New York Jets selecting edge rusher Lukas Van Ness from Iowa at No. 13 overall. Here is their reasoning:
Carl Lawson only has one year left on his current contract, and Van Ness racked up 46 total pressures from 271 pass-rushing snaps last season.
This pick is befuddling for a number of reasons, starting with the fact that the Jets already have Jermaine Johnson, Micheal Clemons, Bryce Huff, and John Franklin-Myers on the edge. Besides that, though, PFF’s analysis of Van Ness makes him an even more counterintuitive selection for the Jets.
The site lists the main cons for Van Ness as being a one-move rusher (just a bull rush) and having a repetitive playstyle while not reacting to the offensive lineman.
These are pretty much exactly what Jermaine Johnson’s weaknesses are. Sure, Van Ness is bigger (276 pounds) and younger (21) with room to grow, but he doesn’t have enough upside over Johnson to justify the selection. Johnson is already a plus edge-setter in the run game, so that argument for Van Ness is null.
Anything is possible in draft season, but this pick would shock me.
Round 2
PFF’s mock draft then goes even more controversial. They list the Jets without a second-round pick. In this draft, the Jets trade both pick 42 and 43 to the Packers for Aaron Rodgers.
While this has been suggested in some sectors of the media, it doesn’t seem to be realistic. The most recent reports indicate a 2023 second-rounder and a 2024 conditional second. It’s hard to understand why so many mock drafts go to the most extreme return for the Rodgers trade.
Furthermore, if the Jets don’t have any second-round picks, the chances that they select an edge rusher at No. 13 go down to almost zero. The team has starting needs at both offensive and defensive tackle. Both would be far better filled at No. 13 rather than a future-oriented pick.
What do you think, Jets fans? Will Van Ness be a Jet? Are both second-rounders going back to Green Bay for Rodgers?
