New York Jets Post Free Agency Start Mock Draft

New York Jets Post Free Agency Start Mock Draft

After eradicating themselves of weighty contracts and clearing a lot of cap room, the New York Jets have been rather quiet on the free agency front. Despite boasting $35 million in salary cap space it seems certain the Idzik will be looking at the draft to rebuild a decrepit roster with an influx of young difference makers.

In 2013, the Jets took big steps ranking 11th overall in defense and showing off their daunting front seven. The offense however, remains an embarrassment to the organization even with the signing of former Denver Bronco wide receiver Eric Decker.

The Jets have been deliberate in restructuring their 53 man roster and Idzik just won’t spit out dollars for “b” rated players in free agency but has a chance to prove himself come May. The following is the Jets Mock Draft post-free agency.

Round 1: Jace Amaro, TE

The Jets will have a big decision to make in the first round, assuming Eric Ebron will be selected prior to the 18th pick. I know Jace Amaro is predicted as a second rounder by many mockers out there but he would be a solid choice at 18th overall considering the depth at wide receiver this draft brings. At the combine, Amaro put out an impressive performance among all skill players. A top performer in the drills, a supreme combination of speed, size, skill and strength, the Jets need a guy like this on the offense.

Round 2: Allen Robinson, WR

Robinson has to be the most undervalued receive in this years draft, mainly due to the depth. Outstanding in his last college year with 1432 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 97 catches, he will be a steal at 49. At the combine he had a solid performance and at 6’2″ 220 pounds, Robinson possess all the vitals needed to succeed in the NFL. With his skill set he will be considered a downfield threat especially considering his physical presence. With a thin pool of receivers on the Jets roster, Robinson will be a quality addition.

Round 3: Jeremiah Attaochu DE/OLB

An explosive edge rusher, Attaochu can break through to the back field and make the life of a quarterback a difficult one. In his senior season at Georgia Tech, he amassed 45 tackles, 16 for a loss, and 12.5 sacks. He has a keen ability to track down ball carriers and would be an asset to an already strong defense. The one thing the Jets must do this year is shore up their pass rushing attack, especially on the edge, and Attouchu will be an asset. Their interest in keeping Calvin Pace is evident but he is not part of their long term plan.

Round 4: Dri Archer, RB/WR

Archer is an explosive game-changing talent who made a name for himself at the combine, clocking a near record-breaking 4.26-second 40-yard dash time. Archer averaged 7.2 yards per carry in four seasons in the MAC. His was most impressive in his junior year, averaging 9.0 yards per carry to lead the nation while also finding paydirt 16 times. At 5’8’’ and and 175 pounds, several teams will be deterred from drafting Archer. The Jets shouldn’t be one of them. They need playmaking talent wherever they can find it.

Round 5: Chris Watt, OG

Chris Watt helped anchor the best offensive line in college football last season. At 6’3’’ and 310 pounds, Watt possesses an NFL build at his position. According to Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com, Watt effectively uses his hands to redirect pass rushers and gain positioning in the trenches. The Jets are in dire need of a starting right guard, a vacancy left behind by veteran Willie Colon, who is unlikely to be re-signed because of an extended history of sustaining injury. Watt was a three-year starter in college, demonstrating a candid competitive skill set.

Round 6: Ryan Hewitt, FB

Hewitt is the type of H-back the Jets originally envisioned they would have if ever able to convert Tim Tebow. Obviously, that never happened. Hewitt has serious NFL potential as a pass-catcher who can also supply sufficient protection in the run game. The Jets will have the opportunity to get creative in the later rounds of the 2014 draft, especially if a few additional compensatory picks become guaranteed. Hewitt could be on their radar, given that Tommy Bohanon was less than impressive in his rookie season. Hewitt recorded 59 receptions in four seasons at the college level, averaging 8.0 yards per catch and 2.7 yards per rush on 28 attempts.

Round 7: Colt Lyerla, TE

Lyerla would ideally supply the Jets with much needed depth at tight end, pending an unforeseen free agent acquisition. The Jets are pounding the “restart” button at tight end this offseason. Amaro would be a legitimate starting-caliber draft choice in the first round. Jeff Cumberland suffices as a solid No. 2. Lyerla would compete with former undrafted free agent Kyle Sudfeld and Chris Pantele for the third slot on the depth chart. Lyerla is a speedy tight end who possesses solid run blocking ability. He clocked a 4.61-second 40-yard dash at the combine, but played in just two games last season, crippling his draft value.