ESPN experts recently did their final NFL Mock Draft before the big event. Who did they have the New York Jets select at six?
There has been a lot of speculation about who the New York Jets will be taking with the sixth overall pick. They have been linked to plenty of prospects, and they are certainly a wild card at the sixth position.
The Jets have needs on both offense and defense coming into the draft. However, they need to draft safely. In recent years, the Jets have really struggled with first round picks, and that is something that needs to change.
Recently, Todd McShay completed his final mock draft. With a surprise at the top with Mitch Trubisky going No.1 overall to the Cleveland Browns, the Jets also went in a different direction. McShay had the Jets taking tight end O.J. Howard from Alabama, here’s what he had to say about the pick.
"The Jets can’t afford to whiff on a top-10 pick like they did back in 2013 with Dee Milliner. Howard is one of the safest prospects in this draft. He’s very similar to Greg Olsen: a big, athletic target who can cause issues down the seam and contribute as a blocker. The Jets have had just 26 catches from tight ends in the past two seasons, by far the fewest in the league. (Arizona is second worst with 97.)"
In addition to McShay having the Jets take Howard, Mel Kiper Jr. also had the Jets going with the talented tight end. Here’s what he had to say about the pick.
"With Mitchell Trubisky off the board, the Jets go with the draft’s best tight end and one of the safest prospects in the class. Howard is an all-around player who is a great blocker and receiver. This is another potential landing spot for Marshon Lattimore."
Going with Howard wouldn’t lead to many complaints from Jets nation. The tight end position has been an absolute disaster for the Jets for many years, and Howard appears to a great prospect at the position.
Next: Complete 2017 First Round Mock Draft
In addition to taking Howard, that also means that the Jets will avoid reaching on one of the questionable quarterback prospects in the draft. Having Howard will certainly help the Jets in both the run and the pass. Also, having a reliable tight end is good for a young quarterback.
We will have to wait until tonight to see who the Jets take. However, Howard would be a solid choice at six.