New York Jets 2018 NFL mock draft
By Nolan Rich
Seventh Round: Kahlil McKenzie Jr.: DT: Tennessee
The Jets have never replaced Damon Harrison at the nose tackle position since he left two seasons ago. What was once the strength of the Jets defense now needs to add some depth. The defensive line is a big step down from what it used to be. It has the building blocks, starting with Leonard Williams. However, they need more. A good defensive line needs able bodies Tennessee’s Kahlil McKenzie Jr. could be a nice fit.
McKenzie has shown not only the ability to stop the run with 33 tackles, but has surprising burst for a big man with two sacks. At 6-3 and 325 pounds, he fits the size a team is looking for at the nose tackle position. Health could be a concern because he missed half of his sophomore campaign, but he didn’t miss a game in 2017.
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A massive run stopper in the middle of the defense, McKenzie would at the very least be a valuable role player on the Jets defense. A player at this time in the draft doesn’t necessarily start right away. McKenzie is a guy that could rotate into the game and give guys like Steve McLendon and/or Mike Pennel a break. A solid rotation is important and McKenzie could be a big help.