2018 NFL Mock Draft: New York Jets 3-round mock 3.0

Whether Kirk Cousins, Sam Bradford, Mason Rudolph, or someone else is under center for the New York Jets next season, they’ll need to keep him protected.

Martinas Rankin will help do just that. The Jets offensive line was mediocre at best in 2017. Left tackle Kelvin Beachum had a solid campaign but he was the only Jets offensive lineman to earn even an “average” grade from Pro Football Focus. They need to infuse the trenches with more talent.

You can’t teach size and Rankin has ideal size and length to play tackle in the NFL. He’s a powerful blocker who is solid in both pass protection and the running game.

NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah sees Rankin as a starting right tackle at the next level with the skill set to kick inside if needed.

Despite Rankin’s experience working inside as a center, Draft Wire also thinks he can stick at tackle in the NFL:

"Rankin has experience at center, but his value at the next level will be at left tackle, where he has quality starter potential. Rankin has ideal size and length for a tackle prospect, and his technique is strong and consistent. His versatility will only help him in the NFL, but he’s one of a handful of strong tackle prospects in this class, following up last year’s dismal group that lacked top talent and solid depth. He could easily sneak into the first round."

This is a deep offensive tackle class with five to seven potential first rounders. However, Rankin typically ranks seventh on that list and although he could sneak into the first round, it’s more likely that he’s available in the second.

Rankin could compete with Brandon Shell for the starting right tackle job as a rookie or challenge Brian Winters at right guard. If Wesley Johnson isn’t re-signed, Rankin could even be the Jets starting center in 2018.

A versatile offensive lineman like Martinas Rankin could go a long way for the Jets as they look to protect their next franchise quarterback.