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Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst
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2021 NFL MOCK DRAFT - WALT'S | CHARLIE'S ROUND: 1

Jets Leaning Toward OT in First Round

Updated April 14, 2020
By Charlie Campbell. Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell.

The New York Jets sit at an interesting position with the 11th-overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. There could be a surprising talent who slips beyond the top 10 of the 2020 NFL Draft, and the Jets have a number of options they could consider in the first round. However in speaking with team sources, they say that offensive tackle is the most likely selection for the Jets with the 11th-overall pick.

Right now, it sounds like the top-two candidates for that pick are Louisville's Mekhi Becton and Georgia's Andrew Thomas. They assume that Iowa's Tristan Wirfs and Alabama's Jedrick Wills will be off the board. Either Becton and Thomas would complete the Jets' revamped offensive line. They signed tackle George Fant, center Connor McGovern and guard Greg Van Roten in free agency.

Team sources say the Jets would pass on Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons. Safety Jamal Adams can play linebacker in the sub package, and the team has veteran linebackers returning.

If Oklahoma wide receiver CeeDee Lamb slips out of the top 10, he could make it interesting, and he might be the Jets pick if it comes down to him and Andrew Thomas. Sources thought the Jets would take Becton over Lamb if both are available. However, many assume Lamb will be off the board, and team contacts say New York likes both Alabama wideouts, Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs. It sounds though like the Jets would prefer to take Becton or Thomas over the Alabama receivers. The 2020 NFL Draft is extremely deep at wideout, so some good receiving weapons should be available to the Jets with their second-round and two third-round picks.

The depth factor also impacts cornerback, because the Jets could use more talent there, but there should be some good corner options on Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft. The organization likes Florida cornerback C.J. Henderson, but probably would take Becton or Thomas over Henderson. Around the league,teams feel there is a much bigger drop-off in talent after the first four offensive linemen go off the board compared to the wide receivers and cornerbacks among other positions.

Jets general manager Joe Douglas comes from Philadelphia and brings along a philosophy of drafting for the lines in Round 1. Thus, it makes sense that New York is leaning toward taking an offensive tackle in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

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