With The First Pick
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Jets’ addition of Anthony Barr will give team flexibility in 2019 NFL draft

By Bryan Perez

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after tackling David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after tackling David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Anthony Barr is expected to sign with the New York Jets, giving GM Mike Maccagnan flexibility at the No. 3 pick overall.

The New York Jets are expected to sign linebacker Anthony Barr, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, in a move that brings a legitimate edge presence to New York’s defense and will impact the team’s 2019 NFL draft plans.

The Jets own the No. 3 pick overall and the smart money is on Kentucky’s Josh Allen as the pick. With Kyler Murray (QB, Oklahoma) and Nick Bosa (EDGE, Ohio State) the likely first and second picks to the Cardinals and 49ers, most draft analysts assumed New York would go with Allen third overall.

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But the addition of Barr gives the Jets flexibility now. They don’t have to add a pass rusher unless they truly believe he’s the best player available, a distinction that could belong to an interior defensive lineman like Quinnen Williams (Alabama) or even a wide receiver like D.K. Metcalf (Ole Miss).

In my latest mock draft, I have the Jets selecting Metcalf in the first round. You can check out all 32 picks here.

Teams don’t like picking in the top five, and when they do, they have to ignore need and select for value. Signing veterans like Barr in free agency allow clubs like the Jets to do just that.

Allen wouldn’t be a bad pick if New York decides to go that route. He’s a blue-chip pass-rushing prospect who dominated the SEC in 2018 (17 sacks). He had an explosive 2019 NFL combine and there’s no reason to doubt his ability to make a smooth transition to the NFL.

But the Jets have to prioritize investing in QB Sam Darnold, and whether it’s an offensive tackle like Jawaan Taylor (Florida) or Metcalf, it feels like a smarter strategy to grab the value on offense, especially now that Barr is going to headline the Jets’ pass rush in 2019.

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