The New York Jets have a lot to be excited about heading into 2019. Quarterback Sam Darnold is entering his second season after a rookie year that proved he’s every bit the franchise player his scouting report projected he’d be, and he was given the offseason’s biggest free-agent gift at running back in Le’Veon Bell.
The Jets have made offense the focal point of their offseason not just in free agency, but also with the coaching staff. The decision to hire Adam Gase as head coach was an additional investment in the development of Darnold, and the 2019 NFL Draft should be a continuation of that plan.
While many mock drafts have New York addressing the pass rush with the third overall pick, there’s been plenty of clues to suggest they’ll attack the offensive side of the ball with their first few picks.
Here’s a seven-round mock draft that’s a very realistic draft haul for the Jets in April.
Round 1, Pick 3: Jawaan Taylor | OT | Florida
Taylor is widely considered the top offensive tackle prospect in the 2019 NFL draft and despite spending his college career on the right side of the offensive line, his athletic profile and overall skill set suggest he should have little problem switching to left tackle in the NFL.
Taylor has the highest upside of all the tackle prospects in this year’s class even if he’s a riskier pick than, say, Alabama’s Jonah Williams. Taylor has prototype tackle size at 6-5, 312 pounds and 35 1/8-inch arms.
Even if Taylor doesn’t play left tackle immediately in his career, he’ll be an instant upgrade at right tackle for the Jets and will be a big part of any success New York has in establishing a dominant running game in 2019.