New York Jets stack up tools for Trevor Lawrence in 3 round mock draft
By Surae Poole
Pick 26: Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
Another Ohio State defensive back being selected early, no shocker here folks. Wade has been pushed to play outside since the departure of Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette. While we were expecting Wade to emerge as the top cornerback prospect in the class, that simply hasn’t been the story. It’s taken some time for him to get accustomed to not playing in the slot, which is fine.
NFL teams should still believe in the upside of this player. Blessed with good size, standing at 6-foot-1 and 194 pounds, Wade has no issue lining up in press-man and suffocating receivers. He’s got the chance to be a chess piece and play multiple roles in any defense. The Jets are currently ranked 30th in the NFL in pass defense.
Giving up 284 yards through the air per game. It’s clear that the backend of the defense needs a significant upgrade. Right now, the team has five cornerbacks on the roster with less than 15 combined starts. The secondary has given up 100 yards receiving to a receiver in five straight games. Hopefully, inserting Wade into the lineup will booster the young group.
They’re ranked 29th in the league in points per game given up by their defense. That should speak for itself.