With The First Pick
Fansided

NY Jets: 3 prospects to fly far away from in 2021 NFL Draft

By Geoffrey Godfrey

Jan 3, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; The New York Jets logo is seen on a helmet during the first half of their game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; The New York Jets logo is seen on a helmet during the first half of their game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
NY Jets
NY Jets target Travis Etienne. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Travis Etienne, Running back

Now, this sounds like a knock on one of the better backs in the draft, but it’s not. Travis Etienne could have a great career in the NFL. However, where his current draft stock lies in what seems between 20-35th overall, the Jets have more pressing needs. This would be great for the offense, but at those slots, the Jets could nab one of the best offensive guards in the draft or a great corner.

After signing Tevin Coleman and still rostering several others, unless there was an elite top-end running back in this draft they need to be a little patient. Right now, even Najee Harris the best back in the draft might not come close to what we have seen out of guys like Barkley, McCaffrey, and Henry. We will see him, Etienne and Javonte Williams go high due to need more so than talent.

There are several others they could get later who could be just as effective in that offense. Later in the draft, they could get Michael Carter of North Carolina, Chuba Hubbard of Oklahoma State, or Kenneth Gainwell of Memphis.

They all could be just as good or effective in that offense, and cost much less. The Jets need to focus more on defense and offensive line than running back with the depth in this class. This is still a very young team even with the free agency additions, but the key point for the Jets should still be keeping their rookie quarterback on his feet and keep points off the board on defense.

Travis could end up a top-15 back in this league, but the draft capital and system they run are not worth taking him here. As long as it is true that it’s the same offense as from San Francisco or close enough, we saw them get top-end production out of mid-range running backs.

Home/New York Jets