Recapping Jets first draft with general manager Joe Douglas
The theme of New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas’ first draft was simple: protect and equip franchise quarterback Sam Darnold. The Jets had one of the worst offensive lines and receiving corps in 2019. Following the departure of top wide receiver Robby Anderson in free agency, the demand for a wide receiver only increased.
Douglas was very active during this draft, completing three trades. During the second round, Douglas dealt the 48th overall pick to the Seattle Seahawks for the 59th and 101st overall picks. Later on, Douglas traded the 101st pick to rival New England Patriots for the 125th pick, 129th pick and a 2021 sixth-round pick.
On day three, Douglas sent the 211th overall pick to the Indianapolis Colts for cornerback Quincy Wilson. Wilson is the second Colts cornerback Douglas has traded in his tenure. Douglas also signed Pierre Desir in free agency this offseason, yet another Colts cornerback added to the roster. Let’s take a look at the Jets’ 2020 NFL Draft pick-by-pick.
Round 1, 11th overall – Mekhi Becton, OL Louisville
For the first time since 2006, the Jets selected an offensive lineman in the first round. Becton is an imposing figure, standing at 6’7 and weighing 364 pounds. Despite his size, he ran a 5.1 40-yard dash which Douglas said was eye-opening and certainly a reason they drafted him. Becton’s athleticism, size and strength provides great excitement for what he can bring to a revamped offensive line. The Jets hope Becton proves to be a franchise left tackle that they haven’t had since D'Brickashaw Ferguson retired following the 2015 season.
Round 2, 59th overall – Denzel Mims, WR Baylor
The Jets needed to add talent at the wide receiver position to continue to give Darnold the weapons he needs. Mims has electric speed, shown by his 4.38 40-yard dash. Mims will be a redzone threat with his large frame, being 6’3 and 207 pounds. He had a big senior season at Baylor University with 66 catches for 1,020 yards and 12 touchdowns, which was good enough to earn first team all-conference honors. Douglas and head coach Adam Gase made it clear they expect Mims to develop into a primary option for Darnold once he polishes up on his route running and cuts down on his drops.
Round 3, 68th overall – Ashtyn Davis, S California
With their third pick in the draft, the Jets opted to go the defensive route and provide defensive coordinator Gregg Williams an exciting and versatile toy in defensive back Ashtyn Davis. Davis played cornerback, nickel back, strong safety, free safety and even weak side linebacker at the University of California, Berkeley . The versatility is undoubtedly something Williams is looking forward to using in the upcoming season. In addition to playing defense, Davis also returned kicks in college and is expected to compete to return kicks in the NFL. The selection is a bit puzzling, however, because safety is the Jets’ strongest position with all-pro Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye.
Round 3, 79th overall – Jabari Zuniga, EDGE Florida
The Jets opted to add to another position they desperately needed in an edge rusher. Zuniga is another defensive player who is extremely athletic and versatile. Zuniga played every position along University of Florida’s defensive line last season. However, there was not a ton of production by Zuniga in his senior season, as he only tallied 12 tackles with three sacks in five games. At the bare minimum, he should be able to outperform Jachai Polite, last year’s third round pick who was also an edge rusher from Florida who failed to make the team out of training camp.
Round 4, 120th overall – La’Mical Perine, RB Florida
Another selection from University of Florida, Perine was a team captain who had six touchdowns and 676 yards rushing on 132 carries last season. He was a threat in the passing attack as well, tallying 40 receptions and 262 yards and five touchdowns last year. Perine has the potential to be Le’Veon Bell’s replacement and for the interim, he will add much needed depth.
Round 4, 125th overall – James Morgan QB Florida International
The Jets needed a backup quarterback following last year’s catastrophe when Darnold and primary backup Trevor Siemian went down. Morgan is a developmental project for Gase and staff. He is actually three months older than Darnold. Morgan’s numbers from last season were not too impressive with 2,585 yards and 14 touchdowns, but he is yet another team captain selected by Douglas on the third day of the draft.
Round 4, 129th overall – Cameron Clark, OL Charlotte
Cameron Clark is an athletic and versatile offensive lineman who has experience at all positions along the offensive line. A team captain at UNC-Charlotte, Clark was also named team MVP in 2019. He and Becton train together and talk all the time. Given the free agency additions to the offensive line, Clark will have time to transition to the NFL, but the Jets certainly have higher hopes for him than being a depth offensive lineman.
Round 5, 158th overall – Bryce Hall, CB Virginia
Bryce Hall may be the most exciting player selected on day three by the Jets. Some scouts and league executives believed Hall would be selected in round two or three given his skill. However, injury concerns dropped him to late day three and the Jets are thrilled. Hall had a monster 2018 season with 22 pass breakups. He is yet another team captain selected on day three, and Douglas and staff hope to have found a hidden gem here.
Round 6, 191st overall – Braden Mann, P Texas A&M
Braden Mann (yes, he is another team captain) was selected by the Jets on day three of the draft. Mann was all-SEC first team and second team AP All-American in 2019. Mann also told Douglas and staff he is comfortable kicking off, which will give them flexibility as to who their kicker is for the upcoming season.
Photo Courtesy of the New York Jets
