Jets Draft: Bolstering Offense Makes For Best 2021 NFL Draft Haul

Jets Draft: Bolstering Offense Makes For Best 2021 NFL Draft Haul

The Jets draft had clear intentions. Fixing up their offense and giving their new franchise quarterback a chance. It is clear they do not want to make the same mistake as they did with Sam Darnold. After signing new head coach Robert Saleh one would assume they would focus on drafting defense. However, they decided to give Zach Wilson all the opportunity in the world. The New York Jets came away with arguably the best draft haul in 2021.

Zach Wilson 2nd Overall

What they did here was a no-brainer. They moved on from Sam Darnold earlier this offseason and drafted a more promising franchise quarterback. Zach Wilson can make every throw whether that be in the pocket or on the run. He put up absurd numbers in his final season at BYU, earning him the right to be drafted second overall.

Alijah Vera-Tucker 14th Overall

The Jets have clear deficiencies along their offensive line. Their unit gave up the 9th most sacks last season with 43. Accordingly, they moved up from the 23rd pick to draft the best interior lineman in this class. Alijah Vera-Tucker comes in as a guard with tackle flexibility. Stud left tackle Mekhi Becton holds down the blindside, but more help is needed across the line. Vera-Tucker can either bolster the left side next to Becton or potentially fill a void as a right tackle. Where ever he does play, he will be a massive upgrade in both the passing and running game. Moving up this far cost them a couple of third-round picks, but it is well worth it for developing Zach Wilson.

Elijah Moore 34th Overall

Drafting Moore at the top of the second put the Jets draft over the top. Elijah Moore was already a prospect who could’ve gone in the first-round but surprisingly fell. A receiving room that features Corey Davis, Jamison Crowder, and Denzel Mims does not bode well for Zach Wilson. However, using their third pick in the draft to address that need is a great one. Moore displays great short-area quickness to get open with ease against man coverage. In the slot, he has a knack for finding holes in zone coverage making his quarterback’s life easy.

Michael Carter 107th Overall

In 2020, the Jets finished with the 10th worst rushing attack in the league. A running back room that featured Frank Gore and La’Mical Perine never had a chance for success. In the draft, the Jets managed to grab the fourth-best running back in the class at the top of the 4th round. At UNC, Carter shared reps with early second-round pick JaVonte Williams. However, in his senior season, he totaled 1,512 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns. He also averaged an absurd 8 yards per carry. This was all before dominating the Senior Bowl where he was by far the best running back there. He is a tackle-breaking machine with great breakaway speed.

Addressing The Defense

The rest of the Jets draft focused on addressing the defense, primarily the secondary. They drafted multiple cornerbacks and safeties. Among them was a steal in Florida State’s Hamsah Nasirildeen. He is a hybrid safety who can play in the box and cover extremely well. Having Robert Saleh as the coach will accelerate his growth and turn him into a great starter for New York’s defense.

Best Picks In The Second Round Of The 2021 NFL Draft

The Jets draft was focused on developing Zach Wilson into the star he can be. New York did a fantastic job and it should not be overlooked. Holes all over the offense were addressed pertaining to the line, receiver, and running back. Do not be surprised if Wilson lights it up in a way Sam Darnold never could for the Jets.

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