New York Jets Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

If there was one team most likely to go after a veteran quarterback, I'd pick the Jets. I mean, the owner just said that was the "missing piece" and that he'd "absolutely" pay up for one. With that in mind, whomever the Jets sign needs to be protected, and with Mekhi Becton's injury history, getting a top offensive line prospect would be smart. Peter Skoronski's measurables are nothing to write home about, but he's versatile and technically sound. He'll get the job done at a high level.

The Jets' best two offensive lineman (Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker) have been hurt and the rest are facing free agency after the season. Jones doesn't have the experience other prospects possess in this class — he's only started 19 games for the Bulldogs — but his athleticism, intelligence and footwork pops when you watch him.

A natural athlete with easy lateral fluidity in and out of his sets, Johnson projects as a NFL left tackle. An intelligent player who executes blocks well into the second level of defenses, he's the type of agile blocker required in today's more open offensive style of play. Johnson's enviable blend of size, length, strength and awareness showcases a high ceiling worthy of a day one selection.

The Jets might be tempted to take QB Anthony Richardson here, but they might opt for a veteran instead of another young passer who needs time to develop. So here's Branch, who can provide a lot of versatility at slot cornerback and safety for head coach Robert Saleh.

Mekhi Becton has been a huge disappointment, so the Jets may use this pick to find a new offensive tackle.

Tyler Steen did a great job on Bryce Young's blind side after transferring from Vanderbilt.

Could the Jets be major players on the veteran QB market? I think they will. So for the draft, they build the offensive line with Johnson, a super-steady tackle prospect.

Injuries were the catalyst for several of the Jets' five quarterback changes, but it was untenable play behind center — primarily from second-year signal-caller Zach Wilson — that sunk Gang Green's once-promising season. A young core might give New York the flexibility to pursue a quick-fix veteran solution, so the Jets can turn their attention to another area of concern with this pick. Jones, an ascendant talent still finding his way at left tackle after his first year as a full-time starter, could provide some long-term stability after Mekhi Becton's fractured kneecap necessitated last August's signing of 37-year-old Duane Brown.

If at first Joe Douglas doesn't succeed, he needs to try, try again.

The New York Jets general manager already spent two first-round picks on Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker, while also making significant investments in George Fant, Connor McGovern and Laken Tomlinson.

Yet New York's offensive line still isn't settled. Clearly, Douglas places an emphasis on trench play, and his approach shouldn't change simply because some of those previous moves may not have exactly worked out in the Jets' favor.

Florida's O'Cyrus Torrence is the class' top-graded guard prospect. He's a ready-made NFL blocker to provide a physical presence along the offensive interior.

"Torrence was dominant at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and replicated that level of play this season after a big step up in competition in the SEC," Thorn said. "At 6'5" and nearly 350 pounds, Torrence has the size and power to deliver knockback power and create movement in the run game with a strong anchor in pass protection.

"In an NFL slowly morphing into more of a power-oriented game, Torrence fits into that style while offering some juice as a puller to thrive inside a gap-run scheme. The Jets are a more zone-oriented team but do mix in gap concepts and would be wise to incorporate even more, with Torrence and Vera-Tucker offering the skill set to do both at a high level.

"Torrence does have some question marks about striking and connecting with his hands consistently against shifty, sub-package pass-rushers. However, the Jets' play action-centered system limits those scenarios and allows him to lean on his strengths."

The Jets are in desperate need of an offensive tackle to protect whoever is playing quarterback for them next season. The 6-foot-6 Johnson is an athletic mover who is an easy projection to the NFL.

Skoronski is the highest-floor offensive lineman in the class. He would slot in nicely at right tackle for the Jets next season. The true junior allowed only six pressures on 474 pass-blocking snaps this past fall in his third season as Northwestern's starting left tackle.

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