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2017 NFL Mock Draft: 1st-Round Projections after Week 3

By Tyler Brooke

Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws in the second quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws in the second quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot (91) tackles North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34) in the endzone for a safety during the 2nd quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot (91) tackles North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34) in the endzone for a safety during the 2nd quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /

12. player. 30. . EDGE. Illinois. Dawuane Smoot

The New York Jets have arguably the best defensive line in football, but they’re lacking some serious playmakers at the linebacker position. Adding a legitimate edge rusher could turn the Jets defense from good to great in a hurry.

Even though Garrett and Lawson have already been taken, the Jets can still grab a really skilled edge rusher in Dawuane Smoot. The Illinois defender has shot up draft boards thanks to his rare combination of size (6’3”, 265 pounds) and speed.

Smoot is a more polished pass rusher from a technical standpoint than someone like Garrett, but he’s obviously not nearly as athletic. Still, for someone at a smaller program like Illinois, Smoot has the upside to be a serious force in the league for years to come.

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