2019 NFL Mock Draft: Projected first round after college football season

After investing in Sam Darnold as the team’s franchise quarterback in last year’s draft, the onus is now on management to do what they can to protect the investment and provide him with weapons.

The Jets are sorely in need of more weapons at the skill positions. They have a ton of cap space, so they figure to be major players in the free-agent market. With the No. 3 pick, there isn’t a receiver or running back who is good enough to warrant such a lofty selection. That could lead the Jets to be in the market to trade down as well. They’re probably the most likely candidate to make a move with the Giants or Jaguars to move down a few spots.

If they stand pat, Alabama offensive tackle Jonah Williams makes a lot of sense. Williams is the best offensive line prospect in this draft class after spending three years as a starter in Tuscaloosa. Williams is a sturdy pass blocker and a road-grater in the ground game, making him that much more appealing for New York.

Williams drew a tough matchup in the CFP Championship Game against projected first round pick Clelin Ferrell, but their battle looked to be mostly a stalemate with Ferrell getting the better of Williams a handful of times but Williams more than holding his own.

The Jets ranked 26th in the NFL in rushing yards and were 29th overall in offensive DVOA per Football Outsiders. Some scouts believe Williams will slide inside to guard at the next level. He’s got the versatility to play anywhere along the offensive line, which only increases his value. I see him as a tackle at the next level, however.

The Jets were aggressive in their pursuit of Khalil Mack before the season, ultimately finishing runner-up after the Bears offered a king’s ransom. That shows how serious they were looking in to upgrading their pass rush, though, which puts Kentucky’s Josh Allen and Clemson’s Clelin Ferrell in the mix at No. 3.