The labor of love took place on 4/4/22, the full 7-round annual Buddy Mock. I love doing this, going back to 2005. I treat each team like my own with current depth charts, contracts due up in the next couple of years for developmental picks, and most importantly system fits.
1-4-4)Evan Neal (OT) Alabama
This is a fit no matter how Mechi Bechton and his health situations linger. The goal is to protect the Franchise QB, while also opening holes for a damn good RB.
1-10-10)Derek Stingley JR (CB) LSU
On talent alone, he’s a Top-5 Pick. The question of lingering injuries and lack of recent tape hurts his status. Robert Saleh is a perfect coach to fit his skills into a scheme. The need for CB when a division has elite WR is a necessity.
2-35)Quay Walker (LB) Georgia
Saleh could have his creative gene stimulated with Walker. He can play the LB position with Mosley to groom him and be put on the EDGE on the 3rd down and hunt down a Quarterback.
2-38)Christian Watson (WR) North Dakota St
The new big-play WR on the outside after some misses in players like Mims. Watson, Moore, and Davis complement each other well while Berrios can be the return guy.
3-69)Cameron Thomas (EDGE) San Diego St
Thomas can be a 3-down EDGE player opposite Carl Lawson. His game is all-around solid and you can even drop him into a zone on occasion if you get blitz-happy.
4-111)Jake Ferguson (TE) Wisconsin
An actual Inline TE who blocks and runs good routes. I really enjoyed him at the Senior Bowl, just a steady-eddy type who fits with the rest of the group.
4-117)Matthew Butler (IDL) Tennessee
The things you’ve always seen with Saleh’s defenses. Ability to rotate upfront and find roles. Butler is a guy you can use on pass-rush while you have others in the IDL rotation who are better suited for early downs.
5-146)Bryan Cook (S) Cincinnati
In the next 2 picks for the NYJ, you’ll see the two positions that slide, and talent is still pretty heavy. Bryan Cook was the last line defense on the Cincinnati defense that went to the college football playoff. The Jets have gone through safties like J-Lo engagements but this is the fit for the system.
5-163)Cade Mays (IOL) Tennessee
The Georgia transfer adds to a group that drafted Vera-Tucker in the 1st round last year, Connor McGovern at Center, and signed Laken Tomlinson. The retirement of Cameron Clark was a tough blow for the Jets, Mays helps fill that void.
LMK what you think @e2gfounder