Dane Brugler’s Nfl Mock Draft Has The Jets Restocking Their Defense

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has put out a post-Combine mock draft. Brugler is generally considered a high level Draft analyst so his thoughts are worth noting.

2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, edge, Ohio State

Reese had one of the most impressive workouts at this year’s combine — full stop. His athletic testing was outstanding, as expected, but his on-field performance was even more remarkable. His blend of speed, explosion and violence separates him in this class.

“Dude stole the freaking show,” an NFL scout said.

16. New York Jets (from IND): Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Maybe the Jets will opt for more size at receiver to complement Garrett Wilson, but Lemon has the competitive DNA that should speak to head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey. Glenn had a front-row seat for Amon-Ra St. Brown with the Detroit Lions — it’s a good bet he would want to add a stylistically similar player.

33. New York Jets: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

44. New York Jets (from DAL): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

I love what the Jets were able to do in this mock: a high-level pass rush threat in Reese; a dynamic pass catcher in Lemon; a green-dot linebacker in the middle in Allen. And now at cornerback, Johnson, one of the more underrated prospects in the draft.

The Jets are facing conflicting pressures. The team needs to build up its offense to support a quarterback who will likely be drafted over the next two years. At the same time, the defense has close to no talent.

In this mock, Brugler clearly prioritizes the defense as the Jets add a player at each of the three levels in the first two rounds. Of course, when you have needs everywhere you can just play to the strength of the board.

The one dip into offense is Lemon at 16. There have been rumblings he performed poorly at interviews at the Combine. I can’t speak to that. All I can speak to is his on field production, and from that standpoint he seems like a good value with that pick. Adding him would get the Jets’ wide receiver group into fighting shape.