2021 NFL draft: Mel Kiper Jr. pairs Jets with Devonta Smith, Jaycee Horn in first mock
Mel Kiper Jr. has the Jets making a bit of a surprise pick in his first mock draft.
The longtime ESPN NFL draft analyst hasn’t been shy about his opinion on New York’s quarterback position. Kiper believes that the Jets should run it back with Sam Darnold under center.
The draft essentially begins with the Jets selection at No. 2, as Trevor Lawrence is a foregone conclusion to go to the Jaguars at No. 1. With that, Kiper elects to spurn the quarterback position altogether and sends Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith to Gang Green.
Here’s Kiper’s explanation for the selection:
This is where the intrigue in the draft begins. Will the Jets stick with quarterback Sam Darnold for another year, or will they take either Zach Wilson or Justin Fields? (Or maybe even trade for Deshaun Watson?) The good news for general manager Joe Douglas and new coach Robert Saleh is that they have three months to figure it out. This is a huge decision, and Douglas and Saleh have to be 100% sure that Wilson or Fields is an upgrade over Darnold. My feeling right now is that yes, Darnold’s stats are ugly, but he’s only 23 and he has had no offensive talent around him for three years. Do the Jets really want to move on from him and watch him thrive elsewhere? That’s why they could give him a one-year audition under Saleh, pick the Heisman Trophy winner at No. 2, and give Darnold one more shot to put all of his talent together. Smith is the true No. 1 target that Darnold hasn’t had.
If New York does elect to keep Darnold as its quarterback going forward, Smith projects as the true No. 1 wide receiver the Jets have been lacking since Brandon Marshall’s 2015 season.
Smith put up record numbers on his way to being named the Heisman this past season. The Alabama wideout recorded 117 receptions for 1,865 yards with 23 touchdowns. If there were any doubts about his Heisman victory, Smith put those to rest with a record-setting performance in Alabama’s National Championship win. He caught 12 passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns en route to winning the game’s Offensive MVP.
As for New York’s second first-rounder, the one it acquired in the Jamal Adams trade, Kiper has the Jets taking South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn.
Here’s his explanation for New York’s second first-round selection:
The Jets have needs all over. After I gave them wideout DeVonta Smith at No. 2, they really have to go with the best available prospect here to build up their talent base. I think they will likely bring back free-agent safety Marcus Maye, but we know Robert Saleh’s defense is built around big defensive backs. The 6-foot-1 Horn — yes, his father is former NFL wide receiver Joe Horn — is a fit. He had two interceptions (both in the win over Auburn) in seven games last season before he opted out, but he has great instincts in coverage and should pick off more passes in the NFL. This is also a spot to watch for edge rushers — New York needs to improve there.
Jaycee is a physical, imposing cornerback, standing at 6-foot-1, 205 pounds. Despite finishing his collegiate career with just two interceptions, he improved across every season at South Carolina and projects to be a starting outside cornerback at the next level.
The Jets could certainly use such a defensive back.
