Tackle Vs Wide Receiver

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As the 2020 draft approaches, in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, the New York Jets are prepping for a pivotal off season in the development of Sam Darnold. After two mediocre seasons, Joe Douglas and Adam Gase are looking to turn around a tortured Franchise and fan base. Then New York Jets currently hold the 11th pick in the 2020 draft. With numerous holes on this roster, and a rookie contract running out for a potential superstar quarterback, they are faced with the decision:

Draft a potential Pro-Bowl Left Tackle or a number one Wide Receiver.

…Both a dire need for this franchise.

The starting left & right tackle positions, have been revolving doors since D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Damian Woody held down the fort protecting Mark Sanchez. Wide receiver has not been addressed with a long term solution since drafting Keyshawn Johnson. After years of countless draft mistakes, busts, & mismanagement, we are left in the hands of a first time GM and Adam Gase, who many would regard as a below average coach with an ego bigger than the Johnson’s bank account.

Jedrick Wills, Mekhi Becton, Tristan Wirfs, and Andrew Thomas are the projected top four offensive lineman. Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb are the projected top wide receivers to be in consideration in the 11th pick. With the likelihood of at least 2 of the top 4 tackles off the board by 11, do the Jets panic and move up to grab one before they are all gone?

Unlikely, with Douglas’ track record thus far and background, it is more likely the Jets will trade back to look to stock up on draft capital and settle for someone like Jones, who comps as a similar player to Dillard. A player Douglas pushed hard to draft last year in Philly.

Ultimately, both options being Tackle or Receiver will be a huge help to Darnold and other play makers on the team including Bell. An elite tackle prospect would help provide protection for Sam and help open holes for Bell. While on the other hand, an elite receiver would give Sam a legit weapon in the passing game and help remove players from being in the box, thus opening holes for Bell.

My belief is that at 11 the Jets will have both top WR on the board and Thomas left. Douglas’s phone will ring and it will be Mr. Elway looking to make a move ahead of the Raiders and 49ers to get his pick at the top WR. Jets will move down to 15 picking up an extra 3rd round pick. Jets will take their chances and let the Bucs pick from Thomas and Jones while Jets will happily take the other and look to fill more holes on a depleted roster with an additional day 2 pick.

Either way, Jets fans will be happy so long as we don’t end up with an interior defensive lineman.

#TakeFlight