2017 NFL Draft: New York Jets 7-round mock
Pat Elflein
Center, Ohio State
It is like the Jets planned for this to happen. One long-term NFL star at the center position from Ohio State gets released at the same time they have a chance to draft another long term starter for their offense in the second round.
Nick Mangold would be an impossible name to live up to, but at the same time, the Jets are not going to rely on Wesley Johnson at center for the future. Elflein is a pretty safe pick here. He is a three-time All-American at Ohio State. He helped win a national championship and helped give us Ezekiel Elliott.
If the Jets want to build their offense right it would be to accumulate enough talent around the quarterback, that they do not need one of the best quarterbacks to stay productive. Whether it be a rookie or new veteran, bringing in a veteran who can start in day one, and most likely give you long term starting ability is the stability that this franchise needs.
Adding to of the safer players in the draft, and dynamic players to complete the offense should be considered a good haul for the Jets. It would be a question if Elflein is worth a top 50 pick, but he is sure and away the best center in the class. He would give the Jets great stability and would make the easy transition from Mangold to Elflein.