2018 NFL Draft: New York Jets 7-round mock
By Joe Romano
Round 2 – Pick 37
Sam Hubbard, EDGE, Ohio State
In a shallow edge rusher class the Jets snatch up one of the lease heralded players in the country. Sam Hubbard out of Ohio State may not be the flashy sack artist that Harold Landry or Bradley Chubb are but he is a consistent outside rusher who can get to the quarterback. In this mock draft he falls behind those two and UTSA’s Marcus Davenport, pushing him into the top of the second round. For the Jets that is phenomenal value for a player most see as a late first round pick.
New York has struggled at the edge rushing spots for years now. Hubbard would an immediate upgrade to one of the most important positions in the game.
At Ohio State Hubbard was out-shined by teammate Nick Bosa. In the NFL and especially on the Jets he should not have that issue. New York will get a player that can set the edge against the run and get after the quarterback. Despite athleticism that does not pop on film, the guy lives in opposing backfields. The Jets would be wise to grab an edge defender with a high floor like Hubbard.
Round 2 – Pick 49
Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
Another defensive player comes off the board for the Jets at pick 49 in the second round. After spending their top two picks on safeties a year ago, it is time for New York to turn their attention to the outside of the defensive backfield. Jaire Alexander out of Louisville would be a steal at this point in the draft.
Alexander is in the mix for the top corner prospect in what is a loaded class that lacks a clear cut top option. There is a small chance he can actually slide down this far. That would be a dream scenario for the Jets.
Injuries pushed Alexander down draft boards in the 2017 season. However, with clear medicals he has the length and ball skills to make the case as the class’ top corner. At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, he is the perfect size for a top corner in the NFL. If New York can re-sign Morris Claiborne and draft Alexander to pair with their top picked safeties, they have the makings of a solid secondary.