5 players the Jets might select in Round 1

4. Montez Sweat

The former Mississippi State star put on a show at the NFL Scouting Combine, but his stock has dipped in recent days due to his diagnosis with a heart condition. However, it’s important to realize that NFL officials knew about the issue before allowing him to undergo athletic testing in Indianapolis. Expect teams to do extensive medical work on Montez Sweat before the draft, but early indications are that he can pass that scrutiny.

NFL scouts haven’t forgotten the reality that Sweat’s combine testing was nothing short of amazing. He weighed in at a sculpted 260 pounds on his 6-foot-6 frame. More impressively, he ran an eye-popping 4.41 40. That sort of foot speed isn’t a direct indicator of how good a pass rusher will be at the next level, but it’s a really good sign.

The question for the Jets regarding Sweat is just where they’d deploy him. He doesn’t have ideal size to play end in their three-man front, but he could add a little more weight and get to that point. Otherwise, they could use him as a rush outside linebacker. That’s why his 40 time is so appealing to the Jets coaching staff.

Sweat’s medicals will have a huge impact on his draft stock, but if he can convince the Jets he’s good to go they will consider drafting him this high. His talent makes him worth the pick, but New York may choose a little safer option instead.