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2020 NFL Draft: 5 players Jets could take in Round 1

By Mike Phillips

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: General manager Joe Douglas of the New York Jets speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Joe Douglas
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: General manager Joe Douglas of the New York Jets speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Joe Douglas /
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Jerry Jeudy, Alabama Crimson Tide
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 09: Jerry Jeudy #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is unable to catch a deep pass during the second half against the LSU Tigers in the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 09, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2. Alabama WR Jerry Jeudy

If there is one clear mandate for Joe Douglas in this draft it is to find help for quarterback Sam Darnold. Improving the offensive line is one way to do that, but another option could be to bolster his receiving corps.

This class of wide receivers is a deep one, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Jets take multiple pass catchers next month while going for a lineman first. If the four top tackles on the Jets’ board have been selected by the time they pick the next best option would be to grab the draft’s top receiver, Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy.

Even if they are able to re-sign Robby Anderson the Jets still need to get more capable options for Darnold to throw to. Jeudy is already a terrific route runner with capable hands, and adding him could give Darnold a go-to-guy he can grow with over the next several years.

The Jets haven’t drafted a wide receiver in the first round since Santana Moss back in 2001 so they are overdue to invest some draft capital at the skill positions. Jeudy, or even someone like CeeDee Lamb or Henry Ruggs III, would add a major talent infusion to one of the most anemic offenses in football.

There may not be a more pro-ready receiver in this draft class than Jeudy, who would probably have the shortest adjustment period to the NFL of any college wideout. That should rate him higher than the other pass-catchers on Douglas’ board.

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