2021 NFL Draft winners: 10 teams that crushed it

New York Jets

The Jets’ choice with the second-overall pick was basically a foregone conclusion and their draft will be defined by Zach Wilson’s success at the highest level. New York maximized his prospects of excelling in the league with a stellar draft after their top selection.

Trading up into the top 15 for a guard may have raised a few eyebrows but Alijah Vera-Tucker fits the athletic profile for offensive linemen in a Shanahan offense and is so dependable in pass protection that he can be the Jets’ left guard for the next decade.

Elijah Moore was a steal with the 34th overall pick. The Ole Miss star should have gone in the first round and adds more intrigue to a young receiving corps with his ability to play outside and in the slot and what he can do after the catch.

North Carolina running back Michael Carter, one of two players with that name the Jets drafted this year, can at least offer value as a dynamic third-down back in his rookie year.

Head coach Robert Saleh will hope to get the most out of a multi-faceted talent in safety Hamsah Nasirildeen, but this draft was about putting weapons around Wilson, and the Jets did that extremely well.