NFL mock draft: Finding a match for 5 Georgia stars

Broderick Jones has an outside shot at being the first offensive tackle selected

Although Broderick Jones was a first-round talent heading into bowl season, the Dawgs’ great play in the College Football Playoff may have propelled him to the top of the big board at his position group. Jones will likely be competing with Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. and Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski for the first offensive tackle coming off the board, but all three will be first-round picks.

While it is debatable if Jones will go as high as former Georgia star Andrew Thomas did to the New York Giants at No. 4 overall a few years back, it is hard to see him sticking around into the 20s. Top 10 is not out of the question, but Jones is likely coming off the board in the teens. Either way, he should be going to a team that is either playoff-caliber or one that narrowly missed out on them.

Bennett’s ringing endorsement as Jones being “the best tackle in the draft” carries some weight.

Look for Gang Green to be methodical with their mid-round pick and take Jones

Even though the New York Jets drafted Mekhi Becton out of Louisville only a few years ago, the best thing the Jets can do with their first-round draft selection is to solidify the offensive line with a blue-chipper like Jones. It will allow whoever starts at quarterback for them next season to have even more protection up front. This is all about getting the most out of the Jets’ offensive talent.

Where New York is picking should be right around the time Jones could be coming off the board. If Johnson and Skoronski are the first two tackles taken, do not be surprised if a team like the Jets rush to the podium to ensure Jones is not dropping any further. How Jones’ scouting combine goes could improve his draft stock even further. For now, he feels like a good pick for the Jets to make.

This is not a sexy pick, but it is one Gang Green will probably be in favor of making in the NFL Draft.

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