Plenty of Options for Gang Green to Fill Needs on Final day of Draft

With a franchise quarterback (hopefully) in the fold along with a replacement for Muhammad Wilkerson along the defensive line in Nathan Shepherd, the Jets have addressed a pair of key needs and as they prepare to start the fourth round with the seventh selection, there are plenty of opportunities for the Jets to add a quality player who may be able to start, or at the very least contribute in 2018.  Here are a few names worth keeping an eye on.

OLB Josh Sweat, FSU: One of the more gifted edge rushers in this class, Sweat was projected to be off the board well before the Jets make their fourth round choice, but if he’s there, it would be hard to argue selecting him as an explosive player off the edge.

TE Ian Thomas, Indiana: A vastly underrated all-around tight end, Thomas made the most of his few opportunities at Indiana, scoring 5 touchdowns on just 25 receptions.  Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah went so far as to say Thomas had enough talent to possibly sneak in to the first round.  That obviously didn’t happen, but he’d be a very good addition in round four.

OT Tyrell Crosby, Oregon: If all goes well along the Jets’ O-line, Crosby may not fit the “could contribute right away” description, but as a player with experience at both tackle spots who could probably transition inside if necessary, Crosby is a potential starter next year who can be had early in the fourth round.

RB Nyheim Hines, NC State: Hines is an explosive running back who may be the best pass catching back in this class.  Eric Galko of Optimum Scouting discussed Hines as being a “top 50” type of prospect in the weeks leading up to the draft.

OLB Leon Jacobs, Wisconsin: A traits based edge rusher, Jacobs has enough explosion to contribute at the very least, as a situational pass rusher early on.

Edge Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Oklahoma: Another explosive rusher off the edge who has hung around for longer than some anticipated.

TE Dalton Schultz, Stanford: Another tight end who can play in-line and offer a quality target in a team’s passing game.

CB Holton Hill, Texas: Multiple outlets have reported some maturity issues with Hill, which is probably the only reason the gifted corner is still on the board.  At 6′ 2”, Hill is a long corner who ran a 4.49 in Indy who could offer good value in round four.

Plenty of options for the Jets to address their biggest remaining needs along the offensive line, edge rusher and possibly cornerback.

Glenn Naughton

Glenn was Born in the Bronx, New York and has followed the Jets religiously despite being stationed in several different countries and time zones around the world. He now resides in England and has been a JetNation member since 2005. Glenn will bleed green with the rest of us through the highs and lows.

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