Way-Too-Early Mock Draft: Jets Add Freak to D-Line

The New York Jets have found themselves in an enviable position.

Sure, the pressure to win now is real, and the clock on quarterback Aaron Rodgers is ticking faster and louder than any fan would care to ignore. But the veteran passer finds himself on an elite roster and a real chance to win something.

The Jets will be in the market for a quarterback this offseason, but if Rodgers plays as well as he hopes, that becomes a can general manager Joe Douglas can kick another year down the road.

If that’s the case, who might New York be interested in?

In ESPN’s latest mock draft , the Jets find themselves picking 20th overall. There, they take the opportunity to add a game-wrecking presence to an already strong defensive line in Kentucky lineman Deone Walker.

“Offensive line will certainly be in play here, as Aaron Rodgers would be 41 at the start of next season and both veteran tackles acquired this offseason would be off the books (though Olu Fashanu will start at one tackle spot for a long, long time),” Field Yates wrote. “But Walker would help the Jets' defense, which always seems to be in the market for bodies to pair with All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.

“Walker is massive at 6-6 and 345 pounds but doesn't move like it, as he has quickness and burst that shouldn't be allowed at that size. He is a factor both against the run and bursting the bubble of the pocket, tallying 7.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss in 2023.”

If the quarterback of the future isn’t available and no right tackle fits the bill, it would behoove New York to continue adding to its elite defense.

Walker, despite his size, isn’t a true nose tackle. But that versatility is in his bag alongside incredible per-pound athleticism and a knack for generating pressure.

Related: Should Jets Expect Rodgers To Be Top-5 QB?

If there are any long-term concerns on the edge , giving them a defensive tackle pairing of two first-round talents is one heck of a way to compensate. The Jets would get better in both phases with this selection, to a point where Walker may find himself off the board far earlier come April.

Quarterback will be on the mind come April, but that shouldn’t make the New York faithful close-minded this draft cycle.