Jets Mailbag: The Jets will likely pick Zach Wilson at No. 2, but here’s who they might take at No. 23

It’s that time of year when the NFL is squarely focused on the draft. The Jets still have some holes they need to fill whether it’s on the offensive line or cornerback and the draft is where they can get some of that done.

In this week’s mailbag, we’ll try to provide clarity into what the Jets are thinking for April 29.

Who you think we’re selecting after our first pick??? — @Tianto_006

Whether you wanted Ohio State’s Justin Fields or BYU’s Zach Wilson, all the signs say Wilson. ESPN’s Adam Schefter isn’t texting Wilson saying “Welcome to New York” after the Jets traded Sam Darnold for no reason. Every mock draft you can find is saying Wilson to the Jets. The Jets start this draft with the No. 2 pick.

Where do you see the Jets going with that second first round pick? I would like to bolster that offensive line or add another cornerback. — @ALBradd

You’re on the right path focusing on the offensive line and the cornerback spot. Those two positions are the weakest groups on the team. Even though Mehki Becton is a future stud at left tackle, Pro Football Focus rated the offensive line 29th in the NFL. And when targeted last season, Bryce Hall, Lamar Jackson and Bless Austin all allowed a passer rating of over 100. Jackson allowed a passer rating of 140. So the Jets must address both spots.

Options for the Jets with the second first round pick (No. 23 overall) are Northwestern’s cornerback Greg Newsome, Virginia Tech’s cornerback Caleb Farley, Oklahoma State’s tackle Teven Jenkins and Oklahoma’s center Creed Humphrey.

Why should I trust Mike LeFleur to successfully develop a young/rookie QB? What will the Jets do differently this time around? — @JohnnySack69

Because the west coast Kyle Shanahan system is quarterback friendly and most cook in that offense.

Matt Schaub, Robert Griffin III, Matt Ryan, and Jimmy Garoppolo had career years in that scheme. Granted LeFleur isn’t Shanahan but I believe from his time working with Shanahan, he learned a lot which should result in an efficient offense.

Sean McVay is from that tree and you saw what McVay did with Jared Goff. Aaron Rodgers just won an MVP in that offense under Matt LeFleur even though that had more to do with Rodgers being one of the best to ever play.

Jets brought in Teddy to compete with Darnold when he was drafted. Do you think they do the same for Zach Wilson? Or will any QB signing be for purely backup/mentor purposes? — @andrewnyc_

Quarterbacks like Alex Smith and Teddy Bridgewater want to be starters, so I don’t see the fit here. I understand the value in competition, but it should be for purely backup and mentor purposes. That’s why the Jets brought in Brian Hoyer for a visit.

You need to see what you have in your rookie quarterback by playing him early and building around him to further his development. Also, there aren’t many quarterbacks on the market that would legitimately beat out Wilson unless he sucked in training camp.

Another thing is the backup quarterback market stinks. If any of these guys are taking meaningful snaps for the Jets then get ready for a top-10 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

What is the reason why nearly the entire NFL has Wilson rated higher than Fields? — @Keith766

The entire NFL does not have him rated higher. ESPN’s Mel Kiper, The Draft Scout’s Matt Miller, NFL Network Bucky Brooks and many others have Fields rated higher. Fields has more physical traits than Wilson but the Wilson hype train is undeniable and it’s easy to understand why. His play style reminds folks of Patrick Mahomes and Rodgers. Who doesn’t want that type of quarterback on their roster?

What’s the plan at tight end? — @NQ2042

They better draft one. You see what the returners look like. Chris Herndon has the talent to be good but had a quiet 2020 with 31 receptions for 287 yards and three touchdowns. Ryan Griffin had less than 100 yards receiving and is 31.

Options at tight end are Miami’s Brevin Jordan, Ole Miss’s Kenny Yeboah, and Boston College’s Hunter Long, Notre Dame’s Tommy Tremble and Penn State’s Pat Freiermuth. With nine total draft picks, the Jets should snag one of those players.