Not too many mock drafts had the Jets taking Iowa State edge Will McDonald IV at No. 15, let alone had him as a first-round pick at all. But the Jets add the speedy pass-rusher to the mix and now shift their focus to the second day of the draft. Let’s take a quick stab at a full mock draft using PFF’s simulator entering round two.
No. 49 (projected trade down with PIT) - Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
The Jets were shut out of the top of the offensive tackle group in round one, including seeing Broderick Jones go one pick before them after the Steelers traded up to get him in a deal with the Patriots. Ironically, the Jets swing a deal here with the Steelers, getting a 7th this year and a 3rd next year to move back six spots and land a bit of a sleeper at the tackle position in Bergeron, who had a strong week in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. Bergeron will compete with Mekhi Becton and Max Mitchell on the right side.
No. 112 - Anthony Johnson Jr., S, Iowa State
The Jets take a second player from the Iowa State defense, this time on the back end with safety Anthony Johnson Jr. Jordan Whitehead, Chuck Clark, Ashtyn Davis and Will Parks are all set to become free agents in 2024. A mid-round safety is probably likely, if not on day two. Johnson is a former cornerback that switched to safety last season. He had 30 passes defended and two interceptions in his career.
No. 143 - Juice Scruggs, C, Penn State
The Jets will need a long-term answer at the center position. Scruggs will need to develop a bit, but he’s a really good fit in a zone scheme and the Jets will be able to bring Scruggs along after re-signing Connor McGovern and also have Wes Schweitzer in a pinch if need be.
No. 170 - Bryce Ford-Wheaton, WR, West Virginia
A developmental option but one with plenty of upside. Ford-Wheaton brings a great deal of size (almost six-foot-four, 221 pounds) and speed (4.38 40-yard dash, 6.97 three-cone). He has the potential to be a big target down the line for the Jets.
No. 251 - Travis Dye, RB, USC
The Jets just released Ty Johnson, so there’s some room in the running back group. Dye is similarly sized to Johnson, just a few pounds lighter. Dye can help on third downs. He caught 104 passes over his five seasons in college between Oregon and USC and also rushed for almost 4,000 yards in college.
