We are just a WEEK away from the 2021 NFL Draft and we are running out of time for debate! I know that I’m getting into something that is very-much disliked by Jets fans but I’m going to be bold. We all know the Jets have the ability to draft a OL, CB, EDGE or maybe a RB? I understand we are in dire need of IOL and DBs, but we need to surround the presumptive 2nd overall pick Zach Wilson with all the firepower possible. We’ve got to get him a playmaker that he can pass it to or hand it off to and that could take it for 10+ yards. Two immediate names that come to mind are obviously Alabama’s RB Najee Harris and Clemson’s RB Travis Etienne. It’s not a question that Najee and Travis are the two best RBs in the draft. I wouldn’t say one is better than the other, it just depends what type of RB the team is looking for. Here’s why we need Etienne/Harris:
Why we need the offensive playmaker:
The big mistake the Jets made with Darnold is that we did not feed him offensive playmakers. Everything was hard for him since day one, in order to END the “Jets can’t groom a QB,” narrative we have to surround the next QB with a loaded amount of talent. We have to get him a security blanket, someone who he can just give it to. Etienne and Harris both fit that criteria. People suggest waiting until the lower rounds, I understand that we can get Chubba Hubbard or Javonte Williams in rounds 3-5 but that’s not a giving. The Jets haven’t met with Javonte, so I’m pretty sure that he won’t be the pick and we want to get an elite player at the RB position. Etienne is probably a better scheme fit because he catches out the backfield and can run it deep, however Najee’s ability to break a tackle and run it to the dome with 3 guys on him is so impressive. Najee isn’t a better receiving back than Etienne but can complete the task if asked to. Etienne was also asked earlier this week about the Jets and he said that it would be a perfect situation for him and he’d fit in “perfectly” and I don’t doubt him. I don’t think either of them will be available at #34 because the Steelers, Bills, and Bucs all pick after #23 and need RBs. If you walk away with Zach Wilson and Etienne/Harris after Day One, you can’t be mad. Now, to the OL/CB/EDGE people. We can always draft C/G Creed Humphrey in round two and OG Wyatt Davis in round three. Another option is drafting CB Ifeatu Melifonwu from Syracuse in round three. Now for the EDGE people, we can select Patrick Jones II in round four or trade up into round two and draft Joseph Ossai. There are so many options.
Travis Etienne Measurements/Stats:
Age- 22 (Birthday was in January)
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 215 LBS
Arms: 30.125”
Hands: 9.375”
40 Time: 4.41
Rushing Yards: 914
TDs: 14
Rushes: 168
Games: 12
Receiving Yards: 588
TDs: 2
REC: 48
Najee Harris Measurements/Stats:
Age- 23 (Birthday was in March)
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 232 LBS
Arms: 33.25”
Hands: 10.25”
40 Time: 4.45
Rushing Yards: 1466
TDs: 26
Rushes: 251
Games: 13
Receiving Yards: 425
TDs: 4
REC: 43
Thanks for reading everybody. This has been Jose Calderon III with FiveBorough Dispatch. Have a great day, everybody!
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