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New York Jets: Five Way Too Early First Round Picks

Ole Miss DT Robert Nkemdiche

The Jets drafting Nkemdiche is a terrifyingly intriguing scenario. He’s a top ten talent without much question. His 6’3 and nearly 300lb frame possess explosiveness and athleticism on the defensive line. He played defensive end before switching to defensive tackle, which would make the Jets d-line more dynamic (Leonard Williams possesses similar versatility). Muhammad Wilkerson and Damon Harrison are both free agents, so retaining both of them won’t be easy.

How does a player of Nkemdiche’s caliber fall to the Jets at number 20? A marijuana arrest, and 15 foot spill near an Atlanta hotel before the Sugar Bowl is going to have some team’s wary of his character.

He fits a need, and is easily one of the most talented players in the draft. If he slips in the first round, the Jets would have to think long and hard about passing on a player of Nkemdiche’s ability.

.To be fair, talent usually trumps character in the NFL, but let’s wait and see how Nkemdiche is valued. I really don’t think he falls this far in the draft, but the Jets hit a homerun if he does.