New York Jets 2021 Draft Picks: Building around Zach Wilson

The New York Jets missed out on Trevor Lawrence, but they have a treasure chest of picks to use in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Zach Wilson is the presumptive pick for the New York Jets at No. 2 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, but things get interesting from there. New York has two first-round picks and five on the first two nights of the draft.

Take a look at the live results for the Jets in the 2021 NFL Draft:

Round 1 — No. 2 — Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

Although the Jets missed out on drafting Trevor Lawrence, Wilson is an excellent consolation prize. The BYU product with the rocket arm should be familiar with New York’s offensive system after playing a variation of it in college. This pick should come as no surprise. It’s time to build around Zach Wilson.

Round 1 — No. 14 — Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC

The Jets desperately needed to add another plug-and-play guy to the offensive line and Alijah Vera-Tucker is just what the doctor ordered. Despite playing tackle in college, Vera-Tucker projects as a guard in the NFL and he should fit into Mike LaFleur’s scheme like a glove. This is the first step towards building around Zach Wilson.

Round 2 — No. 34 — Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss

The theme of building around Wilson continues into the second round. There was reported interest around the league in trading up with the Jets here, but Douglas wasn’t having any of it. Elijah Moore is a first-round talent who fell to day two. He is one of the most talented slot receivers in the draft and he’s the type of receiver who just needs the ball in space.

Round 4 — No. 107 — Michael Carter, RB, UNC

The Jets can’t seem to get enough offense in this draft. Douglas is 4-for-4 on drafting offense with this Michael Carter pick. Carter was the highest-rated running back on the board and he joins a crowded backfield that includes La’Mical Perine, Ty Johnson, Tevin Coleman, and Josh Adams. The Tar Heel will come in and compete for snaps immediately.

Round 5 — No. 146 — Jamien Sherwood, S, Auburn

Jamien Sherwood is a big, physical safety who adds depth to the defensive backfield for the Jets. Douglas finally takes a defensive player after going with four offensive players to start the draft. Sherwood joins a unit that already boasts Marcus Maye, Ashtyn Davis, and Lamarcus Joyner.

Round 5 — No. 154 — Michael Carter II, CB, Duke

The Jets go with another defensive back just eight picks after Sherwood. Even more strange, they are taking another “Michael Carter” from the ACC. Michael Carter II is a versatile defensive back who should help add to the depth on Robert Saleh’s defense.

Round 5 — No. 175 — Jason Pinnock

Jason Pinnock, 21, is a cornerback who should add some depth and competition to that group. The Jets are taking flyers on defensive backs with their Day 3 picks and it makes perfect sense. If Pinnock or Carter II can force their way into the starting lineup, Saleh’s defensive backfield will be a lot better off.

Round 6 — No. 186 — Hamsah Nasirildeen, S, FSU

Hamsah Nasirildeen led the Florida State Seminoles in tackles in 2018 and 2019. He missed all but two games in 2020 while recovering from ACL surgery. Nasirildeen is a hybrid safety who can flex to weakside linebacker. He should compete for snaps with Sherwood as that hybrid safety/linebacker.

Round 6 — No. 200 — Brandin Echols, DB, Kentucky

Don’t say that the Jets didn’t put anything into the cornerback position this offseason. Echols is the third cornerback that the Jets are taking on Day 3 and although he projects as a developmental prospect, his athleticism gives him upside worth taking.

Round 6 — No. 207 — Jonathan Marshall, DT, Arkansas

Again, the Jets are taking a flyer on a defensive player, but this time around it’s on a position where they are stacked. Jonathan Marshall, a defensive tackle out of Arkansas, will join a deep group that includes Quinnen Williams, Jonathan Franklin-Myers, and Foley Fatukasi.