From a talent perspective, Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson shouldn’t be a top-10 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Late first? Second round? Sure, but not with any of the early selections.
But if he’s there with the No. 6 pick, there’s a very real chance Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles pull the trigger, as is the case in NJ.com’s latest NFL mock draft. Check it out below:
NJ.com’s latest mock draft
Here’s the thing: Both Maccagnan and Bowles are on the hot seat. There’s a very real chance both are fired if the Jets have another losing season. Considering the current state of the roster (not good), it’s hard to see them making a run to the NFL playoffs, and certainly not the 2018 Super Bowl.
But Watson could be a ‘Get out of Jail Free’ card. If the Jets select him, and he plays marginally well in another losing season, it very well could buy Maccagnan and Bowles an extra year. So will they forgo drafting the best player available to save their own tails? We think so.
As for the Eagles, a cornerback is certainly an option. But quarterback Carson Wentz needs a weapon, and Western Michigan receiver Corey Davis gives him that. He has tremendous size (6-2, 205), was productive in college and extremely athletic. He’s not as fine-tuned as Clemson’s Mike Williams, but he has just as much upside.
The Giants? We’ve got them taking Alabama tight end O.J. Howard, who slides down in the draft to pick No. 23. Odell Beckham Jr. is a dominant player, and Sterling Shepard is an up-and-coming star. But quarterback Eli Manning needs a third option in the passing game. Howard gives him that. He could be the NFL’s next great tight end, and the best the Giants have had since Jeremy Shockey.
Be sure to check out our entire mock draft here.
Connor Hughes may be reached at chughes@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connor_J_Hughes. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.
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