Grading the New York Jets’ 2020 NFL Draft

2020 NFL draft Mekhi Becton
(AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

The New York Jets entered the 2020 NFL Draft with two clear paths to take in the first round. The only question was which direction would they go: offensive line or wide receiver.

General manager Joe Douglas decided to go big — really big — with the pick and selected Louisville offensive tackle, Mekhi Becton. The 6-7, 364-pound behemoth will immediately plug in as one of quarterback Sam Darnold’s starting tackles.

It makes sense that Douglas went in this direction, especially with how the rest of the Jets’ draft shaped up.

2020 Draft Class

1.11: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
2.59: Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
3.68: Ashtyn Davis, Saf, Cal
3.79: Jabari Zuniga, Edge, Florida
4.120: La’Mical Perine, RB, Florida
4.125: James Morgan, QB, FIU
4.129: Cameron Clarke, G, Charlotte
5.158: Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
6.191: Branden Mann, P, TAMU

Best Pick: Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

2020 NFL Draft Denzel Mims New York Jets Pro Football Draft

The Jets targeted offensive line with their first-round pick and it was a wise strategic choice. The 2020 draft has long been touted as being extremely deep at wide receiver, and New York played those odds.

RELATED: Grading the Buffalo Bills 2020 Draft

The gamble hit in the second round with the selection of Mims, who many considered a first-round worthy pass-catcher. He’s a true height/weight/speed prospect who enjoyed a fantastic week of practices as the 2020 Senior Bowl. His stock really began to rise during that event and continued through the NFL Combine.

Mims ran a blistering 4.38 40-yard dash (at 6-3, 207), confirming the long speed he routinely displays on tape. He should be featured in the Jets’ passing attack early in his career and will quickly become one of Sam Darnold’s most reliable playmakers.

Worst Pick: Branden Mann, P, TAMU

Brandon Mann New York Jets 2020 NFL draft

It’s hard to criticize a sixth-round pick, but in this case, the Jets would’ve been better off rolling the dice on a position player. Sure, Mann is an exciting punter prospect who’s likely to become an NFL starter, but a guard like Justin Herron (Wake Forest) went three picks later to the New England Patriots. Herron has a shot to compete for a starting job in a year or two; I’d roll the dice on landing a starting guard over a punter every time.

RELATED: Grading the New England Patriots 2020 draft

The AFC East loved this year’s kicker class. The Bills and Patriots both selected a placekicker. The Jets’ selection of Mann makes it three new kickers added to the division. We’ll see how many of them actually make opening-day rosters.

Final Grade

NFL Draft 2020 New York Jets Mekhi Becton

The Jets did well in the 2020 NFL draft. They added nine players, including two high-impact (likely) starters in the first and second rounds. They added great value on Day 3 as well with the selection of Virginia defensive back, Bryce Hall. He’ll provide New York’s defense with a diverse skill-set and he’s good enough to be as starter in 2020. That’s a win in Round 5.

James Morgan was a smart selection to stash and develop behind Sam Darnold. He has a live arm but needs pro coaching before he can be taken seriously as a long-term NFL quarterback. Jabari Zuniga is a boom-or-bust third-round pick, but most pass-rushers selected in that range are. Ashtyn Davis will upgrade the secondary’s effort and hustle and if nothing else, he’ll be a star on special teams.

The Jets’ draft feels like the kind of class that will contribute to a slow and steady turnaround. It’s a good mix of blue-chippers, high-ceiling guys and developmental starters.

GRADE: B+

Bryan Perez

Bryan is the founder of Pro Football Draft. His work has been featured on The Draft Network, NBC Sports and USA Today. Former CFL scout.

Follow him on Twitter: @BryanPerezNFL