INDIANAPOLIS — The buzz surrounding the Jets is they will add a wide receiver, and the way the market at the position is shaping up, there will be an abundance of options.
That’s a good thing, because it’s imperative that Gang Green provides weapons for Zach Wilson in the second year of his development.
Amari Cooper may be available, as ESPN reported Friday that the Cowboys are “likely” to release him. Only $6 million of Cooper’s $20 million base was guaranteed. The former standout Alabama receiver has 7,076 yards with 46 touchdowns and four Pro Bowl appearances in his seven year career. He’s only 27 years old.
That’s one option. But the Jets are doing their due diligence on the draft class as well. The class is deep enough, and the Jets have enough flexibility with four picks in the top 40, where they don’t necessarily have to add a free agent or trade target.
There’s a possible scenario where the Jets add a receiver in the draft and free agency, according to sources within the building.
They met with the majority of the hyped receiver prospects. Arkansas’ Treylon Burks, Georgia’s George Pickens and Penn State’s Jahan Dotson said during their pressers that they met with the Jets.
The Jets also met with USC’s Drake London and Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave of Ohio State, per sources.
So this is the beginning of a full-court press to improve the position. The receiver room is solid with Elijah Moore and Corey Davis; Moore flashed that he could become a 1,000-yard receiver and Davis is a valuable asset for a young QB. But it can get better.
Wilson was already in contention to be the first receiver drafted after producing 70 catches for 1,058 yards for 12 touchdowns in 2021. His route running is his best trait: His elite quickness lets him maneuver pristinely in and out of breaks. He has the highest floor, because those traits translate well to becoming a solid NFL receiver.
But one question was his long speed. However, Wilson quieted those concerns by running a blazing 4.38 40-yard dash. Now there’s a stronger chance he could become the first receiver off the board. His OSU teammate Chris Olave launched himself up the boards too by running a 4.39 40.
London participated in the interviews and opted not to run his 40-yard dash as he continues to recover from his fractured ankle. His height was slightly shorter (6-foot-3 7/8) than what USC listed him (6-foot-5) but added mass by weighing in at 219. He’ll test at his Pro Day.
Burks came in at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds and ran a 4.5, which is good for his size.
The receiver class is deep enough to where the Jets don’t even have to draft one in the first round. They could double up on defense and or go offensive tackle then defense and opt to draft one at the top of the second round.
North Dakota State’s Christian Watson, who was rising up the draft board after having a strong Senior Bowl, produced freakish combine numbers. The 6-foot-4 receiver ran a 4.36 40-yard dash and hit a vertical jump of 38 and a broad jump of 11 feet. Those marks ranked in the top-six for receivers.
Baylor’s Tyquan Thornton ran the fastest 40 time with a blazing 4.28.
So the Jets will have options as they pursue ways to provide Wilson with weapons.
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