Mock Draft 2.0: Rounds 1-3

In February I created a mock draft for the New York Jets.  Since then, much has changed with projected draft boards as prospects have fell and increased in value.  Free agency has also started which heavily influences the way teams will pick come draft day.  In my previous draft I had the Jets' selecting tight end Eric Ebron with their 18th overall pick but now he seems to be a much higher sought after prospect.  It is also important to remember that the Jets lost a third round choice which now becomes a fourth rounder, do to Darrelle Revis being released from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  The Jets possess the ability to build heavily through the draft with the team featuring 12 selections in May's upcoming draft.  The team has a first, second, and third round choice, as well as 3 fourth rounders, a fifth, 4 sixth rounders, and a seventh rounder in the draft.  Many of these picks were rewarded to the team as compensation.  Here is my take on who the Jets should select in the draft:

Round 1 (18th Overall):
CB - Darqueze Dennard (Michigan St.)

It is no secret that the Jets are in desperate need at the cornerback position entering the 2014 NFL Draft.  Cornerback is the most important position in coach Rex Ryan's coveted defensive schemes.  After signing Eric Decker in free agency, the Jets need at the receiver position can wait until the second round to be addressed.  Dennard possesses the talent to step in and start for the Jets from day one.  He has outstanding size (5'11", 200 pounds) and a thick, muscular frame.  Dennard excels in press coverage which makes him a perfect fit for coach Ryan.  He is competitive, likeable, and a strong leader.  Although he has been injury prone at times in his career, the Jets should take a risk on his durability and draft Dennard at the 18 spot come May.

Round 2 (49th Overall):
TE - Jace Amaro (Texas Tech)

The only legitimate tight end currently on the Jets' roster is Jeff Cumberland.  Although a viable option at tight end, Cumberland is not an imposing force or a man that opposing offenses fear.  Drafting Jace Amaro would add much needed depth to the tight end position, as well as the possibility of great upside in Amaro.  Amaro is simply a beast.  Weighing in at 265 pounds and towering 6' 5", Amaro is a physical specimen.  Amaro moves like a receiver and runs crisp, smooth routes.  He has good hands and fairly impressive speed.  He can stretch the field and his sure hands force defenses to fear his abilities as a receiving option.  Amaro is not a good blocker and tends to get thrown around by big defensive ends.  This could be a huge problem and leaves many weary of his ability.  All that aside, Amaro is a calculated risk that should pay off should the Jets give him a chance come draft day.

Round 3 (80th Overall):
WR - Jordan Matthews (Vanderbilt)

After acquiring Eric Decker via free agency this offseason, the Jets began to solidify their receiving corps.  Last season the Jets' receivers were abysmal at best.  This is a position of high need and priority for the team.  The fan base wants to see an improved offense, and quite frankly the jets MUST improve in this area as well.  If available, Jordan Matthews is a must take player with the 80th overall selection in the draft.  Matthews has good length at 6' 3" but is a little on the thin side, only weighing in at 213 pounds.  He runs good routes and will be a great red zone threat for quarterback's Geno Smith and Michael Vick to throw to.  Matthews possesses good awareness, gives effort on his blocks (although often unsuccesful), and has soft hands.  He is prone to concentration drops and can be a "diva" sometimes.  There aren't much questions about his ability to play the position.  If he can get his head straight he should be a solid starter at the NFL level.  Matthews good speed will allow him to also compete as a punt returner for the team.  As long as Matthews uses his intelligence and remains a gritty player, the Jets will be happy they selected him.