The New York Jets have been adding plenty on offense this offseason and many in 2014 NFL mock drafts have the team going that way in the first round, as Mel Kiper from ESPN predicts that the team will target names like Brandin Cooks, Odell Beckham, Kelvin Benjamin, Marqise Lee, De'Anthony Thomas, Mike Evans or Jarvis Landry in the upcoming draft.
The Jets signed Chris Johnson to a two year deal this week and they already brought in Michael Vick, Eric Decker and Jacoby Ford this offseason and that should upgrade the offense for whoever starts at quarterback. The Jets have had the worst skill position players in the league over the past two years and now they have put some solid talent together and the main question is who will be under center when the season begins, as Vick has a clear shot to start over Geno Smith.
According to Pro Football Talk, the team is hosting Brandin Cooks and Odell Beckham for pre-draft visits and they also are looking at Lee, Benjamin and Thomas as options in the draft to pick up. Cooks has been compared to Tavon Austin, who the Jets have previously been interested in and he could be a pick in the first round, while Lee could also fit with the Jets.
The Jets may continue looking at offense in the draft, as they have 12 picks to use and that means they have the flexibility to make a trade as well if they choose to move up or down. General manager John Idzik has the chance to make moves and if the team sees someone they like in the first round or later in the draft, they have the firepower to move and get them. The Jets are not usually a team that stockpiles draft picks, but they have done that this year and now they could be in the mix for a number of players with immense talent and ability and that could be huge as Geno Smith develops, even if he isn't starting this season.
Cooks is the fastest wideout in the top part of the draft and he was very good last season for Oregon State, putting up over 120 catches for 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Lee finished with 57 catches for 791 yards and four touchdowns last season for USC. According to ESPN.com, Cooks gained 1,215 yards after the catch in 2012 and 2013 and that type of big play ability is something the Jets have been lacking over the past few years. Cooks is projected to be a first round pick and many expect that he will be available when the Jets pick at number 18 in the first round.
Kelvin Benjamin is a big dude at 6-foot-5, 235-pounds and he could be a nice compliment to Decker in the offense after playing at Florida State. Benjamin caught the winning touchdown in the national championship game and he was impressive with 1011 yards and 15 touchdowns last season and his forty time was solid as well. The team may also look at players like Thomas or Evans in the draft and it could get interesting if the Jets make a trade.
