Boston College Eagles

New York Jets Three-Round 2017 Mock Draft: Going Old School

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:42 p.m. ET

Fansided, Erik Lambert/FanSided via NFL Mocks

Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) kneels prior to kickoff of a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets have one of their more important drafts coming up in 2017. If they get it right then odds are they can avoid a long, painful rebuild.

Sometimes the best way to go about it is old school. That means harping back to good, old smashmouth football on offense and playing great defense. New York still has enough pieces in place to get something going. It’s about filling enough gaps to avoid any serious long-term breakdowns. Here is an effort that could push them in the right direction.

1st Round

Leonard Fournette

RB, LSU

With Matt Forte aging and now dealing with a torn meniscus, the backfield is a question mark for New York. That’s why drafting Leonard Fournette makes plenty of sense. He is the type of rare running back talent a team can build around. Maybe not quite Adrian Peterson but pretty close. He’s got that coveted mix of size, power, vision and breakaway speed. Feed him 20-30 times a game and the Jets will always have a chance to win. Presuming the defense can be fixed.

Nov 5, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles tackle Roderick Johnson (77) blocks against North Carolina State Wolfpack defensive end Bradley Chubb (9) during the second half at Carter Finley Stadium. Florida State won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

2nd Round

Roderick Johnson

OT, Florida State

Roderick Johnson knows everything there is to know about being a true offensive tackle. He protected a franchise-caliber quarterback in Jameis Winston and has opened lanes for a potential 1st round running back in Dalvin Cook. He’s been somewhat inconsistent in 2016, but the ability has never left him. When his fundamentals are under control there isn’t a player on the field he can’t block.

Sep 18, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston College Eagles defensive lineman Harold Landry (8) tackles Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

3rd Round

Harold Landry

OLB, Boston College

Good news is this draft class is loaded with high potential prospects. One name getting overlooked is Harold Landry. Playing out of Boston College is a big reason for that. They just haven’t had a lot of success lately, but that’s not the case for him. It’s rare to see an edge rusher have 15 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss in a season. That speaks to a player with an inherent sense of how to penetrate the backfield and make plays. He’s got the tools to fit what the Jets do.