NFL draft, first-round mock picks 1-10, and Cleveland Browns pick No. 26
By Greg Newland
2. New York Jets – Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
There are a few major questions here for the Jets. Number one, will they go quarterback? Number two, who will it be if they go that route? Some think Zach Wilson will go second and others have the North Dakota State star, Trey Lance coming off the board extremely early.
Given Fields’ last few games of the year, I still think he is the guy who will go No. 2. And given the regression of Sam Darnold the last few years, the Jets must take a risk and draft a quarterback, they’re just too important in this league.
Fields must continue to improve his speed in reading defenses, but his athleticism and accuracy are much to be desired by NFL teams.
3. Miami Dolphins – DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
The no. 3 pick for the Miami Dolphins via the Houston Texans will be a tough one. They could very well go offensive line, but after seeing the star power of Devonta Smith in the National Championship game, it may have sealed the deal for him to be a top-3 pick.
Smith doesn’t overwhelm you with size or speed, but he is a football player, and that is something that can’t be overlooked. Smith is an elite route runner and catches anything that is close to his body. While Tua Tagovailoa could certainly use some additional protection up front, he will certainly welcome a star receiver like Smith as well.