CeeDee Lamb Becoming Favorite to Be Jets’ First-Round Pick

• CeeDee Lamb leads a trio of receivers who sit among the favorites to be the Jets first pick in this year’s NFL Draft
• Offensive line upgrades also remain a major priority for the Jets
• See the full set of odds on the prospects the Jets are targeting below

The New York Jets have no shortage of needs to address as they prepare for the 2020 NFL Draft. The team is coming off a fourth straight losing campaign, but after showing signs of turning the corner with wins in six of their final eight contests, the Jets are scheduled to pick 11th when the first round of this year’s draft gets underway on Thursday.

The 27th-ranked team  in the NFL in receiving yards last season, the Jets are expected to bolster their aerial corps at this year’s draft. That has lifted Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb to a +350 favorite to be the team’s first pick.

Odds on Player to Be New York Jets First Draft Pick

Odds taken April 21st

Receivers Top the Odds

While quarterback Sam Darnold made strides in his second NFL season in 2019, the team’s receivers failed to keep pace, catching just 19 touchdowns. Downfield concerns increased with the departure of Robby Anderson, who left town to sign as a free agent in Carolina last month.

The Jets filled the hole by signing four-year veteran Breshad Perriman, but that is unlikely to be enough to satisfy head coach Adam Gase.

The #Jets have signed WR Breshad Perriman.

Perriman is entering his 5th year in the NFL, previously playing for BLT, CLV and TB. He's seen action in 51 games (10 starts), recording 95 receptions for 1,561 yards and 11 touchdowns during that span.

📷: Rick Osentoski/AP Images pic.twitter.com/0OWcIHsURm

— NYJ Communications (@NYJetsPR) April 1, 2020

Considered by many observers to be the top wide receiver prospect in this year’s draft, Lamb showed steady improvement during his three-year collegiate career in Norman. The 21-year-old racked up 1327 receiving yards and 14 scores with the Sooners last season, and earned All-American honors on two occasions.

Ceedee Lamb stats vs top-20 teams:
– LSU 4 rec, 119 yards
– Baylor 8 rec 173 yards
– Texas 10 rec 171 yards, 3 TDs
– Alabama 8 rec 109 yards, TD
– Texas 6 rec 167 yards, TD
– WVU 5 rec, 53 yards
– Texas 6 rec 75 yards, TD

I need Howie to strongly consider trading up.. #Eagles

— Thomas R. Petersen (@thomasrp93) April 19, 2020

Lamb is not the only wideout expected to be available when the Jets steps up to the virtual dais on Thursday night. Alabama star Jerry Jeudy closely follows Lamb as a +450 second favorite to be the Jets’ first pick, while his Crimson Tide teammate Henry Ruggs III closely trails at +700.

Offensive Line Upgrades a Priority

But while downfield upgrades are a major priority for the Jets, a deep talent pool of available receivers exists that the team could exploit with their three picks in the second and third rounds, leaving the No. 11 pick available to address other needs.

A source confirms, Jets sign T George Fant to a three-year deal that could be worth a maximum of $30M. https://t.co/bEv182RcEr

— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) March 17, 2020

In addition to giving Darnold upgraded targets, Gase will also be aiming to provide his star quarterback with an upgraded offensive line. The Jets have taken steps in that direction with the recent signing of veteran George Fant, but the right side remains a concern. That has lifted a trio of offensive linemen in the odds to be the Jets’ top pick, with Mehki Becton and Andrew Thomas deadlocked at +600.

Thomas’ Flexibility Makes Him an Attractive Pick

According to our odds-based Mock Draft, Andrew Thomas looks to be the best OL candidate available to the Jets when their first pick rolls around. The 21-year-old demonstrated his flexibility during his three seasons with the Georgia Bulldogs, where he played both left and right tackle, and has remained a top prospect despite some struggles at the NFL Combine.

Position group I can’t comprehend the evaluations Offensive Tackle. UGAs Andrew Thomas is the best of the group and it’s not particularly close.

Plug & Play Left Tackle that also started 15 games on right side for National Championship Finalist as True Freshman.

HIGH FLOOR

— Chad Forbes (@NFLDraftBites) April 14, 2020

Gase’s previous experience as a wide receivers coach should help the team strengthen their receiving crops later in the draft, and allow them to prioritize offensive line upgrades with their top pick. While the team can score a big win by landing Becton or Ruggs, Thomas’ varied experience would allow them plenty of flexibility on how they will use Fant, who largely played left tackle during his time with Seattle.

Pick: Andrew Thomas (+600)