Oct 31, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) catches a touchdown pass while being defended by Houston Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter (4) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
The NFL draft is now just eight days away so it’s time to look at the top wide receivers in this year’s class as Gang Green hopes to add some help for Garrett Wilson.
Given his lengthy injury history, Jordyn Tyson is worthy of being called the top receiver in this class, but one the Jets should want no part of. It may not matter when all is said and done as many project him to go before the Jets are on the clock, but we’ll go with the top six in all actuality with Tyson being out of the question.
Carnell Tate, Ohio State:
Tate is able to get open at all levels, does a great job of tracking the ball and winning in a crowd. Projected by many to go in the top five, Tate will make any team in the league better as soon as he walks in the building. Size and body control lead to eye-popping catches in tight spots.
Makai Lemon, USC: Mocked by the masses to the Jets at sixteen for well over a month now, Lemon would give Gang Green a tough, shifty receiver who rarely gets taken down by the first defender he encounters. Has some of the best hands in this class with just four drops over the course of his college career; good enough for a miniscule drop rate of 2.8% per PFF.
Chris Brazzell, Tennessee:
One of the most polarizing receivers in the class, many fans hold the failures of previous Tennessee receivers against Brazzell. Assuming he’s a “one trick pony” who can only run “go” routes, Brazzell is far from that. His route tree is far more refined than that and it shows up on film. The biggest concern with Brazzell is his effort as a blocker but when he gets after it, he shows he’s more than capable. Is this a coaching issue or effort issue? That will be the biggest question he’ll have to answer.
Omar Cooper Jr, Indiana:
One of the best route runners in the country, Cooper Jr. has outstanding hands and can elevate to play much bigger than his size (6′ 199) would suggest. Another popular name linked to the Jets of late, Cooper’s ability to play inside and out with Garrett Wilson and AD Mithcell could go over well in the Jets war room.
Ted Hurst, Georgia State:
If Hurst had gone to a bigger school, we’re convinced he’d be garnering more attention as a top receiver in the class. He’s a 6′ 4” receiver who runs like a slot guy when necessary. Very quick feet and crisp routes lead to plenty of separation for Hurst whose impressive wingspan allows him to make catches that most guys can’t make. When all is said and done, he’ll be a better player than a lot of guys currently ranked ahead of him.
Any of the receivers listed above would be a welcome addition to a room that already has Garrett Wilson and AD Mitchell, but if the Jets opt to wait until after pick 44 to take a receiver, keep an eye on Bronx native Skyler Bell out of UConn, Lemon’s running mate Ja’Kobi Lane, or Georgia’s Zahariah Branch.