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2015 NFL Draft: New York Jets Pre-Combine Seven Round Mock

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By @GregSulik

2015 NFL Draft: New York Jets Pre-Combine Seven Round Mock

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NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports

As the NFL Combine nears, teams are shaping their draft boards and getting an idea of who might be a good fit for their roster. The Jets have a host of needs to address, giving them several directions to consider in the draft. Keep in mind that free agency will fill some roster holes and compensatory picks have yet to be awarded. Until that happens, we'll keep all the Jets' key needs in mind as I give you my pre-combine Jets mock draft.

1st Round: OLB Shane Ray, Missouri

shane ray missouri
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

1st Round: OLB Shane Ray, Missouri

shane ray missouri
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Right now it's very questionable if any of Marcus Mariota, Jameis Winston, or Amari Cooper will be available at No. 6 overall. If they're all gone, the most likely scenario for the Jets is drafting one of the elite pass rushers. Ray is an explosive speed rusher who had 14.5 sacks this season and would be a massive upgrade for the Jets. This is a simple combination of need and best player available that makes too much sense to pass up.

2nd Round: CB Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest

kevin johnson wake forest
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

2nd Round: CB Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest

kevin johnson wake forest
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

I expect the Jets to address the cornerback need in free agency, taking it out of draft consideration. Until then, Johnson would be a great fit for Todd Bowles' defense. He has the height and speed to cover top receivers while showing good aggressiveness. More importantly, Johnson is one of the most natural cover corners in the draft, playing smooth and with great instincts. His playing style is perfect for the Jets, though he must get stronger.

3rd Round: OT Tyrus Thompson, Oklahoma

tyrus thompson oklahoma
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

3rd Round: OT Tyrus Thompson, Oklahoma

tyrus thompson oklahoma
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

I believe it's in the Jets' best interest to move Breno Giacomini to guard and add a solid pass protecting tackle, and Thompson fits that bill. Thompson is a natural athlete who started at left tackle for the Sooners, who allowed the second fewest sacks in college football this season. Thompson would be a Day 1 starter for the Jets and is a great value in the third round.

4th Round: FS Damarious Randall, Arizona State

damarious randall arizona state
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

4th Round: FS Damarious Randall, Arizona State

damarious randall arizona state
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

I'll admit I'm probably stretching this one a bit, because with his stock on the rise I doubt Randall will still have a fourth round grade come draft day. He does right now, however, and Randall would be a perfect fit for the Jets at the back end of their secondary. Randall is a rangy free safety who specializes in coverage and has good ball skills, which is exactly what the Jets need to shore up their pass defense.

5th Round: WR Vince Mayle, Washington State

vince mayle washington state
Getty Images

5th Round: WR Vince Mayle, Washington State

vince mayle washington state
Getty Images

The Jets need a big play threat on the outside, and Mayle would provide them with that. He posted 106 receptions for 1,483 yards and 9 TDs in Wazzu's high octane offense this season, demonstrating his big play ability with both an 81 and 90 yard touchdown. Mayle has to clean up his route running, but with his size and athleticism he would be a nice pick this late.

6th Round: Percy Harvin Trade

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Getty Images

6th Round: Percy Harvin Trade

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Getty Images

We're going to work on the assumption that the Jets will release Harvin because he simply didn't do enough in his eight games with the team to justify his enormous salary or giving up a fourth round pick for him. That means the Jets will lose their sixth round pick to the Seahawks, a price that was worth paying to take a chance on Harvin.

7th Round: QB Cody Fajardo, Nevada

cody fajardo nevada
Getty Images

7th Round: QB Cody Fajardo, Nevada

cody fajardo nevada
Getty Images

Jets fans don't want to see their team wait this long to draft a QB, but there is a good chance they won't find the quarterback of the future in this draft. However, dual threat Fajardo would make a great developmental prospect late. Fajardo threw for 2,498 yards and 18 TDs this season while rushing for 1,046 yards and 13 TDs. He would be an interesting player to bring in and develop, and high upside is all you can ask for in the 7th round.

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