In its final mock draft prior to the real thing beginning on Thursday, SB Nation is sticking with Temple defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson as the pick for the New York Jets at No. 30 in the first round.
SB Nation chooses between Wilkerson, who would slot in at defensive end, and Phil Taylor of Baylor, who would play nose tackle in the Jets’ 3-4, and pick Wilkerson. SB Nation says the 6-foot-4, 315-pound Wilkerson “Wilkerson offers better versatility and more upside.”
In my own mock draft, I faced the virtually identical choice. In my scenario I chose Taylor for the Jets. He may not be quite as highly-ranked on most draft boards as Wilkerson, but 3-4 defenses do not function properly without dominating nose tackles.
Taylor profiles as one of those, and for me that would be an excellent place to start adding to the Jets’ defense. Of course, I also think Wilkerson could be an excellent player. We will just have to see which player ends up having the better career.