Jets draft preview: 3 players Gang Green could pick at No. 6

By Ross Jones
Published

The New York Jets hold the No. 6 overall pick in the NFL Draft. In our 32-team preview series, FOXSports.com takes a look at their roster post-free agency and delivers a plan of attack for the last day in April.

It's a new era in Gotham.

After four seasons without a postseason berth, owner Woody Johnson made sweeping changes to the New York Jets' front office and coaching staff. With general manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles entrenched in their new roles, they have already dramatically enhanced the roster in a little over two months.

Upgrading the secondary -- which was tied for the least amount of interceptions last season with six -- was the priority heading into free agency. Maccagnan let the money fly and put together the $149 million secondary. Signing cornerbacks Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Buster Skrine to long-term deals, the Jets didn't stop there. By inking strong safety Marcus Gilchrist to pair with last year's first-round pick Calvin Pryor, they have a very formidable defense from top to bottom. The defense will obviously be the strong suit of this team, but one lingering question remains: Who will be under center?

Geno Smith enters his third season as New York's probable starter and his career is at a crossroads. Additionally, offensive coordinator Chan Gailey helped initiate a trade to bring long-time quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to town. It's not likely the long-term answer is on the roster.

Positions of need: QB, OLB, RB

Three options to consider

Marcus Mariota, QB: Depending on how the first five picks shake out, it's unlikely Oregon's Marcus Mariota will be there when Maccagnan is on the clock. That said, the team would immediately upgrade the quarterback position if they were able to trade up and select Mariota. At 6-foot-5, 222 pounds, Mariota possesses freaky athleticism that defenses must account for. While he stands tall in the pocket and makes decisive throws, some scouts wonder how he'll transition in the league after playing in Mark Helfrich's spread offense.

Dante Fowler, DE/OLB: While Fowler is far from a finished product, he showed rare athleticism at the NFL Combine, running a 4.61 in the 40-yard dash at 261 pounds. Aside from the long speed, which really doesn't apply to playing defensive end, Fowler is a lethal pass rusher, racking up 8.5 sacks during his junior season and is stout enough to set the edge. Outside linebacker Quinton Coples has untapped potential, but is entering the final year of his rookie deal.

Shane Ray, DE/OLB: Ray, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, led the conference in sacks and tackles for loss. Ray plays with great burst and leverage and would immediately give the Jets a rotational option behind aging veterans Jason Babin and Calvin Pace. 

FAN MOCK DRAFT: Who should the Jets take? Tell us here.