NFL Mock Draft 2014: Picks 17-32

Oct 12, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive linesmen Taylor Lewan (77) signals during the second quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan 43-40 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

18. New York Jets
Taylor Lewan
OT, Michigan

If this projected draft turns out to be accurate through this point, most Jets fans are pissed and have officially started looking for something else to read.  WAIT! Don’t go! Look at it this way: all the offensive playmakers have been taken (Evans, Lee, Ebron), and so has the best safety (Clinton-Dix).  So why not pick the best player available at a position of weakness for your team?  The Jets haven’t had a great offensive line since Alan Faneca was teaching Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson the ropes of the NFL.  When he left, they drafted Vladimir Ducasse and have never recovered.  Lewan stands 6’7” 315lbs and plays with a mean streak, drawing comparisons o fellow Wolverine, Jake Long.  If the Jets were lucky enough to get a player of that caliber this late in the first round, they should thank their lucky stars.  I would also love to see Alabama OT Cyrus Kouandijo here as I am a firm believer the SEC is a breeding ground for future NFL stars.  Florida State WR Kelvin Benjamin should also be on their board.