new york jets jace amaro.jpg

Todd McShay of ESPN had the Jets selecting Texas Tech tight end Jace Amaro in the second round of his three-round mock draft with Mel Kiper Jr.

(Tom Fox/Dallas Morning News/MCT)

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay have both done something like 47 mock drafts this offseason, and since that's not enough to satisfy the cravings of the pre-draft beast, on Thursday they decided to grace us with their combined wisdom by joining forces on a three-round mock draft.

No, I'm not counting the days until the draft finally gets here. Why do you ask?

Kiper and McShay set it up so that they would alternate every pick for the first three rounds—100 selections total, or 50 each. McShay took the odds, Kiper the evens. All picks reflected their own calls, and not what they think (guess?) every team wants. In case you were wondering.

Kiper got to select the Jets' first- and third-rounders. McShay took their second-round pick.

Here's how it went down:

First round: No. 18

Kiper's pick: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State

Kiper's analysis: Feeling pretty good about getting Cooks here—even sweeter after Todd reached on a tackle right the pick before. Cooks is every bit the athlete of top WR pick from last draft Tavon Austin, and he provides this offense with an explosive new tool.

My take: There's no question the Jets' biggest priority heading into the draft is getting another pass-catching threat. Kiper and McShay had Clemson's Sammy Watkins, Texas A&M's Mike Evans, and LSU's Odell Beckham Jr. off the board before it was the Jets' turn, but Cooks certainly fits the bill at No. 18.

Second round: No. 49

McShay's pick: Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech

McShay's analysis: Kiper took a wide receiver for the Jets at No. 18 in Brandin Cooks, and we'll add another weapon in Amaro, who doesn't have elite speed but is a big target (6-5, 265 pounds) in the passing game.

My take: Again, the offense still needs more help, even with the free-agent additions of Mike Vick, Eric Decker, and Chris Johnson. Amaro would work just fine in Round Two, even after a wideout was taken in Round One.

Third round: No. 80

Kiper's pick: Aaron Colvin, CB, Oklahoma

Kiper's analysis: If he hadn't hurt his knee during Senior Bowl practice, Colvin would be gone 40 picks before this spot. He's not a lock to contribute early, but he should play in 2014 and can also play safety. Could be a steal.

My take: As good a time as any to address the defense's biggest need, which isn't as glaring as the need for more weapons on offense. So long as Colvin's knee isn't going to be a long-term issue, this could indeed be a solid get for the Jets in Round Three.

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