Well, here's something of a surprise.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. just put out his first mock draft for 2018, and he doesn't have the Jets taking a quarterback sixth overall. He has them taking a defensive player ... again.

That player is Alabama cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick, who some analysts are also projecting to be an NFL free safety. (The Jets, of course, are set at safety after drafting Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye in Rounds 1 and 2 last year.)

Here is why Kiper sent Fitzpatrick to the Jets, who need help at corner:

Fitzpatrick is the top cornerback and safety in this draft. He could play either position. He was primarily a safety at Alabama, but he covered receivers in the slot and on the outside, and he consistently made plays. New York took safeties with its top two picks last year (Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye), so Fitzpatrick would be a corner for the Jets, who have an opening with Morris Claiborne a free agent this offseason. This is another spot to watch for one of the top quarterbacks.

(Before he played at Alabama, Fitzpatrick starred at St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City. He is from Old Bridge.)

If the Jets sign a quarterback like Kirk Cousins in free agency, they won't draft one at No. 6. But if they don't address the position in free agency, it would be a stunner if they didn't draft a quarterback at that slot.

Kiper's top five in this mock draft sends quarterback Josh Allen to the Browns, quarterback Josh Rosen to the Giants, defensive end Bradley Chubb to the Colts, running back Saquon Barkley to the Browns, and quarterback Sam Darnold to the Broncos. And then Fitzpatrick to the Jets at No. 6.

The Jets could always trade up to get a quarterback, of course. (Kiper has quarterback Baker Mayfield going No. 13 to Washington, as Cousins' replacement. Kiper doesn't project any quarterbacks to go in Round 1 after Mayfield at No. 13 to Washington.)

The Jets have not drafted an offensive player in Round 1 since quarterback Mark Sanchez in 2009. In the eight drafts since, they have taken nine defensive players in Round 1.

Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DarrylSlater. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.