Gang Green fans should keep tabs on these players as NFL gathers to watch future stars
The Jets’ pivotal offseason kicks into overdrive at the annual Underwear Olympics (aka NFL Scouting Combine) this week. General manager Mike Maccagnan & Co. will evaluate everything from draft prospects’ physical traits to their football IQ during this intense process.
The Jets, who have a grand total of 14 wins in the past three seasons, have a litany of positions that must be upgraded if they want to be relevant again.
Here are five players — well, actually more thanks to some creative licensing — who Jets fans should keep an eye on in Indianapolis:
The 6-5, 283-pound Gary has the physical tools to dominate, but his lack of consistent production in college shouldn’t be dismissed. He managed just 9 ½ sacks in 34 career games. The New Jersey native finished with 3 ½ sacks and 6 ½ tackles in nine games last season, while battling a shoulder injury.
New defensive coordinator Gregg Williams loves versatile pieces in his multiple fronts, so there’s little doubt that he’d be able maximize Gary’s varied skill set. Williams is smart enough to get the best out of a supremely gifted player like Gary. Williams’ quickness, motor, hands and fluidity make him a no-brainer to be off the board within the first few picks. Some scouts believe he has the makings of a perennial All-Pro despite a college resume that only includes one full season as a starter.
The 6-3, 290 pounder was a terror in 2018 with 19 ½ tackles and eight sacks a as a redshirt sophomore. Pairing him with Leonard Williams along the interior would provide weekly headaches for opponents.
The Alabama star has even worked out with the Jets defensive lineman this offseason. Gregg Williams (no relation to either player) would have a field day moving those two versatile players up and down the line.
Williams, Williams & Williams has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?
Will Quinnen Williams make it to No. 3? Some personnel people aren’t so sure.
It’s no secret Maccagnan is in search of offensive line upgrades. He’ll address some of those deficiencies in free agency, but there are intriguing Day One options that warrant consideration if/ when the Jets trade down.
Gang Green could sure use an anchor at either tackle spot for the next decade, but scouts that I’ve reached out to believe Williams could be a stud guard at the next level. He has the skills to be a quality right tackle too, but it seems like a stretch to project him as a star blind-side protector.
Taylor, who won’t do running/ jumping drills due to a hamstring strain, and Ford might not be getting the pre-draft headlines like Williams but each offers position flexibility if the Jets are comfortable trading down more than just a handful of spots in the first round.
Without a second-round pick at the moment, it sure seems wise for the Jets to collect more assets by moving down. There are some quality offensive linemen options after Day One too. North Carolina State center Garrett Bradbury, a converted high school tight end, has gotten rave reviews from personnel people, who love his athleticism and upside. Allen’s decision to return to school for his senior season was a stroke of genius given his ridiculous production in 2018: 17 sacks, 21 ½ tackles for loss and five forced fumbles.
The Jets desperately need a pure pass rusher off the edge to complement Leonard Williams. The 6-5, 260-pound Allen, who earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior, has the athleticism and size to consistently to get home at the next level.
If Gang Green doesn’t land a big-time edge pass rusher in free agency and opts to stay at No. 3, Allen would be tough to pass up. He improved his production (sacks, TFLs, solo tackles) in each of the past three seasons. He’d be a menacing force in Gregg Williams’ multifaceted scheme.
It might be a moot point if the 49ers, who have the second overall pick, decide to go with their own version of Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside with DeForest Buckner and Allen.