EYES ON THE BUCKEYES
Ohio State pair could be on Jets’ radar at combine
Last year Gang Green had five picks in the first three rounds of the draft. This year, the Jets will have just three selections in the first two days. They will pick at numbers 13, 43 and 74 after finishing 7-10 during the 2022 season. While the Jets’ focus has been primarily on a veteran quarterback this offseason, the team has several other issues to address on both sides of the ball.
The NFL combine will begin on Monday in Indianapolis. Here are five offensive players Jets fans should watch:
WR JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA, OHIO STATE
The Jets already have one stud wide receiver from Ohio State in Garrett Wilson, who was recently named the offensive rookie of the year. Why not add another one in Smith-Njigba?
The Jets need another receiver opposite Wilson as the team is expected to move on from veteran Corey Davis. Smith-Njigba is a rugged possession slot receiver who can make difficult catches in traffic. He also can get the ball at its highest point.
Smith-Njigba was limited to three games during the 2022 season due to a hamstring injury. But in 2021, Smith-Njigba was Ohio State’s best receiver, catching 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns.
If Smith-Njigba is available in the second round, the Jets need to run the draft card to the podium.
T PETER SKORONSKI, NORTHWESTERN
After quarterback, the offensive line is the Jets’ biggest concern this offseason. Last season, 11 different players started a game on the offensive line.
Although Mekhi Becton looks slim, trim and healthy coming off a knee injury he sustained during training camp last year, the Jets cannot rely on him. That’s why they must select a tackle early.
Skoronski will compete with Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. and Georgia’s Broderick Jones to be the first tackle selected.
During his last two seasons at Northwestern, Skoronski started 24 games at left tackle. He also has the versatility to play guard at the next level.
Areas that stood out for Skoronski were his technique and explosiveness off the line. He was hardly beaten at the point of attack. Some scouts have said Skoronski will be a better guard than tackle in the NFL.
C LUKE WYPLER, OHIO STATE
Wypler is another Buckeye who will be selected in the first two days of the draft. Wypler was a two-year starter at center at Ohio State and helped lead one of the most explosive offenses in the country.
Wypler led the Buckeyes’ offensive line as called out signals in front of quarterback CJ Stroud, who could be the first quarterback drafted. At 6-3, 300 pounds, Wypler is athletic enough to get around the edges and block defenders at the point of attack. He also often maintains proper technical in the trenches.
Wypler’s size has been questioned, but he can answer those during the combine. His arms also seem short for NFL center standards.
RB CHRIS RODRIGUEZ JR., KENTUCKY
Although Breece Hall is expected to make a full recovery from an ACL injury, last year showed that the Jets need another option outside of Hall as their running game and offense were not the same without him. Rodriguez is a player who could help the Jets and is likely a Day 3 pick. He is a versatile running back with good size and can run out of various schemes.
Not only is Rodriguez a patient runner who allows his offensive line to set up in front of him, but he also loves contact and is a powerful runner inside the tackles. In five seasons at Kentucky, Rodriguez rushed for 3,643 yards, 33 touchdowns while averaging 6.2 yards per carry.
Rodriguez does come with some off-the-field concerns. He pleaded guilty to a DUI after he was arrested last May. Kentucky coach Mark Stoops suspended Rodriguez for the first four games of the 2022 season.
QB MALIK CUNNINGHAM, LOUISVILLE
If Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker were healthy and able to participate in drills, he would be on this list. But since he is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last November, a player like Cunningham, who participated in the Senior Bowl, will have an opportunity to improve his draft stock.
In five seasons at Louisville, Cunningham passed for 9,660 yards and 70 touchdowns, throwing 29 interceptions. He also rushed for 3,179 yards and 50 touchdowns while averaging 5.1 yards per carry.
The Jets will sign or trade for some veteran quarterback this offseason. But they can still develop a player like Cunningham, who could be selected on Day 3 of the draft. Zach Wilson is expected to still be on the roster in 2023, but his time with the Jets appears to be running out after two subpar seasons and multiple benchings last year.