Jets set to go Bowling for help one last time
Draft season is upon us. Following another disappointing 7-10 season, the Jets will select 10th in April’s draft.
Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1 was the biggest culprit behind an offense that finished 31st in yards (268.6) and 29th in points per game (15.8). Now, the Jets will look to provide a healthy Rodgers with more firepower and weapons.
Senior Bowl practices in Mobile, Ala., will begin next Tuesday and officially kick off draft season. This, along with the game itself on Feb. 3, will be the first opportunity for Jets brass to look at the standout collegiate players as they practice and compete against each other.
What should help is Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich (National Team), along with Titans defensive line coach
Terrell Williams (American Team), will serve as head coaches at the Senior Bowl. That will give Ulbrich and the Jets a chance to get a closer look at some of the prospects available.
Here are five offensive players the Jets should keep an eye on next week:
TALIESE FUAGA, OT, OREGON ST.
It is no secret that the Jets could use at least one tackle, if not two, this offseason. Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown are both free agents, meaning the Jets could draft a tackle with their first pick.
With Notre Dame’s Joe Alt and Penn State’s Olu Fashanu possibly off the board by the time they pick, Fuaga could be an option at No. 10.
At 6-6, 334 pounds, Fuaga has an excellent frame for an NFL tackle. He also has good quickness for a player his size and is a talented pass protector.
One question Fuaga will need to address at the Senior Bowl is if can play at left tackle. While at Oregon State, Fuaga started 25 games at right tackle. Pro Football Focus gave him an 80.8 grade, including a 79.6 mark in run blocking.
The Jets could possibly use a right tackle, depending on where they decide to play Alijah Vera-Tucker in 2024. With a great week in Mobile, Fuaga could improve his draft stock.
TROY FAUTANU, OL, WASHINGTON
The Jets could also be in the market for a new guard, and that’s where Fautanu comes in.
At 6-4, 317 pounds, Fautanu is projected to be a mid-first-round pick after he was a third-team AP All-American and first-team all-Pac-12 selection. He is a dynamic run blocker with the versatility to play at left tackle and guard.
Expect Fautanu to receive snaps at both guard and tackle down in Mobile.
MICHAEL PRATT, QB, TULANE
Why would the Jets select a quarterback when Rodgers is on the roster? It’s simple, they need added insurance if another injury were to happen to the 40-year-old four-time MVP.
Gang Green is expected to add a veteran quarterback in free agency. But that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t select a young prospect on Day 3 of the draft.
The 6-3, 220-pound Pratt played in 46 games for the Green Wave during his four seasons. He passed for 9,611 yards, 90 touchdowns and 26 interceptions.
What stands out about Pratt is he is an exceptional vertical passer with elite arm strength and accuracy. He also has the off-schedule ability and the skill set to be successful in the NFL.
JOE MILTON III, QB, TENNESSEE
Milton is another QB Ulbrich and the Jets could keep an eye on during Senior Bowl practices. In 12 games, Milton passed for 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions for the Volunteers.
At 6-5, 235 pounds, Milton is a skilled athlete who can move well in the pocket. However, he is very raw as a passer and needs to work on his mechanics.
What is intriguing about Milton is his rocket arm strength and his combination of size and athleticism.
XAVIER LEGETTE, WR, S. CAROLINA
The Jets certainly could use some receiver help.
Outside of Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, the Jets didn’t have any game-breaking players in their passing attack.
Legette is a bigger receiver at 6-3 and 227 pounds with considerable ability. He is an alluring prospect with his ball skills and ability to attack the ball at its highest point.
During his senior season, Legette finished with 71 catches for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns. Legette’s speed has been a question mark, but he can address that during practices against other prospects.