Some prospects on Jets’ radar at Senior Bowl
While the Chiefs and 49ers prepare to play in Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 30 other teams are looking towards free agency and April’s NFL Draft.
The Senior Bowl game was played on Saturday afternoon, which is essentially the start of draft season. This week’s practices in Mobile, Ala., allowed players to showcase their skills in front of scouts, general managers, and coaches of all 32 teams.
Of the 100-plus NFL prospects that were on hand during practices, who separated themselves from the pack?
MICHAEL PENIX JR., QB, WASHINGTON
Penix opted out of the Senior Bowl game itself. This was after he was the best quarterback throughout the week.
Opinions on Penix vary between being selected during the middle of the first round to being a Day 2 pick. By looking at his film and numbers, Penix deserves to be one of the top quarterbacks drafted. He passed for 9,544 yards, 67 touchdowns and 19 interceptions the last two seasons for Washington.
However, Penix’s age (24), lack of mobility, and injury history work against him. He isn’t a sitting duck in the pocket, but following his two ACL tears in 2018 and 2020, Penix hasn’t been the same athlete.
The biggest question is whether Penix can succeed without a clean pocket. In the 34-13 loss to Michigan in the National Championship, Penix was sacked one time. However, the Wolverines consistently put pressure on Penix, which led to two interceptions.
If his medicals come back clean during the NFL Combine, Penix will likely be a first-round pick. There are too many quarterback-needy teams, and the Bears, Commanders, and Patriots, who have the top three picks in April’s draft, are expected to take the top three quarterbacks available (Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels).
TALIESE FUAGA, TACKLE, OREGON STATE
No one improved their stock more than Fuaga did during Senior Bowl practices. He came to Mobile as the best offensive lineman in attendance and might have left the best overall player.
Fuaga rarely lost a rep throughout the week and dominated at right tackle. At 6-foot-5 and 332 pounds, Fuaga certainly has the size to be a force at the next level.
There were questions about whether Fuaga needed to switch to guard. He put all those answers to bed, and now Fuaga could be a top-10 pick.
The Jets could use a starter at both left and right tackle. With Jeff Ulbrich coaching the National Team at the Senior Bowl, don’t be surprised if the Jets decide to draft Fuaga.
TYLER GUYTON, OT, OKLAHOMA
During practices this week, Fuaga was one of many offensive linemen on the Jets’ radar. Guyton solidified his stock during the three practices after only playing 12 games. However, Guyton has a ton of potential upside with his combination of size (6-7, 328 pounds) and athleticism.
The significant difference between Fuaga and Guyton is where each player could line up at the next level. Despite playing primarily on the right side during college, Guyton lined up at left tackle throughout practices. Fuaga stayed at right tackle.
If the Jets prefer drafting a left tackle over a right tackle, Guyton could be their guy.
ROMAN WILSON, WR, MICHIGAN
Wilson separated himself from the group of receivers this week. His highlight one-handed catch in a one-on-one battle with Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell was the talk of Wednesday’s practice.
At 5-10, 186 pounds, Wilson isn’t the fastest player. However, Wilson is an incredible route runner who always finds a way to get open. He led Michigan in 2023 in receptions (48), receiving yards (789) and receiving touchdowns (12).
The Jets could use more offensive weapons other than Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson. That’s why drafting Wilson in the third round could make sense for Gang Green.
SPENCER RATTLER, QB, SOUTH CAROLINA
During the Senior Bowl game, Rattler completed a 29-yard touchdown pass to Georgia’s Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint. That play was just a glimpse of how Rattler performed throughout the week.
Not only did Rattler make some impressive throws during the three practices, but he displayed confidence and decisiveness. Rattler also showed his NFL-level cannon for an arm.
It remains to be seen if Rattler has done enough to be selected in the first three days of the draft. But if he is around in Round 4, the Jets should run to the podium.
Sure, the Jets have Aaron Rodgers and are expected to sign a veteran quarterback. But Rattler could be an excellent developmental project.
BRADEN FISKE, DT, FLORIDA STATE
Fiske was a menace throughout with his quick first step and fast hands. He was named the top defensive lineman on the American Team, which was voted by his teammates.
In his only season at Florida State after transferring from Western Michigan, Fiske recorded 43 tackles, six sacks, and nine tackles for loss. Most draft experts thought Fiske was a Day 3 selection coming into the Senior Bowl. However, Fiske was nearly unblockable in both 11-on-11 and one-onone drills.
With his ability to line up on both the outside and inside, Fiske’s skillset fits what the Jets like to do defensively.