Jets would be wise to put a Nittany Lion on the offensive line
After a nightmare 2023 season, the Jets front office and general manager Joe Douglas have addressed several needs this offseason.
Gang Green has three new starters on its offensive line (left tackle Tyron Smith, left guard John Simpson, and right tackle Morgan Moses). The team has also added wide receiver Mike Williams, backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor, and traded for Haason Reddick.
Despite their success this offseason, the Jets still have issues to address before entering the draft. Depth remains a concern at several positions because the Jets are relying on a few players with significant injury histories.
With the draft three weeks away, here’s a look at how the Jets may go, with needs at offensive line, wide receiver, safety, quarterback and defensive line:
● ROUND 1, 10th overall: Penn State T Olu Fashanu
After the Jets shored up the offensive line, many fans might want a receiver or Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. However, the Jets should continue to add depth to their offensive line, which is why selecting Fashanu makes a lot of sense.
Smith hasn’t played 16 games in any season since 2015. He has also missed 17 games during the last two years.
Fashanu would provide a safety net at tackle should either Smith or Moses go down to injury. He is a plug-and-play tackle who has the potential to play at either the right or left. Also, Fashanu could be the heir apparent at left tackle, with Smith only signing a one-year deal last month.
With Aaron Rodgers, 40, coming back from a season-ending Achilles tear, the Jets cannot afford to totally rely on Smith and Moses, who are both 33 years old.
● ROUND 3, 72nd overall: Florida WR Ricky Pearsall
Unfortunately, the Jets do not have a second-round pick. The good news is the receiver class is very deep and Florida’s Pearsall is among the talented players in that group.
Pearsall is a reliable slot receiver who, at 6-1, 190 pounds, has the size and hands to succeed at the NFL level. He also has superb speed and is an intelligent route runner.
In 12 games for the Gators, Pearsall registered 65 catches for 965 yards and four touchdowns last season.
Imagine Pearsall in the slot with Garrett Wilson and Williams on the outside. That could be a nightmare for opposing defenses, especially with Breece Hall in the backfield.
● ROUND 4, 111th overall: Wake Forest S Malik Mustapha
The Jets’ projected starting safeties are Chuck Clark and Tony Adams. Clark is coming off an ACL tear, and Adams is entering his second year as a starter.
That’s why a guy like Mustapha would be beneficial. He was a two-year starter at Wake Forest and is also a sound tackler who has coverage skills and can provide support in run defense, an area where the Jets struggled in last year.
Some draft experts have questioned Mustapha’s size, at 5-10, 209 pounds. However, he is built a lot like Jordan Whitehead, the Jets’ starting safety for the last two seasons who signed with the Buccaneers this offseason.
● ROUND 4, 134th overall (from Ravens): Florida State QB Jordan Travis
The Jets could use another quarterback. That’s why they should select Travis on Day 3 of the draft. He was on his way to leading Florida State to the College Football Playoff before suffering a season-ending injury during a game against North Alabama on Nov. 18. In 2023, Travis passed for 2,756 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just two interceptions while also rushing for seven touchdowns, winning ACC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Travis is expected to be fully cleared for spring workouts in May, according to reports.
● ROUND 6, 185th overall: Iowa tight end Erick All
If the Jets don’t draft Bowers in the first round, they could land a gem like All later on.
Last October, All tore his ACL and missed the rest of the season. When he was healthy before transferring from Michigan to Iowa, he showed all the tools to succeed at the next level.
All’s size and speed at 6-4, 252 pounds, along with his athleticism, could pose problems for defenders. His run blocking does need to improve, but All could eventually develop into another offensive weapon.
● ROUND 7, 256th overall (compensatory pick): Houston DE Nelson Ceaser
The Jets will select a pass rusher at some point. Ceaser could be that player late in the draft.
A two-year starter for the Cougars, Ceaser recorded his best season in 2023. He finished with 43 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks.
Ceaser has the potential to be a decent backup in the NFL or a player who excels on special teams. He is not a bad value pick late in the draft.
● ROUND 7, 257th overall (compensatory pick): Florida C Kingsley Eguakun
The Jets could use a backup center and Eguakun could be an excellent development player with the final pick.
Eguakun was a three-year starter for the Gators until a nagging right ankle injury limited him to four games last year. His strength has been questioned, but at 6-3, 304 pounds, Eguakun has quickness and the hands to be a decent backup.