Even though the Jets have splurged on the offensive line position during free agency, they still have big question marks at both tackle positions.
This offseason, Joe Douglas has re-signed Alex Lewis and added free agents Connor McGovern, Greg Van Roten, Josh Andrews and George Fant. As of now, Fant and Chuma Edoga are the Jets’ projected starters at left and right tackle, respectively. Neither has much starting experience.
That’s why ESPN’s Mel Kiper has the Jets taking Alabama OT Jedrick Wills with the 11th pick in his latest mock draft.
Here’s his explanation for the pick:
The Jets made an effort to fix their porous offensive line in free agency, bringing back guard Alex Lewis and adding tackle George Fant and interior linemen Connor McGovern, Greg Van Roten and Josh Andrews. But that’s not enough. They need another infusion of talent, particularly at right tackle, where Chuma Edoga played last season. Wills was a two-year starter at right tackle for the Crimson Tide, and he could step in on day one and be New York’s most talented lineman. Wide receiver is a position to watch here, though free agent Robby Anderson could still return. I also thought about pass-rusher, but this is a little too high for second-ranked edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson.
Kiper released his mock draft before Robby Anderson elected to reunite with his college coach, Matt Rhule, in Carolina. Anderson joined the Panthers on a two-year, $20 million deal on Tuesday.
Interestingly enough, Kiper’s projection comes with the thinking that Anderson was going to return, which was the belief around the league with his market cooling. Without Anderson returning, the Jets could take a receiver with the 11th pick. While two tackles, Tristan Wirfs and Mekhi Becton, off the board when the Jets picked in this scenario, receivers Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb and Henry Ruggs III were all still available.
Joe Douglas still has over a month to decide what his next move is at wide receiver. He’s already tried to make up for losing Anderson by replacing him with Breshad Perriman, who the Jets signed to a one-year deal on Tuesday night.
Obviously, a tackle like Wills is still very much in play with the 11th pick. Wills fits the bill of the typical offensive lineman Douglas and his front office are looking for: versatile and athletic. Wills could be a plug-and-play option at either tackle position, but he seems more comfortable on the right side. Wills playing right tackle, with the Jets adding a veteran OT like Kelvin Beachum or Jason Peters on a one-year deal, would ensure that the Jets have a perfect combination of youth and experience.
Wills is viewed as a potential top-five pick in the draft and arguably the best offensive lineman in this year’s draft. It would be a surprise if Wills makes his way out of the top-10 due to his sheer athleticism and testing at the combine.
Wills also recorded a 90.1 Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade in the SEC this past season, a remarkable number for an underclassman. Those figures make the Jets’ decision with the 11th pick that much harder. Wills is the safer bet and the Jets can’t go wrong with upgrading their o-line again.