NY Jets: 4 offensive linemen to target in the 2021 NFL Draft

The NY Jets have added many key pieces to the team through free agency, including Carl Lawson and Corey Davis. But one of the biggest needs to still be addressed is the offensive line.

After not being able to add someone like Joe Thuney during free agency, it’s time to look ahead and assess the potential players who could be drafted to elevate the offensive line.

Dan Feeney is the only offensive lineman signee for the Jets so far, but it is expected that he is nothing more than a depth addition.

Fortunately, the 2021 NFL Draft runs deep with offensive linemen. We saw last year how general manager Joe Douglas will not ignore the offensive line during the draft, so we can expect him to address the need this year.

Successful NFL offenses all have great offensive lines that help them throughout the season. Being able to draft one or maybe two offensive linemen this year will give the Jets a great foundation for the future.

Building the unit is also important for the new scheme Mike LaFleur is expected to bring this season. Running the ball is going to be the team’s first objective and to be successful, the front five have to win the one-on-one battles.

We will be listing four potential targets who could help fill the need and hopefully become starters for the Jets.

4. The NY Jets should target OT Teven Jenkins

Although George Fant is the current right tackle, he most likely isn’t the long-term option. The Jets could Sbe looking for his replacement and it is better to try to find one sooner rather than later.

Teven Jenkins was one of the bright spots for Oklahoma State, but he ended up opting-out of the 2020 season. He should still be someone to keep an eye on this upcoming NFL Draft.

Jenkins started 12 games for OSU, playing right tackle in nine of them. That being said, he does have the ability to play inside if he needs to.

Jenkins is exceptional in the run game. He was the leader of the offensive line and helped running back Chuba Hubbard put together an incredible 2019 season.

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His athletic ability helps him get to the second level and finish his blocks. He is also able to hold his own and win the one-on-one battles at the line.

Pass protection is a bright spot in Jenkins’ game too. He is quick for his size and makes sure opposing defensive linemen don’t gain ground on him.

Since Jenkins hasn’t played since November, he might be viewed as more of a project than a day one starter. This doesn’t mean the Jets should overlook him, though. Jenkins can provide versatility to the line and fill in for injuries if need be.

Jenkins will likely be a late-first or early-second-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft and could be someone Joe Douglas targets with the 23rd or 34th overall pick.

3. The NY Jets should target OT Jalen Mayfield

Although Jalen Mayfield is listed as an offensive tackle, he too has the ability to play guard in the NFL. Mayfield only appeared in two games this season for Michigan, but the previous year he started all 13 at right tackle.

Mayfield has incredible size and tremendous athletic ability for a big man. He can play in space and has the raw strength to win battles in the trenches.

Since he only played two games this past season, some might have a concern about the shape he is in. But, for someone with his athletic ability and raw talent, there is no reason to pass on him with the current Jets’ needs.

As mentioned, Mayfield can make the transition to guard in the NFL and some teams might expect him to make this transition. If he can make this switch, he would be the long-term option the Jets are looking for at the guard position.

Moreover, Mayfield could grow into the right tackle position learning behind Fant for a season, then taking over the following year. The first option the Jets should be looking at though is to see if Mayfield can hold his own at guard.

Drafting Jalen Mayfield could add stability this year and it might also add a possible starter at right tackle for the foreseeable future.

2. The NY Jets should target C Creed Humphrey

Creed Humphrey is one of the most exciting offensive linemen in the 2021 NFL Draft. He has an incredibly high football IQ and started in all three of his years at Oklahoma.

Humphrey has only played center while in college, but at the 2021 Senior Bowl, he did practice playing guard. This versatility would be amazing for the Jets to have.

The current center, Connor McGovern, does have the ability to play guard. Or, if the Jets want to keep McGovern at center, then Humphrey can easily make the switch to guard. Either way, the Jets would be gaining a day one starter with him.

Humphrey’s athletic ability is limited, but with his high football IQ, he is still able to make plays. He can leverage defenders and use their own weight against them. He can also adapt and take advantage of his situations.

His biggest strength is staying in between the gaps and blocking defensive linemen head-on. However, he might struggle while pulling or trying to engage defenders at the second level.

This will be an area he needs to work on to succeed in the Jets’ offense, but if there is anyone who can learn the system it would be Humphrey.

Adding a player like Humphrey during the 2021 NFL Draft would give the Jets an immediate starting option for the interior offensive line.

He is also someone many expect to be available in the second round, allowing Joe Douglas to use his first two picks to fill other positions.

1. The NY Jets should target OG Alijah Vera-Tucker

Alijah Vera-Tucker is one of the biggest names for offensive linemen right now and is rapidly climbing up draft boards.

Vera-Tucker started 13 games at left guard for USC in 2019 and was a staple for their offense last year. He has played both tackle and guard during his time in college, but it is expected he will be a guard in the NFL.

Vera-Tucker’s biggest strength is his athleticism. He has excellent control during pass protection and won’t lose his man without putting up a good fight. This is crucial for the Jets to find an offensive lineman who can immediately help with the passing game.

He is also able to do his job in the run game. Vera-Tucker will come off the ball hard and get to the second level as fast as possible. Having guards who can get to the second level will be crucial in the Jets’ offense next year and in the future.

There are many different routes Joe Douglas can go with the 23rd overall pick. But if Vera-Tucker is still on the board, it would be very hard to pass on him. He would be a day one starter and someone who can help turn the Jets offensive line into a potentially elite unit.

The Jets need to find offensive linemen this season and the best place to look right now is the 2021 NFL Draft. The only question left is who Joe Douglas is targeting as we get closer to draft day.