NY Jets: 3 offensive linemen to target with pick No. 23

If the NY Jets are going to select a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick, they’re going to need someone to protect him. As such, it makes sense to target an offensive lineman at No. 23.

With the 11th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Jets selected offensive tackle Mekhi Becton — and it’s already one of the best selections they’ve made in years.

Standing tall at 6-foot-7, 365 pounds, the Louisville alumn is a beast on the line and looks well on his way to become a perennial Pro Bowler. Obviously that high praise for a player who’s only been in the league for one season, but it’s clear that he’s special.

The Jets may have gone 2-14 and struggled offensively, but Becton wasn’t the reason for that. In fact, if the team designs more runs and protection around him, they’ll be a much-improved rushing and passing team next season.

Although the team has their left tackle position secured for the next decade with Becton, they need to build around him. Pro Football Focus ranked the Jets’ offensive line 28th in the NFL at the end of the season.

And it’s not hard to see why.

The line struggled, as they allowed a ton of pressure on dropbacks and also did a terrible job with their run blocking. In order for Zach Wilson, or whoever the team drafts second overall, to be successful, the Jets need to protect him and that obviously starts with the offensive line.

The edge rush and cornerback position are two other needs for the Jets during this year’s draft, but they should focus on the offensive line.

Even though the Kansas City Chiefs had the best quarterback (Patrick Mahomes) in the NFL, they struggled against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl because they had offensive line issues, so it’s clearly the most important position group on the field.

Here are three players the Jets should target with the No. 23 overall pick.

Next: 1. Alijah Vera-Tucker

1. NY Jets draft target: Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC

Reports have been speculating that the Jets could be interested in moving up in the 2021 NFL Draft, so although they hold the No. 23 pick, that could be a lower selection when the draft is finished.

Vera-Tucker is evidently a stretch at the No. 23 pick, but he could be someone the team ends up drafting if they move up, so we’ll keep him in this list.

It’s definitely possible that he’s still available with the Jets’ original pick, but many projections have him going before the Jets selection.

Hello Alijah Vera-Tucker https://t.co/PF5L4wwMFu

— The Jet Press (@TheJetPress) April 22, 2021

Vera-Tucker would be a great pick for the Jets, because of his versatility. At 6-foot-4, 315 pounds, he can play tackle, but is projected as more of a guard in the NFL.

If the Jets selected him, they could put him beside Becton and stack the left side, or they could move him to right guard and balance the line.

One of his weaknesses has been his footwork, so it could make more sense to keep him at the guard position, but that’s a decision someone outside of my paygrade will make.

Many teams are going to want to draft Vera-Tucker this year, meaning that he may be out of the Jets’ reach, but he’s definitely someone they need to target with the No. 23 pick.

Next: 2. Teven Jenkins

2. NY Jets draft target: Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State

Don’t let Teven Jenkins’ appearance fool you, because he’s a bad, bad man.

Jenkins played a lot of snaps at right tackle, which makes him a great fit with the Jets. Since they already have Becton at left tackle, Jenkins could slide in nicely as George Fant’s replacement.

Or they could opt to move him inside to guard which has been proposed as well. At 6-foot-6, 315 pounds, he’s a big body that excelled in pass protection at Oklahoma State.

Jordan Reid of The Draft Network had a great description of Jenkins, describing his high-intensity, even after the whistle.

“A quick setter that’s prone to take horizontal pass sets, he’s created a habit of establishing quick wins by striking his hands and controlling defenders. As a run blocker, he’s able to create considerable amounts of movement when able to gain momentum prior to engagement points.

A well above average finisher, Jenkins is the type of offensive lineman that attempts to humiliate players in the opposite color jersey. The echo of the whistle doesn’t slow down his process and he continues on with his process until he wants to conclude.”

CBS Sports has Jenkins ranked as the fifth-best lineman in the 2021 NFL Draft, and it’s at least semi-realistic that he’ll be available at the No. 23 pick.

If Jenkins gets selected prior to the Jets being able to select him, hopefully this next player is available for them, instead.

Next: 3. Alex Leatherwood

3. NY Jets draft target: Alex Leatherwood, Alabama

Anytime you’re selecting a first-round prospect from Alabama, you’re typically making the right choice. As such, Leatherwood should be someone the Jets are keeping a close eye on.

The 6-foot-5, 312-pound senior had a great career with the Crimson Tide and is coming off a National Championship win over Ohio State.

Thanks to his ability to overpower defenses, Leatherwood played a key role in protecting Mac Jones and helping him get the ball out to open receivers.

Leatherwood is projected to be a first-round draft pick this year, but should very well be available at the No. 23 pick for New York. Over his career in Alabama, he played both guard and tackle, so he’s well-versed in both positions.

The Draft Network’s Jordan Reid described Leatherwood as a great pass protector, but mentioned that he could be better suited playing the guard position due to stiffness that he possesses in his lower half.

“Leatherwood has stiffness in his lower half that doesn’t allow him to match the quick movements from twitchy edge defenders, which forces him into performing panic techniques by lunging and placing all of his weight forward. While Leatherwood has a wealth of experience at offensive tackle, his better long-term outlook may be at guard because of the limitations in his lower body.”

Based on his athleticism alone, Leatherwood would be a safe pick for the Jets and would make for a towering guard, paired with Mekhi Becton.

Not only is he a great athlete, but he has sizeable power and length that makes him an excellent lineman in both the passing and rushing game.

Regardless of who the Jets select, they need to address the offensive line with the No. 23 overall pick because there are a ton of prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft who can help their team immediately.