Jeff Ulbrich coaching at Senior Bowl could lead to Jets drafting star OL

The NY Jets have officially moved on to draft season, as they need to figure out how to get more depth at wide receiver while drafting a franchise left tackle. Armed with the No. 10 pick, the Jets will need to do a thorough job of scouting at the Senior Bowl.

The Jets have valued the Senior Bowl more than most in recent years. Four 2022 NFL Draft picks (Jermaine Johnson, Jeremy Ruckert, Max Mitchell, Micheal Clemons) put together some very impressive tape in Mobile, and Will McDonald likely would not have gone 15th overall in 2023 if he didn't tear it up in Mobile.

The Jets will get an up-close look at these prospects, as defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will serve as the head coach of the National Team in the 2024 games. New York may be able to zero in on one player who could start right away and play a big role in helping the Jets turn their offensive line around.

The Jets may get the chance to coach Oregon State lineman Taliese Fuaga in the Senior Bowl, which could be a predecessor to the Jets using their lone pick in the first two rounds on him. Will his soaring stock fly high and take him to the Jets?

Will NY Jets select Senior Bowl OT Taliese Fuaga?

While the dream situation is still taking one of Notre Dame's Joe Alt or Penn State's Olu Fashanu, the Jets may need to prepare to take the third-best offensive tackle on the board. Fuaga, Alabama's JC Latham, and Georgia's Amarius Mims seem to all be fighting for that No. 3 spot in the order.

Fuaga is the type of player a high-energy coach like Robert Saleh would love, as his game is based almost entirely on aggression and power. As a run-blocker, Fuaga has shown to be a complete road-grader who can pave big holes for a Beavers team that likes to get the ground game working early.

Where Fuaga could use a little bit of work is the technical aspects of his game. The 6-foot-6, 334-pound lineman isn't going to win many agility contests, and his aggressive style of play can often lead to him overextending in pass protection. Against professional athletes, those issues could get him into trouble.

The Jets are in such dire straits that they might need to take the best linemen available, and there's a good chance that Fuaga ends up being the man for the job if Fashanu or Alt are off the board. Ulbrich, Joe Douglas, and the Jets will see him up close and personal in Mobile.