Multiple top NY Jets draft targets injured at NFL Combine

The NY Jets are keeping a close eye on many of the top offensive line prospects in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, and that was very much the case this past weekend at the NFL Combine.

While Jets head coach Robert Saleh departed Indianapolis before Sunday's offensive line workouts, general manager Joe Douglas and other Jets representatives were in attendance to watch the top offensive linemen go to work.

Unfortunately, two of the consensus best offensive line prospects in this year's class exited Sunday's workouts prematurely with injuries. Penn State's Olu Fashanu and Georgia's Amarius Mims — two popular picks for the Jets in mock drafts — weren't able to finish their drills.

Fashanu suffered a right thigh injury after his first 40-yard dash and did not attempt a second run. He ran a 5.11 40-yard dash and participated in the vertical and broad jumps before his day was ended.

As for Mims, the Georgia product injured his right hamstring on his second 40-yard dash attempt. Mims registered a 5.07 40-yard dash and also participated in the vertical and broad jumps before leaving with an injury.

Should the NY Jets be concerned about Olu Fashanu and Amarius Mims injuries?

The good news for the Jets and other NFL teams in need of offensive line help is that neither injury appears to be serious. Fashanu told reporters that he believes he'll be healthy for his Pro Day workout on March 15.

As for Mims, it's unclear how severe his injury is, but he told reporters at the Combine that he wanted to continue participating in drills but was advised to hold out. That seems to suggest Mims will be ready for his school's Pro Day on March 13.

Mims' injury comes as a little more of a concern, given his track record in college. The 21-year-old dealt with a nagging injury bug at Georgia, including an ankle injury suffered in his final collegiate game.

At 6-foot-8, 340 pounds, there are genuine reasons to be concerned about Mims' persistent (albeit minor) injury troubles in college. As for his Combine issue, however, the hamstring ailment appears to be little more than a tweak.

It's not uncommon for players to overexert themselves at the Combine. At least two other offensive linemen exited Sunday's workout early with separate injuries, and there were quite a few players at other positions who did the same this weekend. Fashanu and Mims are hardly alone.

The Jets will be keeping close tabs on each of these prospects as we approach the 2024 NFL Draft next month. That, of course, includes each player's injury history.