The buzz across the league is that Joe Douglas loves North Carolina State’s offensive sort out Ikem Ekwonu.
And based on league sources, the Jets GM wouldn’t cross on the 6-4, 320-pounder if he’s accessible with the No. 4 total choose on Thursday evening, though Douglas already has George Fant and Mekhi Becton as his tackles.
Gang Green already has the fourth-most costly offensive line within the NFL at $50,752,741; the league common is $35.7 million. And the Jets used two-first rounders (Alijah Vera-Tucker final 12 months, Becton in 2020) the final two years on the offensive line.
Drafting Ekwonu would in all probability spell the tip for Fant or Becton because it doesn’t make sense to make both one a swing sort out.
Fant’s cap hit is $11.1 million and Becton is a former first spherical choose (eleventh total). Only $1M of Fant’s cap hit is assured so the Jets may transfer on from him and unencumber $10 million. Becton nonetheless has assured cash after 2022 and Fant is a free agent in 2023.
But the teaching employees loves Fant and Robert Saleh proclaimed on the Senior Bowl, “He has earned the right to be part of that discussion at left tackle. I’ve told George he’s got a chance to maintain that position.”
Becton’s standing is extra tenuous after he handled conditioning points main as much as his second season after which suffered an MCL sprain and a dislocated kneecap in Week 1 that stored him out the remainder of the way in which.
Despite public rumblings that the Jets teaching employees is finished with the previous Louisville star, a number of crew sources say that’s not true. The solely true concern the crew has is Becton’s conditioning.
If Ekwonu is gone, then the main target facilities round FSU’s Jermaine Johnson and Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux on the edge spot and Cincinnati CB Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner.
The fan favourite is Thibodeaux however he’s not a lock at No. 4 for the Jets.
The expertise is clear with Thibodeaux — he’s an explosive athlete who can rush the passer, one thing the Jets want. He completed his Oregon profession with 35.5 tackles for loss and 19 sacks.
There have been foolish narratives about his character however the Jets teaching employees isn’t bothered by it. However, the entrance workplace is break up, some aren’t bothered, some are.
So that’s enjoying a consider Gang Green’s analysis of Thibodeaux.
Johnson’s practice is choosing up steam after the ACC Defensive Player of the Year dominated the Senior Bowl. The 6-5, 260-pounder completed with 17.5 tackles for loss with 11.5 sacks in 2021. Johnson could be a very good match for this protection since he excelled at stopping the run and dashing the passer.
Multiple scouts the Daily News spoke to rated Johnson greater than Thibodeaux.
The buzz within the Jets constructing is Johnson has a slight edge on Thibodeaux additionally.
The Jets would favor him at No. 10 however there’s an excellent probability Johnson doesn’t make it to 10 because the Falcons, Giants and Seahawks want cross rushers.
Gardner is an alternative choice. He is bodily, lengthy and quick. He possesses all of the traits to be an excellent cornerback. Adding him would drastically enhance the cornerback room that already options D.J. Reed, Brandin Echols, Bryce Hall and Isaiah Dunn.
It’s unlikely however don’t rule it out. But if Ekwonu is on the market at No. 4 it should actually complicate issues.
With the No. 10 choose, the excitement continues to be round USC vast receiver Drake London.
Multiple sources didn’t fret over London not working the 40 at his Pro Day. The movie already confirmed he wasn’t a burner, however the Jets maintain the 6-4, 220 pounder in excessive regard.
London paired with Elijah Moore, Corey Davis and Braxton Berrios may give Zach Wilson a various receiving corp.
Moore and Berrios could be the fast beneath explosive choices. Davis could be the all-around weapon and London might be the massive physique goal the Jets sorely missed final 12 months. And London is greater than only a huge physique goal. He can create performs after the catch, and he can run routes very effectively for a participant of his dimension.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com