The thrill across the league is that Joe Douglas loves North Carolina State’s offensive deal with Ikem Ekwonu.
And based on league sources, the Jets GM wouldn’t cross on the 6-4, 320-pounder if he's out there with the No. 4 total decide on Thursday evening, although Douglas already has George Fant and Mekhi Becton as his tackles.
Gang Inexperienced 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 yr, Becton in 2020) the final two years on the offensive line.
Drafting Ekwonu would most likely spell the top for Fant or Becton because it doesn’t make sense to make both one a swing deal with.
Fant’s cap hit is $11.1 million and Becton is a former first spherical decide (eleventh total). Solely $1M of Fant’s cap hit is assured so the Jets might transfer on from him and unlock $10 million. Becton nonetheless has assured cash after 2022 and Fant is a free agent in 2023.
However the teaching employees loves Fant and Robert Saleh proclaimed on the Senior Bowl, “He has earned the appropriate to be a part of that dialogue at left deal with. I’ve instructed George he’s obtained an opportunity to keep up that place.”
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 saved him out the remainder of the way in which.
Regardless of public rumblings that the Jets teaching employees is finished with the previous Louisville star, a number of staff sources say that’s not true. The one true concern the staff has is Becton’s conditioning.
If Ekwonu is gone, then the main focus 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 persona however the Jets teaching employees isn’t bothered by it. Nonetheless, the entrance workplace is cut up, some aren’t bothered, some are.
In order that’s enjoying a think about Gang Inexperienced’s analysis of Thibodeaux.
Johnson’s practice is choosing up steam after the ACC Defensive Participant of the Yr dominated the Senior Bowl. The 6-5, 260-pounder completed with 17.5 tackles for loss with 11.5 sacks in 2021. Johnson can be match for this protection since he excelled at stopping the run and speeding the passer.
A number of scouts the Each day Information spoke to rated Johnson larger than Thibodeaux.
The thrill within the Jets constructing is Johnson has a slight edge on Thibodeaux additionally.
The Jets would like him at No. 10 however there’s a fantastic probability Johnson doesn’t make it to 10 because the Falcons, Giants and Seahawks want cross rushers.
Gardner is an alternative choice. He's bodily, lengthy and quick. He possesses all of the traits to be a fantastic cornerback. Including him would drastically enhance the cornerback room that already options D.J. Reed, Brandin Echols, Bryce Corridor and Isaiah Dunn.
It’s unlikely however don’t rule it out. But when Ekwonu is accessible at No. 4 it can actually complicate issues.
With the No. 10 decide, the excitement continues to be round USC large receiver Drake London.
A number of sources didn’t fret over London not working the 40 at his Professional 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 might give Zach Wilson a various receiving corp.
Moore and Berrios might be the short beneath explosive choices. Davis can be the all-around weapon and London may very well be the massive physique goal the Jets sorely missed final yr. And London is greater than only a large physique goal. He can create performs after the catch, and he can run routes very properly for a participant of his dimension.
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