Three Offensive Lineman the Jets Could Target in the Draft

The New York Jets have a defense that can win it all. They have an offense that can’t find the end-zone. Last year, when the Rodgers trade happened, hope shot through the roof. At 39, Rodgers came to New York past his prime, similar to Brett Favre in 2008. But New York’s defense was so good that they didn’t need Rodgers to play like an MVP to win. When he tore his Achilles on the first series of the season, not only did in-game betting lines immediately flip, but those hopes all went out the window again. Again, The defense was great, this time finishing 3rd in total defense. But the offense was even worse than the year before.

Rodgers is recovering quickly and should be healthy by training camp. He flirted with a 2023 return and even practiced at the end of the season. If there is a silver lining to 2023, New York will have another decent draft pick. Mission number one this offseason is fixing the offensive line. Glenn Naughton, Dylan Tereman, and Chris Schubert are breaking down prospects that the Jets could target in the upcoming draft. They are covering every position, but here are three offensive lineman prospect profiles.

Oregon State OT Taliese Fuaga

Balance: Fuaga shows impressive balance for a big man and rarely finds himself on the ground or over-extended.  This was consistently on display in Mobile as well.

Pass Protection:  Not quite as adept here as he is as a run blocker but plenty good enough to be viewed as one of the top tackles in this class.  Shows good bend but not enough to see a move to the left side which is a question many seem to be asking.

Run Blocking: A monster in the run game, Fuaga fires off the ball and manages to take out defenders at both the first and second level.  A tone setter in the run game, this is where he’ll pay immediate dividends.

Penn State OT Olu Fashanu

Olu Fashanu was a 2-year starter for the Penn State Nittany Lions, totaling 20 starts in 2022 and 2023. Across his 681 pass blocking snaps over that time frame, Fashanu did not surrender a single sack, according to PFF.

Prioritizing an offensive tackle with a higher ceiling in pass protection makes the most sense for New York, and if he slips to 10th overall, it would be a “run the card up” scenario for Joe Douglas. Fashanu is an ideal fit for the Jets as they look to keep Aaron Rodgers upright, as he returns from his Achilles injury.

Notre Dame OT Joe Al

Balance: Alt’s background as a converted tight-end can sometimes work against him, finding himself over-extended at times, but very rarely does Alt find himself knocked down.

Pass Protection: This is where Alt shines. Fundamentally sound and can handle stunts with relative ease. Seals the edge for quick passing game stuff well.

Run Blocking:  Is good at sealing the edge. Can get out in space with quickness. Can overextend at times in an attempt to get to the second level.

Lateral Mobility/Athleticism: As mentioned above, a converted tight-end gives Alt better athleticism than expected for somebody 320+ playing RT. Moves with decent fluidity in the run game. Has quickness when needing to recover.

Point of Attack Power: Alt isn’t going to be confused with a thumper, somebody who can lay the wood down on impending pass rushers with power, but does contain enough to avoid being knocked backwards.

Steve Johnson

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