For months it has been established if a team needs a left tackle, then the 2020 NFL Draft is a great place to look. Four left tackle prospects, being Tristan Wirfs (Iowa), Mekhi Becton (Louisville), Jedrick Wills (Alabama), and Andrew Thomas (Georgia) should all be top 20 locks. At this point, it would not even be surprising to see all four gone by the 12th overall pick. Thankfully for the New York Jets offensive tackle needs, they are in a great position to land one of the four. Additionally, it has been expected for months that the Jets will go that route, despite likely landing the last of the four at 11th overall.
That was until recently, as reports have surfaced that the Jets are very high on wide receivers CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma) and Henry Ruggs III (Alabama). Given how badly quarterback Sam Darnold needs a number one receiver and overall talent at the position, it is not shocking anymore to picture the Jets taking one at 11. But what happens after picking a receiver? George Fant could run left tackle for a season, but who is the future at the position?
New York Jets Offensive Tackle Options on Day Two
An Important Free Agent Signing
It is important to note here that the Jets signed former Seattle Seahawks tackle George Fant to a three-year, $30-million deal this offseason. That is not backup offensive lineman money that general manager Joe Douglas dished out. Thankfully, it plays out to essentially be a one-year deal, as there would be little penalty for cutting the soon-to-be 28-year old after 2020. That being said, the perfect scenario for the Jets might be to draft a tackle to develop behind Fant for a season before taking over the position.
Round Two Options
Josh Jones (Houston – 6’5″ – 319 Pounds)
Josh Jones is the first of a few options who could end up being picked in the late first round. The odds of Jones sliding are very slim, especially as the fifth-best tackle prospect in the draft. He has the size, strength, and functional athleticism to become an elite left tackle in the NFL, if things go his way. Jones is a moderately risky pick, with plenty of fundamental issues with his game. He surely would benefit from easing his way into the lineup, but certainly could be a day one starter. After all, despite some issues, he has improved to become one of college football’s best left tackles in recent years. Jones would be an absolute steal for the Jets in the second round.
Austin Jackson (USC – 6’6″ – 310 Pounds)
Last year, the Jets drafted offensive tackle Chuma Edoga from USC – a former teammate of Darnold’s. So why not do it again? Austin Jackson is a raw, developmental prospect who’s athleticism would fit perfectly in head coach Adam Gase‘s offensive system. He has his footwork issues and will need to bulk up more before playing as an everyday left tackle. At 6’5″ and 322lbs, Jackson’s draft projection has him anywhere from the first round to the second round. The Jets would be thrilled to land Jackson in round two, as they can ease him into the starting lineup almost as a sixth man in their offensive lineman rotation.
Ezra Cleveland (Boise State – 6’6″ – 311 Pounds)
A huge combine winner, Boise State’s Ezra Cleveland went from a possible day three pick to first-second round prospect. A full-time starter in his final two seasons, Cleveland’s athleticism shined through his patient game. He has a lean body type that would need mass added, but the size at 6’6″ and 311lbs to contribute right away. His athletic ability allows him to be a swing tackle to start his career, bringing flexibility the Jets would love to have with their second-round pick.
Isaiah Wilson (Georgia – 6’6″ – 350 Pounds)
Isaiah Wilson is not just the right tackle who played opposite of Andrew Thomas for Georgia, he was a top performer at the combine and has risen into a borderline first-round pick as the draft approaches. A freak athlete, the 6’6″ and 350lbs tackle has the potential to be a fantastic right tackle in the NFL. Entering as a sophomore, he is still learning as his game improved every single week. He would benefit from having time to develop his footwork and technique for a season but could challenge Edoga from day one.
Lucas Niang (TCU – 6’6″ – 315 Pounds)
Coming out of TCU, Lucas Niang is a massive 6’6″ and 315lbs right tackle. The second round appears to be the perfect draft spot for him . He could come in and provide competition to Edoga, who struggled mightily in his rookie campaign. Niang is not necessarily an elite player, but a reliable one. Weighed down by his body type, concerns about Niang stem from his struggles against speed rushers as well as other finer parts to his game. Nevertheless, he is an absolute animal and a smart football player who could be a day one starter for the Jets if Edoga struggles.
Prince Tega Wanogho (Auburn – 6’7″ – 305 Pounds)
A former basketball player from Nigeria turned experienced left tackle at Auburn, Prince Tega Wanogho has carved his own path to the pros. As elite of a pass blocker as there has been in years in the college game, he can step in right away as a starter in the pros. He is an average at best-run blocker though and has to play around his rather short arms. It might take some playtime for Wanogho to work out some finer consistency issues to his game. However, it is imperative for the Jets to get an experienced and talented pass blocker for Darnold.
Round Three Options
Saahdiq Charles (LSU – 6’4″ – 322 Pounds)
The former LSU Tiger Saahdiq Charles profiles as a swing tackle to start his career with experience on both sides. He plays at a smaller frame than most, sitting at 6’4″ and 322lbs, which could move him inside once he adds the necessary mass for the NFL. Charles plays a smooth and instinctive game, keeping defenders back so they cannot take advantage of his limited strength and footwork issues. The former Tiger could develop into a solid starter at either tackle position for Gang Green.
Ben Bartch (St. John’s – 6’6″ – 309 Pounds)
A small school prospect, St. John’s Ben Bartch is a developmental tackle prospect. A former tight end turned tackle, Bartch brings that sixth-man, swing-tackle mentality from the moment he is drafted. He can keep up with all kinds of rushers and has the traits to become a consistent player. Any team will be concerned with his lack of experience, as he has only two-full seasons starting at tackle. Bartch also must add more strength to compete at the professional level. The Jets could develop Bartch behind Fant, but it could take more than one season before he is ready to start.
Matthew Peart (uConn – 6’7″ – 318 Pounds)
A 6’7″ and 317lbs prospect out of Connecticut, Matthew Peart is another swing tackle option. He has started a season on both sides and will challenge Fant or Edoga, giving the Jets the flexibility they have searched for all off-season. He easily can add more weight without damaging his athleticism too. Peart will need to learn to play a more disciplined and grittier game to stick in the league. Yet he remains another great option for the Jets to add depth to their front line to protect Darnold.
Last Word on Day Two Offensive Tackle Options for the New York Jets
With General Manager Joe Douglas keying in on financial and positional flexibility along the offensive line, the Jets will take an offensive tackle in the first three rounds. With it seemingly being either an offensive tackle or wide receiver in round one, fans should get familiar with the potential day two tackle prospects. Chances are, if things go right, they could become the guy to block Darnold’s blindside for the next decade.
