After taking two defensive players with their first two picks, the Jets traded up to grab Sam Darnold’s former USC offensive tackle Chuma Edoga with the No. 92 overall pick. The Jets traded picks 93 and 217 to the Vikings to move up one spot to take Edoga.
Darnold needs better protection as he enters his second season. Edoga could be the answer if he develops quickly. Edoga blocked for Darnold from 2016-2017, starting 17 games at right tackle and two at left tackle. His selection all but signals the end of Kelvin Beachum era, who is in the final year of his Jets’ contract.
Edoga is a long-armed tackle who was a fantastic pass-blocker at USC in 2018. He didn’t allow a single sack or quarterback hit and only four quarterback hurries over his 304 pass-blocking snaps this past season. His 99.3 pass-blocking efficiency tied for first in the nation with Broncos second-round pick Dalton Risner and topped Eagles first-rounder Andre Dillard and Bills second-rounder Coby Ford.
Besides trading for guard Kelechi Osemele, the Jets failed to address the offensive line this offseason. Edoga could be a long-term answer for the Jets, though, especially because of his familiarity with Darnold. While Edoga won’t be a day one starter for the Jets, he is a good depth piece on the line who has the potential to develop into a solid lineman for New York.
