After failing to sign a center in free agency, the Jets find themselves in somewhat of a bind heading into the 2019 NFL draft.
New York seems comfortable rolling with Jonotthan Harrison as its starting center as it stands right now. However, Harrison is an unproven career backup and the Jets do not have any depth at the position. With that, all signs point to New York selecting a center at some point in the draft.
The issue with this year’s center class is that there is not a dominant prospect among the group. However, there are plenty of solid centers out there, a couple of them projecting as potential plug and play starters from day one.
Let’s take a look at some of the centers the Jets should target throughout the draft.
Garrett Bradbury — NC State
Thanks to an impressive showing at the senior bowl and a solid performance at the NFL combine, Bradbury has established himself as the top center in this year’s draft.
The NC State product has the quickness and athleticism combined with the brute strength to thrive in both run and pass protection. Combine that with his football I.Q. and Bradbury could be a day one starter — one that sticks for a very long time.
The problem for the Jets is that they don’t have the ammunition to trade back into the first round. That essentially puts them out of the running for Bradbury. However, should New York trade down from No. 3 and recoup a second-round pick, there’s a chance the Jets could land Bradbury if he slides back in the draft.
Connor McGovern — Penn State
With New York’s current draft situation, McGovern should be the Jets’ best bet at center assuming he is still on the board when they pick in the third round.
During his time at Penn State, McGovern proved to be a reliable player in both run and pass protection. He also has positional versatility with the ability to line up at guard.
McGovern needs to get a little stronger, but he has the skill set to become a starter in the NFL. It would behoove the Jets to pick him if he’s there for the taking.
Ross Pierschbacher — Alabama
Scouts are lukewarm when it comes to Pierschbacher’s future in the NFL. He proved capable in both run and pass protection at Alabama, but leaves a little to be desired in terms of lateral quickness and strength.
Nonetheless, if the Jets miss out on McGovern, Pierschbacher should be their guy beginning in Round 4. Alabama offensive linemen are typically some of the most pro-ready players in the draft, which should appeal to New York given its current hole at center.
Pierschbacher also played guard in 2017, so he has positional versatility as well. He might not be a day one starter, but Pierschbacher could develop into a solid player in the trenches when it’s all said and done.
Sean Krepsz — Nevada
An injury hampered Krepsz throughout 2018 and harmed his draft stock in the process. However, that shouldn’t take away from what Krepsz has accomplished as a run blocker.
At 6-foot-5, 325 pounds, Krepsz may project more as a guard given his large frame. However, his production at center for Nevada speaks for itself. A three-year starter, Krepsz landed on the Rimington watchlist for best center in the country in 2017.
Projected as a sixth-round selection at best, Krepsz is worth taking a flier on. Given New York’s current situation at center, this should be a no brainer assuming they have not already addressed the position earlier in the draft.
