It’s likely that the Jets select an offensive tackle with the 11th pick in the 2020 NFL draft, but that will not deter Jets general manager Joe Douglas from continuing to address the position later in the draft.
Douglas told reporters on a conference call earlier this week, that “there is a shortage of quality offensive linemen in the NFL.” He did his best to revamp New York’s line by signing Greg Van Roten, Connor, McGovern and Josh Andrews, as well as re-upping Alex Lewis and retaining Brian Winters. However, the Jets still lack depth at tackle with only George Fant, Chuma Edoga and Connor McDermott on the depth chart.
Douglas has to address Gang Green’s depth problem at tackle. What better way to do it than by stockpiling talent at the position? With that being said, let’s take a look at some offensive tackle prospects the Jets could target in the later rounds of the draft.
Matt Peart, UConn
Peart is a swing tackle prospect with outstanding size and length at 6-foot-7, 318-pounds. A former basketball player in high school, he made the switch over to the offensive line, just like George Fant did.
Peart spent his first two seasons at UConn on the left side of the offensive line. As a junior, he moved over to the right side, where he started all 24 games in his final two years playing for the Huskies. The transition was a seamless one, as Peart earned a first-team All-American Athletic Conference selection as a senior.
The UConn product is a project with his raw skill set, but he could be worth taking a flier on considering Joe Douglas’ emphasis on finding athletic offensive linemen with positional versatility.
Jack Driscoll, Auburn
Driscoll is another nimble offensive lineman who has played multiple positions on the line. At UMass, Driscoll started eight games between left and right tackle, where he became a mainstay before graduating in three years. As a graduate transfer at Auburn, Driscoll started all 13 games at the right tackle spot for the Tigers in 2018 and 2019.
Driscoll has range as a run blocker and in pass protection, but he’ll struggle to be drafted in the earlier rounds due to a lack of length and strength. Depending on their evaluation, the Jets could view Driscoll as a potential contributor at either tackle spot down the road.
Alex Taylor, South Carolina State
Another lineman with elite athleticism, Taylor was a star basketball player in high school, only playing a total of 17 football games before moving onto college.
Taylor started 22 games at right tackle for South Carolina State after transferring over from Appalachian State. He was a third-team All-MEAC selection his junior season and earned third-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-MEAC honors during his senior year.
Taylor has a rare combination of length and athleticism that will garner attention come day two of the draft. Questions remain about his commitment to football and his love for the game, which could lead to his name being on the board longer than it should.
Trey Adams, Washington
Going into the 2017 season, Adams projected as a top-tier NFL tackle and early entrant into the NFL Draft. However, an ACL tear and back injury kept him out of the lineup in 2017 and 2018.
Adams returned to play every game at left tackle for Washington in 2019, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors. He has the talent to play left tackle at the next level, but his injury history could cause teams to shy away.
Ben Bartch, St. John’s (MN)
Between being a small school standout and his signature egg and Gatorade smoothies that aided his transition from tight end to offensive tackle, Ben Bartch certainly made a name for himself as this year’s Senior Bowl.
Bartch’s signature smoothies helped him gain 75 pounds to switch positions at a Division III school in Minnesota. Despite his lack of experience on the offensive line, Bartch is an enticing option at left tackle. He just needs some time to develop and fully grow into his frame.
