It’s safe to assume the Jets won’t be in the market for an edge rusher with the No. 11 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, but that does not mean Joe Douglas and company will not look to address the position later on in the draft.
New York has lacked an elite pass rusher since the days of John Abraham. This year’s draft class is not exactly stacked with pass rushers as it has been in the past, but there are still plenty of solid players available for the taking.
So, who could the Jets target once day two of the draft rolls around? Let’s take a look.
Zach Baun, Wisconsin
Since the Jets are all but a guarantee to not use their first-round pick on an EDGE, that excludes LSU’s L’Kavon Chaisson from this list. Don’t slip on what Wisconsin’s Zach Baun brings to the table, though.
Baun is trending more towards the end of the first round, but there is still a chance he slips into day two of the draft. If he does and he is still on the board when it’s New York’s turn to pick, it would be foolish to pass on easily the second-best EDGE in this year’s class.
Terrell Lewis, Alabama
Lewis was nothing short of dynamic coming off the edge for Alabama in 2019, totaling 31 tackles, six sacks and two pass deflections. The numbers might not seem like anything special, but a glance at film shows how much of a menace Lewis was for opposing offensive tackles throughout the year.
If it weren’t for an injury history that has caused some teams pause, Lewis would likely be a lock for the first round. His two torn ACL’s are concerning, but Lewis has steal written all over him assuming he can stay healthy at the next level.
Jon Greenard, Florida
Greenard used his quickness and assortment of pass rush moves to total 9.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in his final season at Florida. Combine his production in 2019 with his strong showing at the Senior Bowl and Greenard is a player trending in the right direction at the right time.
The Jets whiffed on a Florida EDGE in last year’s draft, but Greenard is a much safer better to succeed at the next level than Jachai Polite. Keep him in mind as a potential day two target.
Josh Uche, Michigan
At 6-foot-1, 245 pounds, Uche is a bit undersized for an NFL edge rusher. That should not deter the Jets or any other team from drafting him, though.
Uche has a knack for getting to opposing quarterbacks. In his final season at Michigan, he accumulated 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two pass deflections. Regardless of his size, his speed and technique play at the next level.
Julian Okwara, Notre Dame
Other than a lackluster performance against Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas early in the season, Okwara put together a solid final year at Notre Dame, recording 18 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles.
Okwara has the size and speed to succeed at the next level. His technique just needs a bit of work.
Anfernee Jennings, Alabama
Jennings was a force for Alabama last season with 83 tackles, eight sacks, five pass breakups, a forced fumble and an interception. However, there are some concerns about his ability to carry that kind of production over to the NFL.
There are some limitations on Jennings’ game. He is more of a run stopper than a traditional pass rusher, which puts him at a disadvantage with the majority of teams searching for an outside linebacker that is known for getting to opposing quarterbacks.
It might take Jennings a little bit to find a role in the NFL, but his film speaks for itself. He might not be the most dynamic pass rusher in the world, but if he could come close to reaching double-digit sacks while going up against SEC offensive tackles every week, it’s safe to assume he will find a way to get the job done at the next level.
