The NFL combine is set to start in Indianapolis at Tuesday, Feb. 26 at Lucas Oil Stadium. The event will go through March. 4, just over a week before the start of the new league year.
The Jets will obviously have their eyes on several players, but there is a top tier crop of talent before a drop-off. New York could also consider trading back into the first round to acquire a couple of more draft picks to aid its rebuilding efforts.
Let’s take a look at five first-round targets the Jets should focus on at the combine.
OLB Josh Allen, Kentucky
Josh Allen could go anywhere between picks 1-4. How he tests during the scouting combine appears to be a big indicator of when he will come off the board.
Allen has all the desired traits for an edge rusher. The Jets, sticking to a 3-4 scheme, are in a particular need of one opposite of Jordan Jenkins on the strong-side. His burst and bend off of the edge are proof that he has the tools to contribute right away, as well as his versatility. 31.5 sacks over four seasons playing in the SEC speaks for itself.
Allen has the makings of a premier NFL pass-rusher and he may very well be the Jets pick if he falls into their laps at No. 3.
DT Quinnen Williams, Alabama
Quinnen Williams already has the backing of Leonard Williams, which is good news since the two most likely would be lining up next to each other next season if he happens to be the pick.
The Jets are emphasizing speed on their defensive line under defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Williams is a massive 6-foot-4, 290-plus pound lineman, but he has the agility to fit into New York’s plans. In a season where Williams help led Alabama to a National Championship appearance, he had 19.5 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, and 71 tackles.
His motor and quickness are unmatched for your average defensive tackle. The sky is the limit for Williams and he would fit right in with what the Jets want to do on defense.
EDGE Jachai Polite, Florida
Jachai Polite is the unconventional edge rusher pick for the Jets, preferably if they trade back.
The University of Florida product is heralded as a pass-rush specialist but finds himself more than capable of handling the run as well. His mix of speed and physicality may cause teams to fall head over heels for him at the combine.
With double-digit sack potential at the next level, Polite would be an excellent consolation prize for the Jets if they elect to trade down.
OT Jonah Williams, Alabama
Jonah Williams is a unique prospect because New York could take him at No. 3 without the pick being considered a reach. The Jets could also trade down and take Williams, who will likely be available past the top five.
Williams has immense power at the point of attack. His length is not what teams would like for a tackle, but he could easily line up at left tackle for Gang Green in the Fall and produce right off the bat.
The combine will tell whether Williams is viewed more as a left tackle or left guard. Either way, the Jets could use help at either position. They can’t go wrong with choosing a player that can help protect Sam Darnold.
WR D.K. Metcalf, Ole Miss
D.K. Metcalf projects to be the best wide receiver in this draft. A season-ending neck injury in 2018 derailed his top-10 pick status, but he has kept himself in the conversation for the first-round.
Metcalf showcased his dynamic playmaking skills in the SEC. Even though he only played in 21 games at Ole Miss, he still managed to catch 14 touchdowns with sub-standard quarterback play.
His raw ability alone makes him a bargain worth taking. How healthy he is will be seen at the combine. Neck injuries have not scared the Jets at receiver though, as they just handed Quincy Enunwa a sizeable contract extension.
Metcalf can easily develop into the No. 1 target the Jets have been longing for and it allows the Jets to not overspend in free agency on weak positional class and allocate their money elsewhere.
