The combine is set to start on Tuesday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Over 300 of the nation’s top draft prospects will participate in drills over the course of the week. The Jets and their contingency will be in attendance along with the 31 other NFL teams.
Let’s take a look at five late-round prospects at the combine for the Jets to potentially target come draft weekend.
WR Terry McLaurin, Ohio State
Terry McLaurin turned some heads down in Mobile, Ala., at the Senior Bowl. Now he has the opportunity to further increase his draft stock this upcoming week.
McLaurin will project to be a better pro than college player because he was heavily underutilized at Ohio State. He’s an exceptional route runner and his separation abilities set him apart in this class. There are some inconsistencies catching the football, but he is certainly a risk worth taking in the later rounds.
EDGE Maxx Crosby, Eastern Michigan
Maxx Crosby is a small-school prospect that not too many teams have taken notice of, but that will change this week.
Crosby is a crafty pass rusher, but not so much of a sack artist – although he had 20 sacks across three seasons at Eastern Michigan. Crosby is not going to beat anyone around the edge with speed, but rather his hand technique. His violent use of hands aids him in getting after quarterbacks.
With the Jets most likely addressing the pass-rusher position in free agency, Crosby is an intriguing prospect to potentially stash and be groomed for Gregg Williams’ defensive front.
TE Alize Mack, Notre Dame
Yes, the Jets seem to have found their tight end of the future in Chris Herndon, but in a two-tight end league, they have pretty much no depth behind him.
Alize Mack has the most to prove this week in Indianapolis. He’s athletically gifted but was never able to showcase his talent in South Bend as Notre Dame’s passing game is poor. Mack also sat out his sophomore season due to his academics and was suspended for the Citrus Bowl as a junior for violating team rules.
The production never matched his potential. Mack is an exceptional blocker in pass protection as well as run blocking. He is also a smooth route runner with great ball skills. He projects to be the perfect compliment to Herndon, especially if the Jets could take him in the fourth or fifth round.
WR Dillon Mitchell, Oregon
Dillon Mitchell is a terrific athlete with endless versatility as a wide receiver. He has the ability to play either inside or outside in the NFL.
His ability as a ball carrier, combined with his agility and YAC potential, make him an enticing weapon for NFL offenses. His route running and ball skills need some polishing, but with a week of good testing, he could find himself selected on Day 2.
If Mitchell is available on Day 3, he provides the Jets with endless possibilities as a receiver in space.
RB Elijah Holyfield, Georgia
Elijah Holyfield, being the son of heavyweight champion boxer Evander Holyfield, is pretty evident in the way he plays. He’s a “punch you in the mouth” type of running back.
Holyfield is the power back the Jets are missing in a backfield that already has pass-catchers. His power, quick feet and vision make him a tailback with all the desired traits.
Unfortunately for Gang Green, he may be gone come Round 2, but with the lack of emphasis on running backs in the NFL, Holyfield might sneak his way into green and white.
