While this Senior Bowl class isn’t the deepest one in recent memory, that still doesn’t mean that there aren’t players worth targeting in Mobile.
We already highlighted six players that the Jets should keep an eye on down in Alabama. Well, now we are highlighting six more.
Certain players have been flashing this week and evaluators believe that several Senior Bowl participants have improved their draft stock with their performance in practice this. Let’s take a look at a few more names the Jets will want to consider with game day here.
WR Van Jefferson – Florida
This one seems like a no brainer, as Van Jefferson is the son of Jets wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson.
The former Florida Gator was named one of the South Squad offensive practice players of the week, as voted on by the position group they competed against in practice.
In all three days of practice, Jefferson consistently stood out in one-on-one drills. He showed his ability to create separation with his flexibility as a receiver. His route running ability has opened some eyes, too.
Being the son of a 13-year NFL receiver seems to be paying off for Jefferson.
OL Ben Bredeson – Michigan
Ben Bredeson is one of the more NFL-ready interior linemen in Mobile.
The Michigan guard isn’t flashy, but he is consistent, showing off his physicality and pass-blocking ability. Bredeson is mature, has strong legs and good hands. He was consistently able to get leverage in the interior during the week of practice and that’s why draft analysts believe he is a starter from Day 1.
While he won’t be drafted in the first round, Bredeson is the perfect plug-and-play candidate for a team like the Jets, who desperately need offensive line help anyway they can get it.
OL John Simpson – Clemson
Like Ben Bredeson, John Simpson is another NFL-ready guard.
Simpson has heavy hands; he often knocks defenders back with a combination of upper and lower body strength. He can play either guard position on the offensive line, which benefits the Jets, who need both a right and left guard.
WR Michael Pittman Jr. – USC
Earlier this week, Michael Pittman Jr. made it known that he would like to reunite with his former college quarterback, Sam Darnold.
Connecting Pittman with Darnold seems like a natural fit in green and white. Pittman doesn’t have great speed, but what he does well is separate late and create yards for himself after the catch.
Pittman has big hands, a sizeable catch radius and a long frame standing at 6-foot-4. He’s got great physicality, too. He’s a good Day 2 gamble for a team lacking an outside receiver threat and can potentially develop into a No. 1.
WR Collin Johnson – Texas
Like most receivers in Mobile, Collin Johnson has been taking advantage of one-on-one matchups. For Johnson, he has a unique blend of size and speed, standing at 6-foot-6.
Johnson is a big, physical receiver who displays good athleticism for the position. While the Jets don’t need another tight end per say, they could move Johnson to that position and he would be a potential matchup nightmare with his size.
In Johnson, the Jets would be getting a receiver who can be a Mike Evans-player and go and make plays for his quarterback. Making contested catches are where Johnson excels and if the Jets can pinpoint one place they need help on the football field, the red zone would be near the top of the list.
EDGE Joshua Uche – Michigan
The pass-rusher who did himself the most favors in Mobile was Josh Uche.
Uche has continued to steal the spotlight with his burst and bend around the edge and has been nearly unblockable the entire week of practice.
With the Jets having a consistent need at edge rusher and having an internal debate on whether or not to bring back Jordan Jenkins, Uche presents himself as quite the intriguing Day 2 option.
Uche can be impactful in the passing game as well, but he’s best on the edge, where the Jets could definitely use more speed.
