As the Jets build their NFL Draft big board, making a stop at the Reese's Senior Bowl this week is a priority.
Jets GM Mike Maccagnan was on hand Tuesday for the drills and practice that the top seniors in college football this season participated in. According to The Athletic's Connor Hughes, he was paying very close attention to the offensive and defensive line drills.
The Jets have many needs to attend to this offseason, so with that in mind, here are a few seniors to look out for this week in Mobile, AL…
Louisiana Tech DE Jaylon Ferguson
Gang Green is certainly going to be looking for some pass rushers this offseason, and Ferguson would certainly pique their interest.
Why? Production.
In his senior season, Ferguson produced 17.5 sacks and 65 combined tackles in just 13 games. In fact, he broke the FBS career sacks record with 45 over his four seasons.
Ferguson is known to be very good with his hands, and at 6-foot-5 and 269 pounds, some project him to have the ability to work both in the interior and on the edge. In Gregg Williams' 4-3 scheme, that versatility with a mid-round projection could land Ferguson on the Jets' radar.
South Carolina WR Deebo Samuel
Even with Quincy Enunwa signing a contract extension, the Jets are not done shoring up their receivers for next season. Both Jermaine Kearse and Robby Anderson are free agents, and a big decision will have to be made as to who will return - if that's what they have in mind at all for either receiver.
No matter the case, another target for Sam Darnold to work with needs to be in green and white next season. Samuel can come in and be a reliable receiver along with Enunwa.
Samuel has great route-running skills, and can work on the outside and slot with his 5-foot-11, 215-pound frame. He doesn't excel at one aspect of the receiving game than the other, but is instead an all-around wideout.
The best part? Some believe Samuel has tons of untapped potential on film because of inconsistent quarterback play as a Gamecock. That won't be the case with Darnold.
Kansas State OT Dalton Risner
The Jets need to fix their offensive line, especially their tackle positions. Enter Risner - a gritty, powerful presence down on the front line that gives his all until he hears the whistle.
The Jets need that demeanor on and off the field.
At 6-foot-5, 308 pounds, Risner served as Kansas State's right tackle for three season. He normally comes out on top in his matchups, including his game against Montez Sweat (who we'll get to). Even if the Jets don't want him on the outside, Risner can still work inside with his punishing mentality and technique an asset in the draft process.
Mississippi State DE Montez Sweat
As noted, pass rushers is what Williams will be looking for in his aggressive 4-3 scheme. Sweat fits the mold.
Sweat totaled 12 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss in his senior year to top a 10.5-sack season in 2017. At 6-foot-5, 241 pounds, he is leaner than most defensive ends. But he makes up for that with his speed and hand technique.
His first step can be deadly, and that's before hands get involved with those trying to block. The only knock on him is his mobility, and prowess dropping back in coverage. Whether or not that turns off the Jets, Sweat's film shows a NFL-ready end that has played against SEC O-linemen his entire college career. Showing success against those hog mollies always makes draft stocks rise.
Mississippi State C Elgton Jenkins
Spencer Long wasn't the answer the Jets needed at center this season, so a replacement could be coming.
Jenkins isn't going to overpower his blocking target, but he will do it with strong technique from the ground up. He is also smart and can recognize defensive schemes - a must for NFL centers helping out their quarterback and fellow linemen.
Jenkins may not have the tenacity coaches look for in the NFL, but that can quickly change with the pace of play. He is definitely a target this week.