MOBILE, Ala. — The objective for the New York Jets this offseason is a simple one: close the massive gap between them and the rest of the AFC. But for the Jets to do that, they’ll need to find players in the NFL Draft who can help them immediately.
That won’t be easy. But they have an advantage as they try to get their nine draft picks — including four of the first 38 — right: their staff gets some hands on experience with several potential targets this week when they coach the Senior Bowl.
The Jets coaching staff will be leading the National Team, which will include several top draft prospects at positions of need. Here are some of the players the Jets will coach that GM Joe Douglas and coach Robert Saleh should keep a close eye on this week
CB Coby Bryant, Cincinnati
The Jets’ young cornerbacks showed some promise this season, but they need to add more depth, talent and competition at the position and Bryant would be a potentially good fit. He’s a big, physical corner at 6-1 and won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2021 as college football’s best defensive back, with three interceptions, 11 passes defended and three forced fumbles.
TE Trey McBride, Colorado State
The Jets badly need a play-making tight end and McBride could fit the bill nicely. He’s a big target at 6-4 and is coming off a breakout season with 1,121 yards on 90 catches. He’s also a reliable and improving blocker, which is hugely important in the Jets’ offensive scheme. Drafting a tight end won’t be enough, but McBride could help get the tight end room headed in the right direction.
OL Zion Johnson, Boston College
The Jets found themselves a potential long-term solution at left guard in last year’s draft, when they traded up to get Alijah Vera-Tucker in the middle of the first round. Johnson could help them lock down the right guard position in this year’s draft. His mix of size, athleticism and fundamental competence make him one of the best interior linemen in this year’s draft. And he should be one of the most closely watched prospects for the Jets this week.
DE Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State
The Jets’ defense must be able to consistently generate pressure on the quarterback without blitzing, so edge rusher is always going to be a position of priority. And Ebiketie showed big-time potential last season at Penn State with 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 62 total tackles. His athleticism and quickness off the line makes him an intriguing option for the Jets.
WR Khalil Shakir, Boise State
The Jets found an explosive and versatile weapon in last year’s draft when they took Elijah Moore early in the second round. But they must continue the search to add playmakers for young quarterback Zach Wilson and Shakir could fit into the offense. At 6-1 he has the size to play outside and the speed and solid route running skills to get open at the next level.
LB Chad Muma, Wyoming
The Jets are perilously thin at linebacker, one of the many needs they must address this offseason. And the draft could be a good place to do it. Linebacker isn’t the strength of this draft, but Muma is the most intriguing prospect the Jets will get to coach this week. He was among college football’s leaders in tackles per game and also has the coverage skills, as a high school defensive back, to play on every down.
Andy Vasquez is the Jets beat writer for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all Jets analysis, news, trades and more, please subscribe today and download our app.
Email: vasqueza@northjersey.com
Twitter: @andy_vasquez
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Jets: NFL Draft targets to watch at Senior Bowl this week