The Jets may not be locked into selecting an offensive tackle with their first pick of the draft at No. 10, but it wouldn’t be the worst idea to still consider the position even with the additions of Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses.
The latest mock draft from Lorenzo Reyna of Pro Football Network does just that, sending Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga to the Jets with the 10th pick of the draft.
While the New York Jets addressed offensive tackle in a big way by signing perennial Pro Bowler Tyron Smith and trading for Morgan Moses, that only addressed a short-term tackle need. There’s the long-term to address.
Taliese Fuaga is a massive mauler who can set an angry tone in the Jets trenches –- which should be to the liking of QB Aaron Rodgers and RB Breece Hall.
The Jets still could use both a swing tackle and, as Reyna noted, a long term option at tackle. Both Smith and Moses are only locked in for one season.
The Jets got a close look at Fuaga down in Mobile, Alabama at the Senior Bowl as defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was one of the head coaches for the week.
In this case, Joe Alt (No. 5 to Chargers) and Olu Fashanu (No. 7 to Titans) were both off the board for the Jets. Tight end Brock Bowers, another popular pick now for the Jets, was also off the board, going to the Bears at No. 9.
Fuaga was certainly more than just a consolation prize for the Jets in this scenario. Fuaga can give the Jets a fine backup option initially behind Smith and Moses and would eventually take over as one of the starting offensive tackles.
Given the state of the roster on paper, the Jets can now go in multiple directions with their first pick. Fuaga would certainly be a fine direction.
