INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 26: Tristan Wirfs #OL53 of the Iowa Hawkeyes speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 26, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local caption *** Tristan Wirfs
The New York Jets have a lot of work to do in the NFL Draft, and GM Joe Douglas should have a lot of options to use his picks on over the course of the three-day event.
The NFL Scouting Combine is finished, leaving the New York Jets with a firmer grasp on what to do in the upcoming draft. Jets’ general manager Joe Douglas has made it clear that he wants to bolster his offensive line, and he has plenty of resources to do jit.
Since the last time we did this exercise for the Jets they have gained another draft pick. The Jets gained a sixth-round pick, which they initially traded to the Indianapolis Colts for cornerback Nate Hairston after the conditions of the deal weren’t met.
With eight picks on the books, Douglas will have a lot of opportunities to improve his roster, but we expect he’ll start off the draft by drafting his future left tackle.
First Round
11
Tristan Wirfs
Offensive Tackle Iowa
There are four elite offensive tackles on the board and it’s a safe bet the Jets will end up with at least one of them. Andrew Thomas and Mekhi Becton are also options for the Jets, but Douglas will be thrilled at the opportunity to draft Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs.
The Hawkeyes deployed Wirfs at right tackle, but he would likely be protecting Sam Darnold’s blindside in New York. Wirfs displayed some freakish athleticism at the combine, running the 40 in 4.85 seconds and setting records for offensive linemen in the vertical (36.5″) and broad jump (10’1″).
That speed figure is the fastest ever for an NFL lineman weighing more than 320 pounds, and that elite athleticism will be a tremendous asset. Douglas may sprint to the podium if he gets an opportunity to draft Wirfs.