New York Jets: 3 Targets with third round pick in 2018 NFL Draft

1. Duke Ejiofor, DE, Wake Forest

The Jets have not had a dynamic edge rusher since the days of John Abraham in the mid-2000s. Excellent pass rushers are not easy to find in the third round but a prospect with upside and a high ceiling is the Duke from Wake Forest.

The 6-4, 270-pounder recorded 24 sacks in his four-year career with the Demon Deacons, including seven in 2017. Ejiofor added 59 tackles (17.5 for loss) and two forced fumbles in 11 games last year. Although he is not considered a superb athlete, Ejiofor is very strong and has the power to overpower opponents at the point of attack.

As the video shows, Ejiofor possesses effective swim and spin moves and he has a live motor. His explosiveness at the snap is average – he is not going to remind anyone of Reggie White or Bruce Smith. But we’re talking the third round here. Premier edge rushers like Bradley Chubb will be long gone by then. They’ll always go early.

Ejiofor needs to improve his lateral quickness and his pursuit speed is below average. His tackling range is somewhat limited. However, his strong hands and foundation make him effective on the bull rush. He may commence his NFL career as a backup but he has the potential to be a rotational lineman for many years to come.