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New York Jets: 4 Offensive linemen to consider in the 2018 NFL Draft

By Stephen Smith

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Michigan offensive lineman Mason Cole speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Michigan offensive lineman Mason Cole speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The New York Jets need to upgrade their offensive line. Here are some linemen they should consider selecting in the middle rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft.

The New York Jets will select their franchise signal-caller with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. That will be exciting. Jets fans can’t wait. What is not so thrilling is adding depth to an offensive line in real need of upgrading. Not exciting, but necessary.

It will be a long wait until Gang Green makes their third round selection (72nd overall). Following that, they have picks in rounds four through seven. Although there will not be any top-level prospects available by pick number 72, general manager Mike Maccagnan will still have some quality players to consider grabbing in the middle and late rounds.

Here are four offensive line prospects Maccagnan should target if available (projected round in parentheses):

Mason Cole, C/LT, Michigan

The 6-5, 297-pounder was Mr. Versatility during his four-year career with the Wolverines, shuttling between center and left tackle. He projects as more of a center on the NFL level. The Tarpon Springs, FL native would make a fine backup to free agent acquisition and starter Spencer Long. Cole is as durable as they come. He never missed a game in Ann Arbor. He’s known for being a strong run blocker with a live motor but his balance and pass protection skills need to improve. (Projected round: 3-4)

Jamarco Jones, LT, Ohio State

A first-team All-Big Ten standout in 2017, Jones started all 14 games for the conference champion Buckeyes. The 6-5, 310-pounder has long arms and is known for having solid upper body strength but his NFL Combine workouts were very poor. There are concerns about how good an athlete Jones is. He would be worth a shot in the fourth or fifth round, but no higher than that. (Projected round: 4-5)

Skyler Phillips, G, Idaho State

The 6-3, 324-pounder has enormous upper body strength and huge arms. He’s also shown versatility by playing left and right tackle for the Bengals. Phillips is light on his feet and has fine balance and lateral speed for someone with such a compact frame. He does have issues sustaining blocks though after initial contact. He’d provide depth to a Jets offensive line that could use an infusion of youth. Phillips would be a worthy selection from round five on. (Projected round: 5)

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-Round projection

Zach Crabtree, RT, Oklahoma State

The Arlington, TX native protected quarterback Mason Rudolph from his right tackle position and earned first-team All-Big 12 honors last season. The 6-7, 310-pounder is an effective run blocker but he’s had issues against speedy edge rushers. His balance and footwork need improvement and Crabtree has to protect his edges better. He possesses fine length and a sturdy frame though. Crabtree projects as a backup on the professional level heading into this month’s draft. He’d provide solid depth behind starter Brandon Shell and backup Brent Qvale. (Projected round: 5-6)

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